FIRST AID

Is the immediate assistance or treatment given to someone who has been injured or suddenly
taken ill using the available materials and the acceptable principles of treatment before handing
over the casualty to a professional medical attendant or before being taken to hospital.
The Aim Of First Aid;
Denoted as 3P
1. Prevent the condition from worsening.
2.Promote recovery.
3.Preserve a life.

Where a first aider can help

1.Protect the casualties belonging, i.e. bags, phones.
2. Keep the bystanders at a safe distance.
3. Reassure the casualty and his or her family and friends.
4. Work to make the area safe.

Responsibilities Of a First Aider

1. Assess the situation quickly and safely call for appropriate help.
2. Protect the casualty and bystanders from possible danger.
3. Identify the problem with the casualty as fast as possible.
4. Give each casualty early and appropriate treatment and treat the most serious conditions
first.
5. Try to get the casualty to someone with more medical knowledge than you.
If Medical Help Is Needed
1. Stay with the Casualty until further care is available.ie ambulance
2. Report to those taking over the care of the Casualty.
3. Give further help if necessary.
Body Substance Isolation (BSI)
Is an alternative infection control method in which all body fluids are defined as infectious
Any fluid that is sticky, wet and not yours, do not touch it unless on your BSI.
To prevent you from a direct contact with the casualty

1. Gloves
2. Surgical mask
3. Improvised techniques

1
4. Eye Protection
5 Cloth change
6.Hospital gowns
7.Shoe covers
8.Head covers

Where To Get Help

1. Paramedics
2. Community health workers
3. Midwives
4. Police
5. Medical trained personnel.

When to Go for help

> You should not leave your casualty unattended.
> You should not leave those who are unresponsive unless they are breathing and are placed in
a recovery position.
> Give CPR without success as long as you can.
Recording Information
1. Record the casualties name, address and vital signs.

Where there is no thermometer

Check the casualty’s temperature by placing the back of your hand to their forehead.
> The casualties appear normal in color or grayish blue.
3. Pulse and breathing rate and check to see if it changes over time, if the casualty is improving
or deteriorating.
Main Measurement Of Casualties Condition
1] Level of response - A first aider plays No by watching how well the Casualty is able to
respond, by opening and closing their eyes,their speech,if their limbs and body.
A- Alertness
V - Voice response
P- Pain response
U - Unresponsiveness
2] Signs of life
Mass Casualty Incident
A situation whereby we have multiple casualties.
1. Start incident command survey
2. Conduct a scene survey and make it safe if possible.
3. Make a call for more resources.
4. Wear identification
5.Start giving first aid by identifying the serious casualties and marking them.
6.Move all minor injuries quickly from the site.(anyone who can walk)
7.Lable all casualties and write down their names and condition details.

2
 TRIAGE & TAGGING
1. Green tag - Walking wounded (minor injuries)
2. Yellow tag - Delayed injuries (non-life threatening injuries)
3. Red tag - Immediate(life threatening injuries)
4. Black tag - Deceased or expectant (dead or about to die)
Universal Precautions & Personal Safety
How diseases are spread
> Infectious diseases which can spread from one person to another either by a virus,bacteria or
parasite.
Virus - lives inside a living and reproduces inside the cell, which further spreads to other cells
and destroys them. , HIV,flu,hepatitis called measles chicken pox.
Bacteria - these are very small germs of different types.
> Some types of bacteria live in the body like skin and
intestines all the time and actually help the body to work well.
> Others caused damage and infection when they enter the body ie T.B
Parasites - a small living thing which lives inside a living organism and gets food from it.
Universal Standard Precautions
1. Hand washing
2. Wearing of gloves
3. Try not to have contact between the casualty's mouth and your mouth by using a mask or
face shield.
4. Handle sharp objects very carefully.
5. Disposing of waste correctly.
Keeping Yourself Safe in Other Ways
1. Staying calm and taking deep breaths before starting to treat the casualty.
2. Assessing the situation carefully for any possible hazards.
3. Applying correct body mechanics when you move, lift or carry the Casualty.
Dealing with Waste
1. Never re use swabs or gloves.
2. Surfaces that have come into contact with blood should be washed with water and soap.
3. Use bleach mixed with water
4. Use a paper rather than a cloth to clean because paper does not absorb fluid.
BODY MECHANICS
Lifting Casualties
1. Always stand as close as possible to the casualty when moving.
2. Always hold the load/stretcher firmly
3. Always raise your head once you start to lift.
4.Always tuck your arms to avoid straining your neck and shoulder muscles.
5. Always hold the object close to your body.
How The Body Works
1. Musculoskeletal system - bones and muscles
2. Respiratory system - lungs
3. Circulatory system - heart & blood
4. Digestive system - intestines

