SAFETY.

The condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury. 


First Aid. 

First Aid is an immediate help which is given to a sick or injured person before sending him/her to the hospital for further treatment. 

Importance of First Aid 

  • Saves life 
  • Reduces fear of death 
  • Brings hope and encouragement to the patient 
  • Relieves the victim's pain 
  • Prevents the illness or injury from becoming worse 
  • Helps a person to recover from shock 
  • It shows spirit of helping each other. 

FIRST AID KIT.    

First Aid kit is a small box which is used to keep instruments and chemicals for First Aid. The first Aid kit should be placed in a safe and accessible place. 


Components of the First Aid kit 

  • A pair of scissors 
  • Gauze 
  • Assorted bandages 
  • Adhesive plasters 
  • Cotton wool 
  • New razor blade 
  • Gentian violet (GV) 
  • Petroleum jelly or Vaseline 
  • Safety pins 
  • Iodine tincture or spirit 
  • Soap 
  • Anti-pain (pain killers) e.g. Panadol 
  • Sterilized forceps and pins 
  • Liniment 
  • A pair of tongs 
  • Antibiotic solution 

Uses of the instruments and chemicals in the First Aid kit 

  • A pair of scissors: is used for cutting dressing materials such as gauze, bandages· 
  • Gauze: is used to cover the wound to prevent dirt and micro-organisms from entering. 
  • Assorted bandages: are used for securing an injured part in order to protect and support it. 
  • Adhesive plaster: are used for covering minor wounds/cuts and grazes· 
  • Cotton wool: is used for cleaning and drying wounds and applying medicine· 
  • New razor blade: used for cutting any flaps of skin when cleaning the wound. 
  • Gentian Violet (GV): is used as an antiseptic to clean wounds. 
  • Petroleum jelly or Vaseline: used for treatment of burns 
  • Safety pins: used for holding/securing bandages. 
  • Iodine tincture or spirit: used for cleaning wounds to reduce bleeding. 
  • Soap: is used for washing wounds, hands and medical facilities. 
  • Anti-pain (pain killers):used to reduce pain. 
  • Sterilized forceps and pins: are used for removing splinters and grit from wounds. 
  • Liniment: used to reduce muscle pains. 
  • A pair of tongs: used for holding pieces of bandages when cleaning the wounds. 
  • Antibiotic solution: is used for applying in the wounds for killing microorganisms. 

FIRST AIDER 

The First Aider is a specialist who gives first aid. 


Qualities of the first Aider 

  • She/he should have ability to assess the problem and give immediate and appropriate help. 
  • She/he must be able to act quickly, quietly, calmly 
  • She/he should be sympathetic to the victim 
  • She/he should be able to recognize dangerous signs and give immediate help for example detecting immediately if -breathing has stopped or is failing -there is severe bleeding-poisoning-fractures 
  • She/he should be able to help the injured person without unnecessary movement 

Precautions to be observed by the First Aider 


The First Aider should keep himself/herself safe to avoid dangers from the patient. Some of the dangers that s/he may face include infection by pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. So they should: 

  • Wear protective gloves to avoid contact with blood 
  • Wear eye protection 
  • Wear masks and gowns. 

First Aid can be rendered to the victims of 

  • Drowning 
  • Muscle cramps 
  • Bleeding 
  • Poisoning 
  • Hiccups 
  • Suffocation 
  • Bruises 
  • Fainting 
  • Burns 
  • Sprain 
  • Bone fracture 
  • Snake bite 

Ways of maintaining peace and safety at home and school

  • Avoid risk behaviors such as playing near deep ponds, playing with knives, alcoholism etc. 
  • Dangerous things such as drugs should be kept away from children's reach 
  • Report any dangerous event that someone engages in. 
  • Be positive and supportive to each other. 
  • Social problems occurring at home or school should be solved keenly. 
  • One should be good to him/herself. 
  • Parents should give their children education on how to live and interact with others.