First Aid, Emergency Preparedness, and Disaster Management Handout

Introduction to First Aid, Emergency Preparedness, and Disaster Management

First aid is the immediate assistance provided to an injured or ill person before professional medical help arrives. It aims to prevent the condition from worsening, promote recovery, and, in some cases, save lives. As future healthcare professionals, nurses must be adept at providing first aid in various emergency situations. Additionally, understanding emergency preparedness and disaster management enables nurses to respond effectively in mass casualty events and other critical incidents.

1. Principles of First Aid

The principles of first aid are centered around providing immediate and temporary care to prevent further injury, promote recovery, and preserve life. Understanding these principles equips healthcare providers to respond effectively in emergencies.

a. Aims and Objectives of First Aid

• Preserve Life: The first priority of first aid is to keep the injured or ill person alive until further medical assistance is available.
• Prevent Worsening of Condition: First aiders aim to prevent further injury or complications by addressing hazards and stabilizing the patient’s condition.
• Promote Recovery: Through timely interventions and basic care, first aid helps speed up the healing process and prevent long-term complications.

  Example: In the case of a bleeding wound, applying pressure to stop the bleeding preserves life by preventing excessive blood loss, while cleaning and dressing the wound promotes recovery.

See Also: Handout on Basic Nursing for Beginner Nursing Students

b. Contents of First Aid Kits

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for responding to emergencies. Nurses should be familiar with the standard contents of a first aid kit and know how to use each item effectively.

• Basic Items in a First Aid Kit:
  • Bandages and Dressings: Sterile gauze, adhesive bandages, triangular bandages, and sterile pads for covering wounds.
  • Antiseptic Solutions: To clean wounds and prevent infections.
  • Adhesive Tape and Scissors: For securing dressings and cutting materials.
  • Gloves and Face Shield: For protecting the first aider and patient from infection.
  • CPR Mask: For performing safe and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Pain Relievers and Burn Creams: For minor pain and burns.

2. Type of First Aid Required in Different Situations

Different emergency situations require specific types of first aid. The ability to diagnose conditions and provide immediate care can significantly improve patient outcomes.

a. Diagnosis of Conditions, First Aid Management, and Referral

• Shock: Shock occurs when the body is not receiving enough blood flow, which can be life-threatening. It is important to keep the patient calm and lying down, elevate their legs, and cover them with a blanket to maintain body heat. Immediate referral to emergency medical services is required.
  • Example: In cases of hypovolemic shock due to severe bleeding, stopping the bleed and elevating the legs can improve blood circulation.
• Haemorrhages (Bleeding):
  • Types of Special Haemorrhages:
    • Epistaxis (Nosebleeds): Apply pressure to the nose and have the patient lean forward.
    • Haematemesis (Vomiting Blood): Have the patient sit up and avoid swallowing blood. Immediate referral is necessary.
    • Bleeding from Varicose Veins: Elevate the leg and apply direct pressure.
    • Rectal Bleeding: Apply pressure if external, and refer for medical evaluation.
• Wounds: Clean the wound with antiseptic, cover it with a sterile dressing, and seek medical attention if the wound is deep or shows signs of infection.
  • Example: In the case of a deep cut, applying a sterile bandage and elevating the wound can prevent further blood loss and infection.
• Fractures: Immobilize the fracture using a splint or sling, apply ice to reduce swelling, and refer the patient for further medical evaluation.
  • Specific Examples:
    • Fractured Mandible (Jaw): Immobilize the jaw using a bandage around the head.
    • Fractured Clavicle (Collarbone): Use a triangular bandage to support the arm and immobilize the shoulder.
    • Fractured Pelvis or Spine: Keep the patient still, support the neck, and avoid moving them to prevent further injury.
• Sprains, Strains, and Dislocations: Follow the RICE principle: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. For dislocations, immobilize the joint and seek medical attention.
• Unconsciousness:
  • Syncope (Fainting): Lay the patient down and elevate the legs to restore blood flow to the brain.
  • Epileptic Seizures: Protect the patient from injury by clearing the area around them. Do not restrain movements, but position the patient on their side once the seizure subsides to ensure the airway remains open.
• Asphyxia (Lack of Oxygen): Provide artificial respiration using mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or a CPR mask until normal breathing resumes or emergency services arrive.
• Poisons: Identify the substance, avoid inducing vomiting unless advised by a poison control center, and refer the patient to emergency services.
• Foreign Bodies (Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat): For foreign bodies in the eye, flush with clean water. For objects in the ear or nose, avoid using tools to remove them—seek medical help.
• Drowning: Begin CPR if the person is unresponsive. Ensure the airway is clear of water before administering rescue breaths.
• Burns and Scalds: Cool the burn with running water, cover with a sterile dressing, and avoid applying ointments. Severe burns require immediate referral to a medical facility.