3
5. Nervous system - brain & nerves
6. Reproductive system
7. Immune system
N.B; Circulatory & respiratory systems need the first attention during first aid.
A - Airway
B - Breathing
C - Circulation
Ways of Opening The Airway
1. Head tilt/chin lift
2. Jaw thrust maneuver
Topic 2 BASIC EMERGENCY SCENE MANAGEMENT
a)Assess the situation
1.Safety of yourself
2.Don't rush into the situation
3.Take time to see what has happened.
4.For any danger to yourself bystanders of the casualty.
b) Make the area safe
1.Send for emergency Help before going near the scene.
2.Try to move or reduce any danger without putting yourself or anyone else at risk.
3.If this is not possible remove the casualty from the danger,if this will not put you or anyone
else in danger.
c) Give emergency aid
1.Assess the Casualty to workout to needs help first and what to do first
N.B life-threatening conditions are treated first.
2.Decide on what action you need to take.
3.Provide help to any casualty
4.Reassure and confirmed the Casualty
d) Getting help from others
> If by bystanders can help, they can be used to;
i) Make the area safe.
ii) Getting help or calling for help.
iii) Fetching first aid equipment.
iv) Controlling traffic and other bystanders.
v) Controlling bleeding or supporting a limb.
vi) Making sure the casualty has as much privacy as possible.
vii) Transporting the Casualty to a safe place
e) After any incident
1.If possible remove whatever caused the incident to prevent further accidents but don't get rid
of any evidence.
2.Tell any relevant authorities police
3.Restock your first aid kit.
4.Talk about the incident to your friends or relatives to reduce stress or depression.
Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

4
A - Assess the situation
M - Make the area safe
E - Emergency aid
G - Get help
A - Aftermath
Casualty Management & Primary Survey
D - Danger
R – Response
A - Airway
B – Breathing
C-Circulation
R - Report
> Check for response by talking to the Casualty or by inducing pain.
> A first aider has a responsibility to report what you found and did to any medical personnel
who takes over from you.
Casualty Who Is Not Breathing
> Check for the casualty breathing by opening the airway and placing your cheek just above the
mouth and nose.
CAUSES FOR ABNORMAL OR NO BREATHING
1. Blockage by the tongue rolling back in an unconscious person.
2. Constriction of the airway
3. Breathing in dangerous gasses or fumes.
4. Conditions such as asthma
5. Shock
6. Head injury or stroke.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR
> A set of life-saving skills you begin to perform to a casualty who is unresponsive and not
breathing.
> CPR helps get blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and heart and other vital organs and
buys more time until professional help arrives.
> For an unconscious baby give five initial rescue breaths,30 chest compressions and 2 rescue
breaths .
HANGING
1. Remove the rope or other items around the victim's neck.
2. If the person is still hanging you will need to support the body to prevent further injury.
3. Lay the casualty on the ground
4. Assess DRAB
5. If the casualty is not breathing begin CPR
6. Is casualty is breathing place in recovery position
7. Phone for help
CHOKING
> It is when the throat is partially (minor choking) or completely blocked (major choking) by a
foreign object.
> For conscious baby under 1 year

5
a) Give 5 back blows and if unconscious give CPR.
b) Give 5 chest thrust
> For a conscious adult or child
a) Give five back blows or back slaps
b) Give five abdominal thrust
If unconscious begin CPR
WOUNDS & BLEEDING
> A wound is a damage of the soft tissue of the body including the blood vessels.
1. Open wound - is when the top layer of the skin has been broken.
2. Closed wound - when the skin doesn't break but the soft tissue including the blood vessels
is damaged and the blood leaks into the tissues
TREATMENT
> Whether the wound is open or closed you need to be concerned about the blood loss and
possible infections.
a) Check whether or not there is an embedded object.
b) How much bleeding there is.
c) How much damage there is to the tissue around the wound.
Different Kinds Of Open Wounds
1. Incision - what is a clean-cut caused by a sharp object
2. Abrasions & Lacerations - these are open wounds caused by an accident and can be small
graze (abrasions) or a deep jagged opening (laceration) in the tissue.
3. Puncture or Stab Wounds - this is a wound caused by an object with a sharp edge such as
a knife or a nail.
4. Sucking Chest Wounds - this is a wound in the chest that has gone deep enough to make a
hole in the lungs.
5. Gunshot Wounds - these make both entry wound and exit wound, the entry wound might be
small but the exit wound are usually large and rough.
6. Amputations - this is a world where an app or a leg has been completely or partially cut off
7. Burns - they may be superficial or deep.
> Superficial burn is a burn where only the outer layers of the skin are damaged.
> Deep burn is when the whole thickness of the skin including the nerve ending is damaged.
Controlling The Bleeding
1.Don your BSI assess the DRABC
2. Apply direct pressure for up to 10 minutes, if the wound is dirty clean it by pouring fresh
water over it and gently dry the area.
3. Cover with a sterile dressing like adhesive or clean dressing or a bandage.
Controlling Bleeding in Major Wounds
1. Carefully cover the wound, taking off or cutting away the cloth if necessary.
2. Apply direct pressure to the wound using fingers or palm preferably over a clean pad or
sterile dressing if available.
3. If there is an embedded object do not remove it, press on each side of the object to push the
edge of the wound together.
4. Put the area as high as possible above the height of the heart to reduce blood loss &
continue to press.

