First Aid is for Everyone, Everywhere

World First Aid Day – 14th September 2019

Millions of people die across the globe each year, as they did not receive the immediate action for their illness at that critical moment. The action of providing that immediate attention is called FIRST AID. The aim of first aid is to give the earliest possible assistance to persons suffering from an injury or illness, which, if delayed, could result in the condition of the injured or sick person becoming critically ill or even fatal. First aid does not only save lives, but the early attention given to those in need of it may help in their speedy recovery.

First aid, as we know it today dates, back 160 years. It was in June 1859 that Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, witnessed horrifying carnage at the battle of Solferino in Italy. Unwilling to be a passive spectator to the unfolding horror, he mobilized the nearby civilian population, including women and children, to render care to the wounded, with no distinction made as to which side of the fighting they were on. Dunant procured whatever medical supplies were available and set up temporary hospitals to provide immediate care. The book he wrote about his experience “A Memory of Solferino” was a major factor in the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863.

Although there have been great advances in healthcare in India, the avoidable loss of life due to injury or serious illness is staggering and the number continues to grow. While lifestyle choices, stress and sedentary living are among the main contributors to the worsening problem, the lack of awareness on how to deal with emergency medical situations is a major reason for the rising number of fatalities. Across the world, there is a movement to provide people, from all walks of life, with the training and information they need to give first aid to people until formal medical assistance arrives. Unfortunately in our country the awareness of First Aid still lags behind.

First aid does not replace the need for medical attention or preempt the role of emergency medical services. It provides vital care and support for the critically ill and injured to improve their chances of surviving until proper medical care is available. Any adult can be trained to provide first aid and by doing so, save lives that would otherwise be lost.

The Aims of First Aid – the 3 Ps

• Preserve life.
• Prevent further harm / illness or injury.
• Promote recovery.

Do’s and Don’ts in First Aid

Every household should have a Basic First Aid Kit for Emergency Use

It must include the following items as recommended

Content – Net. Qty. (in unit)

• Crepe Bandage 6cm X 4m – 1
• Adhesive Bandage (1.9 X 7.2)cm – 4
• Adhesive Bandage 2.5 cm – 4
• Pain Relief Gel 30g – 1
• Povidone Iodine Ointment 20g – 1
• Clinical Thermometer – 1
• Antiseptic Liquid 50ml – 1
• Microporous Surgical Tape 1.25cm – 1
• Disprin Tablets – 10
• Paracetamol IP 500mg tablets – 15
• Absorbent Cotton Wool I.P. 15g – 1
• Gauze Swab 5cm x 5cm x 12ply – 4
• Absorbent Gauze Roll 7.5cm x 4cm – 2
• Scissor Small – 1
• Container with Lid – 1
• First Aid Leaflet – 1

This year’s World First Aid Day Theme being “First Aid is for Everyone, Everywhere”

Lets all be Good Samaritans – Let us all do a little bit right to save a life.