First Aid

As members of the Los Santos Police Service, we must know how to aid individuals who require aid whether that be through injury or illness.  

First aid is what it says on the tin it is the first treatment given to an individual before medical professionals arrive.  This guide will not make you a medical professional however the guidance when applied correctly along with common sense could potentially save someone's life. 

A first aiders priporities are as follows: 

1. Preserve life;

2. Prevent further injury

3. Promote recovery. 

A first aider has a variety of responsibilities when dealing with an incident ehichg can be broken down into the following areas:

1. Arrival;

Upon arriving at a location the first aider should ensure it is safe and gather as much information as they can. They must also obtain consent from the casualty to aid them if the casualty is responsive however if they're unresponsive then they may give aid under implied consent. 

2. Dealing with casualties;

When dealing with casualties the first aider must prioritise treatment, especially if there are multiple injuries or casualties

1. Breathing

2. Bleeding

3. Burns/Breaks

4. Other conditions

They must also ensure that everyone including themselves is safe and communicate with the casualty in a calm and confident manner reassuring them and being careful not to cause them distress. ;

3. Contacting NHS;

 When contacting the NHS the following information must be passed on to them:

1. Location;

2. Incident;

3. Number of casualties;

4. Extent of injuries. 

Irrespective of the incident before a first aider an initial assessment must be carried out, this is called the primary survey and follows the mnemonic DR ABC:

3.1 Danger

The first aider should look for any dangers and then must take steps to minimise the risk. for example, if the casualty is in the middle of the road stop the traffic.

3.2 Response

Approach the injured person from the feet side and then follow AVPU to try get a response:

A - Alert - The IP is fully aware of what is going on;

V -  Voice - if the IP is not Alert then do they respond to voice command such as asking if they're alright.

P - Place hand on the IP's shoulder and shake them gently but only if there is no suspected spinal injuries.

U - Unresponsive - If there is no response the IP is unresponsive. 

if the casualty is responsive leave them in the position they're in if safe to do so, find out what is wrong and treat accordingly. 

3.3 Airways

Turn the IP onto their back, tilt their head back and ensure their airways are clear.

3.4 Breathing

Lean over the IP with your, ear close to their mouth looking down their chest and looking for any signs of breathing for a slow count of 10 seconds. 

3.5 CPR

If there is no sign of breathing begin CPR. 

 Once it has been established that a casualty is breathing a secondary assessment should be conducted even if they are unresponsive. This assessment aims to establish the extent of the illness or injury.  

To attempt to diagnose what is wrong 3 areas should be considered:

1. Medical History;

2. Signs;

3. Symptoms.

If the casualty is unresponsive but breathing and trauma is not suspected then they should be placed into the recovery position. 

5.1 Treatment

1. Put on the appropriate PPE ie. gloves

2. Remove any clothing covering the wound 

3. Apply or have the patient apply direct pressure to the wound;

4. Raise the wounded part if possible apply rapid clot to slow the bleeding;

5. Monitor the IP for shock

6. Apply the appropriate treatment to the wound

6.1 Basic Medical Kit

All officers have access to basic first aid kits and thease can be used when dealing with abrasions, small cuts or bruising. It would contain adhesive bandages (plasters) , antiseptic wipes, Micropore tape, Safety pins, a roll of gauze and a tourniquet.

6.2 Advanced First Aiders

Advanced first aiders have access to additional items:

6.2.1 Medical Bags - Contain an assortment of first aid supplies

6.2.2 Wrapidclot  - Wapidclot is another name for TXA (Tranexamic Acid) ; it is used to help prevent bleeding and induce clotting. Used when dealing with any deep wound whether knife, bullet or laceration.

6.2.3 Packing Bandages -Packing bandages should be used when dealing with a deep wound. This will help to pack the wound whilst transporting a patient to a hospital.

6.2.4 Trauma Dressings - Basic first aid can be used when dealing with abrasions, small cuts or bruising. It would contain adhesive bandages (plasters) , antiseptic wipes, Micropore tape, Safety pins, a roll of gauze and a tourniquet.