All About First Aid

History

1. The first recorded instances of first aid were performed in the 11th century by religious knights. Trained in medical care, they formed the order of St. John to treat battlefield injuries.
In the mid-19th century, the Red Cross was formed to provide care for sick and wounded soldiers. Soldiers were formally trained to care for one another until medics arrived. In 1878, an army surgeon proposed the training of civilians to provide premedical treatment. The word "first aid" was created as a combination of "first treatment" and "National aid." Civilian ambulance crews were trained to provide first aid for the police, railways and mines.
First aid has continued to evolve and many developments have been made in the field. New techniques, equipment and training contribute to modern, simple and effective first aid.

Function

2. The primary function of first aid is to provide some level of medical care as quickly as possible until professional medical help arrives. The purpose of all medical care, including first aid, is to save or preserve life. First aid kits are essential to provide on-the-spot aid for injuries and illnesses. These kits generally include items such as bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, a thermometer, medications such as aspirin and acetaminophen, hydrogen peroxide, antiseptic ointments, saline solution and cotton balls and swabs.

Types

3. There are several types of first aid; many require specific training. Marine or aquatic first aid is typically performed by lifeguards or rescue divers. It covers the specific actions that must be taken after water-based rescue. Battlefield first aid deals with the treatment of wounded soldiers and civilians in an active battlefield or after a battle. Wilderness first aid is employed when medics or emergency responders are delayed due to weather, location, terrain or distance. In this case, first aid may be administered for as little as a few hours or as long as a few days.
There are also many types of first aid techniques. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is given when breathing has stopped, typically in cases of near drowning. The Heimlich maneuver is used to remove foreign bodies that are blocking the airway when a person is choking. Adrenaline or insulin may be administered when a person has gone into anaphylactic shock or diabetic shock. Dressing of wounds, bone setting, and applying heat or cold in the case of hypothermia or frostbite are also common first aid techniques.

Considerations

4. There are certain skills necessary to the practice of first aid. Although most people are able to provide first aid in some form, it is essential to learn some of these skills for use in emergency situations. Knowledge of the Heimlich maneuver or CPR can be the difference between life and death. Without these skills, only basic first aid can be provided.

Benefits

5. First aid is the first response to injury and it can literally save lives. It can also prevent further trauma to the injured person and promote her recovery. Without first aid, a simple injury could become severe or even cause a person to perish, especially when no medical help is available.