First Aid in Security Course: Treating Different Types of Injuries

Last Updated on December 29, 2024 by Ranga

firThe First Aid in Security course is designed for security professionals to learn essential skills and handle medical emergencies effectively and efficiently. This training is structured into three key categories

1. Understanding of the first AID
2. Security guard responsibilities in the medical emergency
3. Treating the different types of injuries.

In this lesson, you will focus on how to provide first aid for different types of injuries. Refer to the link above for detailed information about your responsibilities and the essentials of first aid.

First Aid in Security Course: Treating Different Types of Injuries

(A). Treating Shock: A Vital First Aid Guide

Shock is a life-threatening condition caused by an insufficient blood supply to vital organs, leading to potential damage to the brain, heart, or other essential systems. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent severe complications.

Causes of Shock

1. Heart failure
2. Severe bleeding (internal or external)
3. Dehydration from vomiting, burns, or diarrhea
4. Severe infections or allergic reactions

Symptoms of Shock

• Pale face
• Cold, clammy skin
• Fast and shallow breathing
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Yawning or sighing frequently
• Confusion or disorientation

Treatment Steps

1. Positioning:
   Lay the person down with their head low and legs raised to improve blood flow to vital organs.
2. Loosen Clothing:
   Remove or loosen tight clothing to reduce restriction and improve comfort.
3. Provide Warmth:
   Cover them with a blanket or jacket to maintain body temperature.
4. Monitor Vital Signs:
   Continuously check their breathing, pulse, and level of consciousness.
5. Seek Help:
   Call for medical assistance immediately and stay with the person until help arrives.

(B). Treatment of Bleeding from the Head, Neck, or Throat

1. Do Not Remove Objects:
   If an object is stuck in the wound, leave it in place.
2. Expose the Wound:
   Carefully remove clothing around the wound area.
3. Apply Direct Pressure:
   Use a heavy bandage and apply firm, direct pressure to the wound.
4. Control Persistent Bleeding:
   If bleeding continues, add fresh bandages and maintain pressure.
5. Secure Bandages:
   Fix bandages in place and monitor for resumed bleeding.
6. Treat for Shock:
   Follow shock treatment protocols to support the casualty.
7. Support the Area:
   Stabilize the injured region to prevent further harm.

(C). Treatment of Bleeding from a Limb

1. Apply a Tourniquet:
   Place the tourniquet as low as possible next to the wound site.
2. Apply Direct Pressure:
   Use bandages to firmly cover the wound.
3. Secure Bandages:
   Fix them in place and check for continued bleeding.
4. Treat for Shock:
   Provide care for shock as needed.
5. Support the Limb:
   Immobilize the injured area to minimize movement.

(D). Treatment of Minor Cuts and Grazes

1. Clean the Wound:
   Use water or sterile wipes to gently clean the wound.
2. Dry the Area:
   Pat the wound dry with a clean cloth.
3. Apply a Gauze Dressing:
   Cover the wound and raise it to slow bleeding.
4. Replace Dressing:
   Remove the gauze and apply a clean dressing to protect the wound.

Note: Catastrophic bleeding must be treated immediately as a priority.

(E). Treatment of Spinal Injury

Common Causes:

• Falling from a height
• Diving into a shallow pool
• Vehicle accidents
• Heavy objects hitting the back
• Head or facial trauma

Symptoms:

• Pain in the neck or back
• Twisted or abnormal spinal shape
• Bruising over the spine

Treatment:

1. Prevent Movement:
   Keep the casualty completely still.
2. Immobilize Head and Neck:
   Kneel behind their head, rest elbows on the ground, and align the head with the spine.
3. Reassure the Casualty:
   Keep them calm and wait for emergency medical assistance.

(F). Treatment of Bleeding Nose

1. Assess for Serious Injury:
   If the casualty was hit on the head and the blood is watery, it could indicate a skull fracture—call emergency services immediately.
2. Control Bleeding:
   Sit the casualty down and have them lean forward to prevent blood from blocking their airway.
3. Apply Pressure:
   Instruct the casualty to pinch their nose and breathe through their mouth until the bleeding stops.
4. Avoid Agitation:
   Advise them not to talk, cough, or sniff to avoid restarting bleeding.

