0.2 Health education course, chapter 3 - first aid

Creating and maintaining a safe classroom

A SAFE CLASSROOM :

The best first aid is to avoid setting up dangerous possibilities. Look around your classroom to determine if there are sharpobjects or objects hanging loose from walls or the ceiling.

Ensure there is an escape route from the classroom and that the children are not trapped inside.

Run drills in order to practice what children should do should there be an emergency: fire, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, civilunrest

Keep a list of emergency rescue service numbers next to the telephone and in your pocket, wallet or purse.

Have medical supplies and a first-aid kit in your classroom

Identify areas where hazards exist and provide background information

Provide an indication of the extent of the hazard

Delineate some areas of protection needed

Suggest accident procedures to be followed

Suggest a lesson plan(s) in each area so that students are involved in the safety plan.

Help students take responsibility

Procedures

KEEP CALM. Remaining calm while helping the victim will help he/she to keep calm and cooperate. If the victim becomes anxious orexcited the extent of the damage from the injury could be increased.

PLAN QUICKLY WHAT YOU NEED TO DO. Learn basic procedures, or have your first aid manual available, so you can care for thevictim.

SEND FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP. Reaching help quickly could save a life. Know your local emergency telephone numbers.

BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE INJURED PERSON. Let the victim know that help is on the way and try to make them as comfortable aspossible. Showing care and concern for the victim can give them hope during their circumstances.

Burns

• Never put butter or greasy ointments on a burn. They seal heat into the wound and may cause infection.
• Always seek medical attention, especially if:
  • Burn covers more than one body part
  • Burn is located on any sensitive area of the body (hands, face, feet, etc.)
  • Burn is third degree
  • Burn is caused by chemicals

First Degree Burn:

First degree burns damage the outer layer of skin.

CHARACTERISTICS:

• redness
• mild pain
• swelling

TREATMENT:

• Immediately submerge the affected part in cold water.
• Hold it under cold running water, or place cold, wet cloths on it until the pain decreases.
• Cover with a clean, dry gauze dressing for protection.

Second Degree Burns

Second degree burns go through to the second layer of skin.

CHARACTERISTICS:

• blisters
• rough, red skin
• swelling
• extreme pain

Treatment

• Immerse in cold water or have cold, wet cloths applied to it immediately.
• Gently blot area dry. Do not rub. Rubbing may break the blister, opening it to infection.
• Cover wound with dry, sterile bandage.
• If burn is located on arm or leg, keep limb elevated as much as possible.

Second degree burns should heal within a few weeks.

Third Degree Burns

Third degree burns are less painful than second degree burns because the nerve cells in the affected tissue are actuallydestroyed, but the damage is greater. The burn goes through to the third layer of skin.