THE FIRST 10 MINUTES COUNT

When the heart stops, the blood which brings oxygen to the brain is no longer being pumped round, and the brain cells begin to die. A skilled First-aider can prevent this by using heart massage techniques to keep the blood flowing, until help arrives, thus keeping the person alive.  

The firstaider is likely to be the first person on the scene with any medical knowledge. The rendering of first aid can be illustrated as a chain consisting of five links with the overall purpose of giving the casualty the help and treatment they need as soon as possible.    

The first link - Immediate life saving measures

Danger zone: Warning, move injured out of danger.

Unconsciousness: Recovery position

Breathing stopped: Mouth to Mouth

Breathing and heart stopped: Mouth to Mouth and Heart Massage

Severe Bleeding: Stem the flow of blood

Shock: Treat for shock

The second link - make an emergency call

The emmergency call must contain the following information:

• Location of accident?
• What has happened?
• Number of casualities?
• Who is calling?
• Fire service 122
• Police 133
• Ambulance 144
• Euro emergency number 112

The third link - perform further first aid

• Attend to wounds
• Alleviate pain through making injured comfortable and rendering additional first aid.
• Care for the wounded, comfort and appear confident, but do not make any diagnoses.
• Prevent imprudent and unskilled others from interfering as this may do more harm than good.
• Protect the injured from any further injury or danger.

The fourth link - Help and transport by ambulance staff

The fifth link - Medical treatment