Guideline 32
First aid

Introduction

This Guideline is not meant to be an exhaustive manual.  It has been written to make you think about what you should do and outlines the steps involved.  It does not contain detailed description of techniques and manoeuvres necessary, these should be learnt at proper training sessions, such as those organised by St John Ambulance Brigade, Red Cross, St Andrew's Cross and the Order of Malta.

This Guideline may be freely reproduced and clubs may consider running it in their magazines to spread the advice as widely as possible.

Personal safety

This is the most important factor!  You do not help a situation by becoming a casualty yourself.

STOP AND THINK - THEN ACT!

   Protect yourself and the scene from oncoming traffic, using warning systems, vehicles and lookouts as appropriate.
 

   Remember crashed cars are sharp and jagged; they may be hot and may contain (or leak) corrosive liquids.  Certain other materials used in car manufacture may be corrosive, particularly if subjected to heat.  Suitable gloves should be worn.
 

   Fire is a possible hazard so no smoking and isolate electrics.

Assess the situation:

What type of assistance is required, how are you going to summon this help?  In motor sport as elsewhere it is often better to spend a few minutes evaluating the nature of the problem and then present concise and accurate information.  This will enable those in charge to provide the correct help more quickly.

First Aid

There is no substitute for practice ~ think seriously about a first aid course.

   In general the more noise a casualty is making, the less likely they are to die in the next few minutes.  Therefore, when you make your initial assessment look for quiet casualties and inspect them first.

   In these circumstances people die from airway problems or loss of blood in the short term.

Airway

  1. Is casualty conscious - if talking must be breathing.
  2. If not, are they breathing - feel for warm breath coming from mouth or nose.
  3. No breathing - clear airway ~ may need removal of helmet (remember this should be a two person task with neck stabilisation) maintain airway - head tilt/jaw thrust.

    4.  

     
     
     

       CARE - unconscious accident victims may have a neck injury - twisting and flexing the neck are potentially dangerous.  Extension of the head and neck should be kept to the minimum necessary to maintain the airway.
     

  4. Still no breathing - then artificial ventilation (mouth to mouth respiration).

Bleeding

Obvious bleeding may be controlled by direct pressure upon the wound.  Use a clean pad, handkerchief, etc.  Remember that blood is potentially infective so try to avoid contaminating your skin if possible, especially if you have an open wound or cut yourself.  Elevation of a bleeding limb, if possible, will also help.

Do not try to apply tourniquets or clamp bleeding vessels.

Spinal injuries

Unconscious patients; those complaining of pain in the back or neck; and those complaining of abnormal sensation (e.g. pins and needles) in the hands or feet, may have a spinal injury.  Apart from manoeuvres necessary to establish an airway they should not be moved without medical or rescue advice.

Burns

Small burned areas (e.g. hand, arm or leg) are best treated by the immediate application of cold, clean water, this will reduce pain and halt the burning process).

   Clothes contaminated with chemicals should be removed and the surface washed with large quantities of clean water.

   Burned limbs may be placed in a clean plastic bag to reduce fluid loss.

Fractures

These are broken bones, generally obvious by pain at site.  There may be deformity of the limb, without medical advice it is generally better not to attempt to straighten the limb.  If medical or rescue help is not readily available splinting may reduce discomfort.  Remember that the sound limb or patient's body, with some padding (e.g. clothing), makes a useful temporary splint.

Summary

PERSONAL SAFETY

Remember - quiet casualties first.

   Act calmly as this will help everyone - don't be afraid to stop and think.  If you are injured the last thing you need is several people running around like headless chickens, shouting at the tops of their voices.

    Reassurance, this is perhaps the most important.  Introduce yourself, explain who you are and that help is coming.  Talk to the casualty and try to gain their confidence.

    If you wish to know more, consider a first aid course.  These are run by most of the voluntary societies.  Alternatively develop your marshalling skills, or you could even become a licensed rescue crewman (or woman).

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