1,855
6
Essay, 11 pages (2500 words)

First aid essay

(1. 1) Identified the responsibilities a of a paediatric first aider. The responsibilities of a paediatric first aider is to make sure that every person you attend to you have to make sure that you have comforted the individual, making sure that they are as calm as possible.

This is to ensure that you can treat that individual as best as you can, it is important to act quickly and efficiently as possible. (1. 2) Describe how to minimise the risk of infection to self and othersThe first thing you should do to minimise risk of infection to yourself is to wear new clean gloves as this stops any skin to skin hand contact with the individual. It is important to that when treating lacerations that they are washed with sterile water, minimising infection for the individual. It is important to make sure that all equipment you use is sterile and has come out of its original packaging which again should be clean, such as bandages, again minimising infection risks. When having to go CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) it is possible to use a plastic mouth guard, stopping again any skin to skin contact. The mouth guard can be used when an individual has also vomited or has had possibly blood or any other fluids around the mouth area.

(1. 3) Describe suitable first aid equipment, including personal protection, and how it is used appropriately. Gloves – this is to stop infection and any skin to skin contact, these should be disposed of correctly after use. New gloves should be used every time you need to use them, as cross contamination can case infections etc. Plasters, Bandages and Slings – these should be kept in a sterile packaging ensuring the first aid equipment is clean before use. Both plasters and bandages can come in all shapes and sizes and again should be disposed of correctly after use, bandages should be applied correctly to the individual as if done to lose it can allow infections and if to tight it can cause loss of blood circulation. With slings you need to make sure that they have been applied correctly as there would be no use for them, if the sling was done to lose then the individual would be gaining no support from the sling.

On the other hand if the sling was done to tightly then there is a chance likewise to bandages that you can cause loss of blood circulation to the arm for example. Sterile Water, Wipes – these are used to clean any laceration, cut or other injury. For example it will get rid of any foreign objects such as grit and dirt which could be inside an injury. Scissors – there should be a pair of scissors, preferably cloth scissors in case you would need to remove some clothing from the individual such as their jeans to allow access to the injured area. Mouth Masks – As I stated earlier this can be used to minimise infection and to eliminate skin to skin contact and also makes giving mouth to mouth resuscitation easier if there is fluid around the mouth area or within the mouth itself.

(1. 4) Identified what information needs to be included in an accident report/incident record and to record it. When recording information for an accident or incident you need to remember to include the person who was injurers name and the person who applied first aid to the individual. You would also need to record the time and date of the injury and exactly what had happened. What the injuries were and what treatment was given, you would also need to state if there were any witnesses. (1. 5) Defined an infant and a child for the purpose of first aid treatment. When carrying out first aid it differs according to different ages, regarding a child which is classed as (0-1 years) to how you would treat an infant aged (1+ years).

An example of how age depends on what first aid treatment you give could be when you would give them CPR. (7. 1) Describe how to recognise and manage an infant and a child who is suffering from shock. Some signs and symptoms of shock are pretty much the same for any aged person, pale skin, dizziness, fainting possibly a weak pulse and a fast or slow breathing pattern. If a child was to suffer from shock I would place the child on the floor and raise their legs. Helping their blood circulation and I would place a blanket over them, making sure their body temperature is stable. Whereas if an infant was suffering from shock I would have them lie on the floor and make sure they were warm possibly placing a blanket over them likewise to a child suffering from shock. After treating for shock it is important to keep an eye on the child/infant to see if their signs and symptoms have improved.

(7. 2) Describe how to recognise and manage an infant and a child who is suffering from anaphylactic shock. Signs and symptoms of an anaphylaxis shock are swelling of the lips, tongue, neck, face and eye area. Other signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis shock can be the individuals breathing they could often find it incredibly hard to breathe as their airways would be swollen from the allergic reaction. The person experiencing the shock could appear to have a red rash on the skin. Your first reaction to a child or infant experiencing an anaphylaxis shock is to call for an ambulance and to take note of the time if possible, the child or infant has an epi-pen then you should follow the instructions on the epi-pen packaging.

The epi-pen is used to release a small amount of adrenaline, it should be inserted into the thigh of the child/infant and it should be clear that the epi-pen has been inserted as when removing the needle should be showing. Then wait for the ambulance whilst keeping an eye on the child/infant until they get there. Part Two # – Assessment Task: MPII 002 Managing Paediatric Illness and Injury (3.

