Learning First-Aid is a civic responsibility for each and every citizen. As knowledge has grown, methods of First- Aid have changed and now there is universal understanding on giving first-aid to people suffering from various kinds of injuries or illness. Obviously the implements to give First-Aid have to be simple and available almost everywhere without notice. This also requires of the first-aider lot of innovations and versatility to use the resources available to him.

The First-aider must not mistake and over play his duty of doing what is not in his domain. His job is to save and sustain life and limb till a doctor arrives or the patient is transferred to medical care. It is also true that the methods of giving First-Aid may not be generally known even to the most brilliant medical man unless he learns these. To that extent the Medical Officers may as well familiarise themselves with the methods of First-Aid as without this knowledge they may find themselves helpless in dealing with a sick or an injured person outside the hospital without his usual paraphernalia.

Besides learning First-Aid, it is the sacred duty of each First-aider to publicise this movements till every citizen of the country learns the methods of First-Aid. This, he may do in his own interest because no one knows when one will be injured or suddenly taken ill and the other unknown man present nearby could be expected to give First-Aid. Imagine the amount of security that the citizen of a country would enjoy if everyone in his country learnt First-Aid.

Disposal

The earlier the doctor takes charge the greater the chances of recover. First, take the casualty to the nearest shelter. The best, of course, is the hospital. Or it can be his house or the nearest clinic. The quickest means of transport should be made use of. A carefully worded message to the relatives, as to his condition and also to what place he is being taken, must be sent. Some one in the crowd will generally help in this. It is of course the duty of police and they are most reliable.

Rules of First Aid

The best advice to the First Aider is : "Make haste slowly"

Reach the accident spot quickly. This will help to save life. Be calm, methodical and quick. By doing so you can lessen the pain and the effects of the injuries which may save life. Handling the casualty clumsily will only make the final recovery difficult.

Look for the following:

Is there failure of breathing?
Is there severe bleeding?
Is the shock light or severe?

Attend to these and then treat easily observable injuries.

Start artificial respiration, if the casualty is not breathing, it must begin at once as every second gained is helpful.

Stop bleeding by pressing on the pressure point and press firmly on the bleeding area with a pad, and keep up pressing on the bleeding area for at least a few minutes (minimum 3 minutes) by watch. Take help, if needed.

Treat for shock.

Avoid handling the casualty unnecessarily.

Use the First Aid Equipment, if available:
All passenger trains, some Railway Stations, lorries and buses keep them. Make use of the material so obtained. On most occasions standard First Aid Kit will not be available. You will have to depend on the material at hand and improvise them for your requirements.