02/01/2026
anthony pozun rn first aid
It is astounding that basic emergency care, has remained the same for years. Discounting all the new technological advances in “electronic first aid intervention and monitoring”, emergency First Aid, is the same as it was, almost one hundred years ago.
First Aid is that care given initially by someone to a victim of trauma accident, or illness. It is usually given by a layman as they abound in the population. It is designed to stop the ongoing detrimental process and pain. If given properly, first aid has long lasting positive effects and can be lifesaving.
Some basic remedies starting from most severe, stop severe pulsing bleeding first. The acronym D.E.P.T can remind of the care for all bleeding. Direct pressure to wound; Elevate wound above the heart; Pressure to pressure points (brachial inside of bicep, femoral inside of thigh); apply Tourniquet just above wound. Used only as a last resort, when if bleeding continues, person will die.
Cardiac arrest /cessation of breathing/ call for immediate help, give Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation CPR as needed. CPR use the acronym C.A.B., C perform chest Compressions, A insure clear Airway, B give Breaths i.e. mouth to mouth.
Wounds should be covered with clean tissue, cloth. Impaled objects or imbedded glass/ should never be removed but covered to prevent dirt pe*******on. Eye wounds should be covered loosely to prevent dirt and light pe*******on. All the previous, lessens pain and chances of infection.
Common Bruises Contusions and sprains should be covered with ice or cold and immobilized. This limits movement, to ease pain, prevent further injury. Fractures/ Dislocations/ should be immobilized by splinting as found. Laymen should never attempt resetting limbs.
Burns/ if slight should be soaked in cold water. Where skin is broken, it should be covered to ease pain and prevent infection. In severe burn cases feet should be elevated to prevent shock.
Fainting spells/shock is bodies reaction to blood deprivation of brain. Have person lie down, elevate feet. The person should be watched closely, given CPR as necessary.
Heat poisoning and heat stroke is bodies reaction to excessive sunlight or heat. Person should be removed from heat and cooled slowly. Water should be given sparingly.
Ingested poisons or dangerous substances swallowed, should be diluted by ingestion of copious amounts of water. Vomiting may be induced if substance is Not caustic as it may burn on regurgitation.
Common stings bites or imbedded small objects, spines, hooks should be left in place. Area may be cleaned if clean gauze is available.
First Aid is life saving techniques, unchanged for many years. It can ease pain and save lives. The fact that common layman abound, the proper application of First Aid techniques by them, can achieve positive results.