1) Described how to manage an infant and a child with a foreign bodies in their… It is possible to wash the foreign bodies out of the eyes and ears with an eye wash or water, it is important not to try and ‘ hook’ the foreign body out of the eye, ear or nose as this can cause further damage. For example it can push the foreign body deeper if in the ear or nose. If the foreign body isn’t removed after washing them seek medical attention from a GP or hospital when and if necessary. 3. 2) Describe how to recognise and manage common injuries. I would recognise a common injury to the eye as they eye itself may become red and sore, the surrounding eye may be red and swollen. Likewise to the foreign body method, if I couldn’t see the object myself I would use an eye wash or water to try and dislodge the object.

After putting the eye wash or water in the eye I would have the individual tilt their head slightly to the side of the affected eye and have the wash drip out of the eye and down the check hopefully washing the foreign body out. You could have some tissues placed on the check away from the eye to catch the eye wash/water. If there was a serious injury to the eye a sterile eye patch may be needed, if applied you would then need to apply a bandage around the individuals head to keep the patch in place. It is important to keep the eye as still as possible as movement can cause further damage and may cause discomfort, it way then be necessary to go to their GP or hospital. (4. ) Describe how to recognise and manage chronic medical conditions including… Sickle cell anaemia: signs and symptoms for this condition are pain or stiffness in the individual’s joint areas such arms, neck and can have pain or stiffness in their stomach, chest or back. They may experience some swelling.

If a child was to develop this condition you would have to comfort the child, ensure that their parent or guardians are aware of the child’s condition and current state. You would also need to seek medical treatment straight away. You need to make sure that the child doesn’t get cold or wet and you need to make sure the child rests and to make sure that they aren’t dehydrated. Diabetes: signs and symptoms for diabetes would be the child looking pale, cold but sweaty and if the child was showing signs of confusion or unusual behaviour.

If there is knowledge of the child’s medical condition then the best thing to do is to give them a high sugared drink, sugar cube or glucose tablets. This is because the child’s sugar levels are low, this can be check by a prick to the finger which provides a small dot of blood. They can then read the sugar level that they currently have, they may receive insulin injections from their GP also. Asthma: signs and symptoms of asthma can be pale skin, shortness of breath, wheezing and finding it hard to speak and blue or grey lips. They main treatment of this condition is to have an inhaler which will give the child as it opens the airways allowing the child to breath better.

If a child was to have an asthma attack it is important to have an inhaler as it relaxes the muscles and it is suggested to use an inhaler before going to sleep and when they wake up. (4. 2) Describe how to recognise and manage serious sudden illnesses including… Meningitis: Signs and symptoms are cold hands and feet, also vomiting, a pale looking skin and someone experiencing pain in the joints and have a fever of over 38 degrees. If the child or infant has a rash it is important to call an ambulance straight away. The individual may feel as if they have a head ache that doesn’t go, they may feel lethargic and find it difficult to wake-up and finding the energy to do simple tasks. The treatment for this condition would be to phone the child’s GP and describe signs and symptoms and follow their instructions. Febrile Convulsions: Signs and symptoms of a febrile convulsion is violent fit/fitting and an extreme body temperature of 38 degree plus. Treatment for this illness would be to make sure the individuals head was protected, moving anything that could hurt their head away etc.

You need to also call an ambulance as soon as possible. It is important to keep an eye on the individual to look for any changes, if the fitting stops then you would need to do the primary survey again keeping an eye on them for any changes. (5. 1) Describe how to recognise and treat the effects of extreme cold for an infant and a child.

Hypothermia: Signs and symptoms of hypothermia are pale skin, cold feel to them, shivering, breathing and slower speech. Treatment for this condition would be to remove any wet clothes and replace with dry warm clothes or blanket. If someone has hypothermia it is important to call an ambulance and to keep an eye on them until the ambulance arrives.

(5. 2) Describe how to recognise and treat effects of extreme heat for an infant and a child. Hyperthermia: Signs and symptoms on hyperthermia is if the individuals have a temperature over 38 degrees, other signs and symptoms can be if they seem dizzy and confused, loss of appetite and vomiting. Treatment for this would be to any warm clothing such as a wool jumper etc, lie them down and give then fresh cold water to hydrate them. Again seek medical advice for the individual. (6.

1) Describe how to safely manage and incident involving electricity. When dealing with an incident involving electricity it is important to deal with It safety, you should make sure that you call for an ambulance straight away, you should make sure that the main electricity point is switched off. You can do this by contacting the electric company if known or if you can see the power switch you could turn it off reading the instructions set. You then need to wait for the ambulance turns up and to make sure no one goes near the area of injury. 6. 2) Describe first aid treatments for electric shock incidents. Treatments for electric shock should be to do the primary survey, making sure that the there is no danger, checking for a response and so on. If the individual was unresponsive and it is safe you should carry out CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) on the individual, also make sure that you contact an ambulance.

