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g. Thermometer h. Sterile dressing pads
i. Safety pins j. Small notebook and pencil
k. Clean thick cloth l. Dettol and tincture
m. Asprin, brufin and paracetamol n. Oral rehydrtation solution (Jeevan jal)
o. Disposable gloves p. Spirit
q. Blade r. Torch light
s. Tweezers

10.2 Major Methods of First Aid

Before providing first aid to the victims, it is necessary to observe the condition of the
casualty and nature of the incidence of accident. Generally, airway, breathing and blood
circulation should be observed carefully and first aid should be provided to the victim on
priority basis. For effective first aid, a first aider should have knowledge of ABC (Airway,
Breathing and Circulation). The first aider who has the knowledge of ABC can only
provide effective first aid to the victim to safeguard victim’s life. The activities that fall
under ABC are introduced below briefly.

i. Opening Airway

The airway or mouth of the victim may be obstructed by external objects. The first aider
needs to observe the condition of airway before providing other first aids. If there is any
obstruction on the airway of the victim, the first aider needs to remove the obstruction to
open airway. During opening the airway, the victim should be laid on his/her back and the
first aider should place his/her one hand on the victim’s forehead placing two fingers from
the other hand on the victim’s chin. The head of the victim is gently tilted back raising the
chin slightly upwards.

ii. Adequate Breathing

After making sure victim’s airway open, the first aider observes the breathing of the victim
by placing his/her cheek near victim’s mouth. The breathing can be looked, listened and
felt for 5-10 seconds. Also, it is necessary to watch the rise and fall of victim’s chest. If there
is problem of sufficient breathing in the victim, artificial respiration is provided to the
victim by keeping the victim/patient in proper position.

iii. Sufficient Blood Circulation
After observing the breathing of the victim, the first aider should check the pulse of the
victim. If there is problem in breathing and the victim has no pulse, the first aider should
compress the chest of the victim with providing him/her artificial respiration. It helps
resume circulation in victim’s body. Thus, external chest compression is essential to regain
obstructed blood circulation in the body of the victim.

GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 237