3. Professional Ethical Codes in First Aid

Ethical considerations are crucial when providing first aid. Nurses must ensure that care is evidence-based, respectful of patient rights, and adheres to professional standards.

a. Maintenance of Patient’s Rights

Patients have the right to receive competent and compassionate care. In first aid situations, nurses must ensure that patients’ autonomy and dignity are respected.

b. Ensuring Confidentiality of Patients

Even in emergency situations, patient information should remain confidential. Nurses must avoid disclosing personal details unless it is necessary for the patient’s care.

c. Obtaining Informed Consent

Where possible, first aid providers should obtain informed consent before administering care. If the patient is unconscious or unable to give consent, care should be provided based on the principle of implied consent.

d. Maintenance of Hospital Etiquette

In all emergency situations, nurses should maintain professional behavior and adhere to hospital protocols. This includes proper communication with patients, families, and other healthcare providers.

4. Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management

Emergency preparedness and disaster management involve planning and responding to natural and human-made disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, or mass casualty incidents. Nurses must be equipped to handle large-scale emergencies and trauma scenarios.

a. Principles of Disaster Management in Handling Multiple Trauma Scenarios

Multiple trauma incidents require prioritizing care through triage, stabilizing life-threatening conditions, and coordinating with emergency teams to ensure timely intervention.

• Triage: During mass casualty events, nurses must perform triage to assess which patients require immediate attention and which can wait for treatment. This process ensures that critical resources are allocated efficiently.

b. Multi-Hazard Preparedness

Multi-hazard preparedness involves planning for various types of disasters (e.g., floods, fires, pandemics) and ensuring that nurses can adapt their response to the specific needs of each situation.

• Types of Multi-Hazard Preparedness:
  • Level 1: Basic emergency preparedness, including first aid and CPR training.
  • Level 2: Advanced preparedness, involving response to large-scale emergencies like earthquakes or terrorist attacks.
  • Level 3: Disaster management involving coordination between healthcare providers, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during complex emergencies.

c. Advanced and Contingency Plans

Contingency plans outline the steps that healthcare providers should take in the event of an emergency. These plans include establishing communication protocols, coordinating with local authorities, and preparing for evacuation if necessary.

d. Risk Management and Monitoring Tools

Nurses must be familiar with systems used to monitor risks in emergency situations, such as early warning systems for natural disasters, risk assessment tools, and incident reporting systems.

5. Application of Nursing Informatics in Emergency Management

Nursing informatics plays an essential role in managing emergencies by ensuring accurate documentation, coordinating communication, and maintaining patient records. Electronic health records (EHRs) and real-time reporting systems help nurses track patient care during disasters.

• Example: During a natural disaster, nurses can use mobile devices to access EHRs, ensuring that critical information such as patient allergies, medications, and previous treatments are available even in chaotic environments.

6. Documentation and Reporting of Procedures

Accurate documentation is essential in emergency situations to ensure that all procedures, treatments, and interventions are recorded for future reference. Nurses must:

• Record Vital Signs: Document the patient’s vital signs before and after providing first aid.
• Report Injuries or Conditions: Ensure that all injuries and conditions are accurately described in the patient’s record.
• Transfer of Care: Provide a detailed report when handing the patient over to another healthcare provider or emergency service.

This handout provides a detailed overview of the principles of first aid, emergency preparedness, and disaster management. Nurses play a crucial role in providing life-saving care during emergencies and must be well-prepared to manage a variety of trauma scenarios. By understanding ethical considerations, effective communication, and risk management, nurses can ensure that patients receive timely and competent care during critical situations.