If they are responsive then you should treat for scalds and burns. (7. 1) Describe how to recognise the severity of burns and scalds to an infant and child and respond accordingly. There are three types of degree burns, 1st degree damaging the first layer of skin, 2nd degree burns affecting the second layer causing blisters, 3rd degree burns which have affected the third layer of skin which has serious blisters exposing fresh skin. It is important to make sure that you don’t pop these blisters as it contains plasma, it can contain blood or pus when infected. (7. 2) Describe how to treat burns and scalds to an infant and a child.

Treating burns and scalds you need to make sure that you run the area of injury under a cold tap for at least ten minutes. You need to take in to account any jewellery and need to remove it if possible, as it can cause circulation problems as the affected area may become swollen. If clothing appears to be stuck it is important not to remove as it can take the skin off of the affected area, after running the affected area you need to apply cling film over the area. You need to make sure you tear off the first few roles of the cling film as this could have germs, cling film is used so that medical professions can see the affected area and can see what they need to do next. (8. ) Describe how poisons enter the body. Poisons can enter a person’s body from someone inhaling the poisons, swallowing, injecting or absorption.

(8. 2) Describe how to recognise and treat an infant and child affected by common poisonous substances, including plants. Some plants such as fox gloves poisonous and some things such as mushrooms, other poisons could be chemicals such as cleaning products such as bleach and acids can be a poisonous substance. Some poisonous substances can be corrosive which can burn, you would need to contact the ambulance service. If the poison has been swallowed it is important to give the child something to drink such as water. If the poison has come into contact with the skin you should rinse with water and contact an ambulance. There can be other poisons such as drugs, alcohol and medication, if these have been over consumed then medical attention is required as soon as possible.

If the individual is unresponsive you should carry out the primary survey, if availably you could use the face mask when carrying out mouth to mouth and follow through CPR. If responsible then you would put them in the recovery position, making sure you keep an eye on them for any changes whilst waiting for medical attention. (8. 3) Identify sources of information that provide procedures for treating those affected by poisonous substances. Information for poisonous substances is often on the packaging, it should contain instructions how to store, how to handle, what it reacts to, what to do if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed.

They often have written instructions and information and images. Further information can be given from certain websites and certain doctors. (9. ) Describe how to recognise the severity of bites and stings to and infant and a child and respond accordingly. You can apply an ice pack or something cold to the affected area, which will reduce the stinging sensation and the swelling.

If you have been stung by a bee and you can see the stinger then you should get a credit card or something similar and scrape the sting off, this technique will make sure that all of the sting will be removed leaving no bits within the skin. If the mouth is swollen then you could get the child to suck on something cold such as and ice cube or ice lolly again to reduce swelling. You need to make sure that the affected area is clean as there is a risk of infection as there is an opening to the skin, where they have been bitten or stung. You could clean this area by applying a bandage and in serious situation you should again seek medical attention. (9. 2) Describe how to recognise and treat bites and stings.

Often stings and bites appear I a swollen lump on the affected area, there can be an itching and or burning sensation. Some people may experience an allergic reaction from certain insects such as Bees, there would be signs likewise to anaplastic shock. Swelling to the mouth, tongue and lips and or eyes.

Thank's for Your Vote!
First aid essay. Page 1
First aid essay. Page 2
First aid essay. Page 3
First aid essay. Page 4
First aid essay. Page 5
First aid essay. Page 6
First aid essay. Page 7
First aid essay. Page 8
First aid essay. Page 9

This work, titled "First aid essay" was written and willingly shared by a fellow student. This sample can be utilized as a research and reference resource to aid in the writing of your own work. Any use of the work that does not include an appropriate citation is banned.

If you are the owner of this work and don’t want it to be published on AssignBuster, request its removal.

Request Removal
Cite this Essay

References

AssignBuster. (2022) 'First aid essay'. 27 July.

Reference

AssignBuster. (2022, July 27). First aid essay. Retrieved from https://assignbuster.com/first-aid-essay/

References

AssignBuster. 2022. "First aid essay." July 27, 2022. https://assignbuster.com/first-aid-essay/.

1. AssignBuster. "First aid essay." July 27, 2022. https://assignbuster.com/first-aid-essay/.


Bibliography


AssignBuster. "First aid essay." July 27, 2022. https://assignbuster.com/first-aid-essay/.

Work Cited

"First aid essay." AssignBuster, 27 July 2022, assignbuster.com/first-aid-essay/.

Get in Touch

Please, let us know if you have any ideas on improving First aid essay, or our service. We will be happy to hear what you think: [email protected]