First aid
From Wikinfo
First aid is a series of simple, life-saving medical procedures that a layman can be trained to perform in medical emergency situations, before the intervention of emergency medical technicians or doctors. It is best to obtain training in first aid before a medical emergency occurs. Supplies useful in giving first aid are often kept together in a first aid kit.
Training in first aid is often available through community organizations such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. First aid instruction is a part of military basic training and the Scouting movement. In many British Commonwealth countries the Order of St. John provides first aid training and operates Ambulance services.
Conditions that often necessitate first aid
- hypothermia
- heat stroke
- hypoglycemia
- hyperglycemia
- diabetic coma
- strain
- sprain
- fracture
- laceration, incision, abrasion and other types of wound or bleeding
- gastro-intestinal bleeding
- childbirth
Techniques and providers of first aid
- triage
- occlusive dressing
- tourniquet
- sub-abdominal thrust
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- avulsion
The rock and roll band Live used the name First Aid for a time before achieving much success in the music world.
References
- Adapted from the Wikipedia article, "First_aid" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_aid, used under the GNU Free Documentation License