(G). How to Handle a Choking Casualty

Choking is a medical emergency that requires immediate action, especially if the casualty is unable to make noise or breathe. Here is a step-by-step guide for handling a choking casualty:

Key Signs of a Serious Choking Case

• The casualty makes no noise or cannot cough.
• Their inability to speak or breathe indicates a blocked airway.

Steps to Assist a Choking Casualty

1. Assess the Situation:
   • Ask the casualty if they are choking.
   • If they can speak or cough, encourage them to cough to clear their throat.
   • If they can’t cough or make noise, proceed with immediate intervention.
2. Call for Help:
   • Ask someone nearby to call emergency services while you provide first aid.
3. Give Back Blows:
   • Learn the casualty forward.
   • Use the heel of your hand to deliver 5 sharp slaps between their shoulder blades.
4. Check for Loosened Objects:
   • Look inside their mouth for any loosened objects and ask them to remove it.
5. Perform Abdominal Thrusts:
   • Stand behind the casualty.
   • Place your hands just below the bottom of their chest.
   • Make a fist with your lower hand and grasp it with your other hand.
   • Pull sharply inwards and upwards to apply abdominal thrusts.
6. Repeat the Cycle:
   • Continue alternating between 5 back blows and abdominal thrusts until the blockage is cleared or help arrives.
7. If the Casualty Becomes Unconscious:
   • Lay them down carefully.
   • Check their airway for obstructions.
8. Begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) if they are not breathing.

Important Notes

• Always prioritize the casualty’s safety and remain calm.
• If the blockage persists despite your efforts, continue CPR until emergency services arrive.

Casualty Management and Reporting

Effective casualty management involves providing immediate care, assessing the situation, and ensuring a thorough handover to medical professionals. Additionally, documenting the incident is essential for compliance with health and safety regulations.

Steps in Casualty Management

1. Conducting a Secondary Survey

After providing primary care (e.g., treating wounds and stabilizing the casualty), perform a detailed secondary survey to gather more information:

• Ask the Casualty:
  • What happened?
  • Any relevant medical history:
    • Allergies
    • Medications they are taking
    • Previous medical conditions
    • Last meal they had
    • Event history – what just occurred
• Ask Witnesses:
  • Gather descriptions of the incident to understand the context.
• Head-to-Toe Examination:
  • Look for additional injuries, pain points, or symptoms that may not be immediately visible.

2. Management of the Casualty and Scene

• Take Notes:
  • Keep basic notes on the casualty’s condition and any actions taken.
• Monitor the Casualty:
  • Continuously observe for changes in symptoms or overall condition.
• Highlight Hazards:
  • Identify and warn incoming medical staff about any potential risks at the scene.
• Prepare for Handover:
  • Provide a concise summary of the casualty’s condition, history, and the treatment provided to the medical team.

Incident Reporting

An incident report is crucial for organizational compliance with health and safety protocols. This document will detail the events, treatment provided, and observations. Ensure that:

• The report is clear, concise, and factual.
• All relevant medical and situational details are included.

Key Definitions

• BLS (Basic Life Support): Managing the airway, breathing, and circulation during emergencies.
• Primary Care: Includes assessing and stabilizing the casualty’s Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Resuscitation.
• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): A life-saving technique used to restore breathing and circulation.
• AED (Automated External Defibrillator): A device used to restart the heart during cardiac arrest.

Importance of Accurate Reporting

Accurate documentation ensures that all medical and safety requirements are met, providing vital information for ongoing care and helping prevent future incidents.

Conclusion

The First Aid in Security Course equips security professionals with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to handle medical emergencies effectively. This includes understanding your responsibilities and practicing the treatment of various conditions such as shock, bleeding control, cuts, spinal injuries, and choking.

With the skills learned in this course, security professionals can confidently respond to emergencies, safeguard lives, and support medical teams with thorough incident reporting.

Level 3 Security Course

Basic security course