FIRST AID

WHAT IS FIRST AID?

First aid is the immediate or treatment given to someone injured or suddenly taken ill before the arrival of an ambulance, doctor or other appropriately qualified person.

First aid box

Assorted size bandages (not less than 6)
Sterile gauze(not less than 6)
Cotton wool (1 roll)
Adhesive plaster (1 roll)
Aspirin
Towel and soap
An eye wash bottle
Antiseptic
250ml solution of the following
1% acetic acid, sodium bicarbonate, boric acid, and ammonium hydroxide
3% copper sulphate solution

FIRST AID

Aims of first aid
To preserve life
To limit worsening of the condition
To promote recovery

The first aider is
Highly trained
Examined and regularly re-examined
Up-to-date in knowledge and skill

First Aid priorities

Assess the situation
Make the area safe
Assess the casualties and give emergency first aid
Get help

Safety in the laboratories

*Dangerous activities are very often done in the science laboratories but this should not discourage anyone from doing practical work
*This section outline reasonable safety procedures that teacher should follow and also attempts to establish emergency guidelines in the event of an accident.

Various injuries and accidents

Burn
Cuts, wounds and fractures
Eye injuries
Shock
Fainting

Burn

Head burn
Quickly immerse burnt area in very cold water, preferable iced water, until pain is relived. Never prick blisters. If burn causes wound, cover area with sterile gauze to prevent infection
Chemical burn
Acid-wash with water and apply 1% sodium bicarbonate solution. Wash with water again
Alkali- wash with water and apply 1% acetic acid instead of bicarbonate solution. Wash with water again

Cuts,wounds and fractures

Cuts
Remove dirt or glass and wash under running water. Apply a clean, dry sterile gauze. Go to hospital for stitches if necessary
Wounds
Wounds from thermometers glass tubing etc. the victim should seek medical help.
Fractures
Do not move the victim unless fumes or fire necessitate it. Treat for bleeding and shock and cll medical help.

Eye injuries

If eye injury occurs it should be treated as serious and a doctor should be consulted immediately. Emergency relief aid like washing the eye with plenty of water should be given first.
Do not use water if a foreign material like glass is in the eye.
Do not try to remove foreign material in the eye

Shock

Electric shock
Switch off the current supply and treat the patient as above.
To push victim on current source aside, the teacher should stand on an insulated material-like rubber shoes or use rubber glove.
Call the doctor

Why accidents happen

Lack of knowledge and understanding of materials, processes and equipment used in school
Failure of teacher to give adequate instruction or supervision
Failure of teacher to properly plan or conduct the activity
Proper equipment not provided
Failure to follow instruction or rules

Personal protective equipment

Laboratory aprons and coats prevent damage to clothing
protective clothing should be comfortable to wear and easy to remove when an accident
Arm, hand finger protection
gloves which are easy to slip on and off are protection against heat and chemical action
Eye protection
goggles protect eyes and a set should be provided for each laboratory
Respirators and fume cupboards
respirators are used as a guard against fumes, vapours and dust which can give rise to respiratory ailments
toxic best being handled emphasis should be placed on fume cupboards
Safety shoes
shoes with a stiff upper and a solid sole should be worn when inside the laboratory
Screens
these are used if in doubt about a possible explosion

Safety measures-common flammable chemical

Substitute a non-toxic or toxic chemical if practical
Use in hooded or well ventilated area
Use protective clothing (e.g gloves)
Label chemicals properly and keep them in locked cupboards
Give proper attention cleanliness and safety precaution by washing hands before leaving the laboratory, not smelling chemicals directly and not eating in the laboratory
Spills on floor should be absorbed with sand or soil and later allowed to evaporate in the open