6
5. Help the casualty to lay down keeping the limp wrist if you think the casualty may go into
shock raise the legs above the heart position.
6. The pressure on the wound for 10 minutes.
7. When the bleeding is controlled,leave the pad in place and put a sterile dressing and
bandage on top don't tie the bandage too tightly as you can cut off circulation to the area after
the wound.
8. If blood starts to come through the dressing don't remove it put another dressing over the top
of the bandage in place only do this twice,if blood is still coming through both pads remove both
and put fresh dressing
9. Give the injured part elevated to stop bleeding.
SEVERE BLEEDING
E - Expose the wound if it is covered
E - Examine the wound
A - Apply pressure
E - Elevate the injured part
C - Cover to prevent infection
T - Treat for shock
EMBEDDED OBJECTS
1. Don gloves and place the sterile dressing lightly over the wound unless the wound is too long.
2. Place a padding around the dressing building it up so that it is higher than the object.
3. Bandage lightly over the ends of the parts taking care not to put pressure on the embedded
object underneath.
4. Keep the injured part elevated to minimize swelling.
5. Keep on checking the breathing rate and pulse.
6. Keep checking the circulation beneath the bandage, if it looks gray and cold after the
bandage you have made it too tight.
Types of Closed Wounds
1. Bruising - a form of internal bleeding and are nearly always caused by a direct blow or
injury to the area,which appear quickly with swelling and must be given first aid
> This type of bruising means it is a deep injury.
2. Sprains - pull or torn ligament usually of the ankle or knee.
3. Crush injury - when a casualty is crushed by a heavy object.
> It may include a fracture,swelling or internal bleeding.
> Action taken after crush injury;
a) Less than15 minutes
1. Lift the object that is crashing the casualty off as possible but do not drag it off.
2. Control the bleeding from any open wounds and clean and dress it.
3. Secure and support any suspected fractures.
4. Treat the casualty for shock.
5. Try to get medical help.
6. Remember to keep checking the casualty's vital signs and writing down what you found and
what you did so that you can report this to any health worker who takes over from you.
7. Be prepared to do CPR/resuscitate
b) More than 15 minutes

7
1. Do not remove the heavy object off the casualty until you have no other choice.
2. Where to get medical help urgently.
3. Comfort and reassure the casualty.
4. Remember to keep checking the casualty's vital signs and writing down.
Swabs And Dressing
> Swabs are used to clean any infections on a wound.
> Dressings are used to cover a wound to keep it clean and from getting infections.
Types of Swabs and Dressings
1. Adhesive Dressing - they are dressings made of something to stick the dressing onto the
skin so they need no bandage they are used for small wounds.(Elastoplast)
2. Tubular gauze - used to bandage joints, fingers and toes
Types of Bandages
1. Adhesive plastic clear plaster and stretch plaster - they are used for securing on gauze
dressing.
2. Elastic net bandage - it is used on the head and face
3. Crepe bandage - it is an elastic conforming bandage which is used on joints like knees and
elbows.
SHOCK
> When the circulatory system fails and the heart lungs or the brain doesn't get enough oxygen
and blood.
> It is the inadequate circulation of blood to two cells of organs and other structures.
> Major cause of shock is bleeding or when the heart is not pumping properly.
Signs of Shock
1. Pale and grey skin that is cold, damp and sweating.
2. A very fast pass that becomes weaker with time.
3. Grey blue or purple lips, tongue and earlobes.
4. Fast breathing that is shallow.
Symptoms of Shock
a) Weak and giddy
b) Feeling sick and may vomit
c) Thirsty
d) Restless and worried, may get angry and push you away.
> As shock gets worse the casualty might;
a) gasp for air
b) Become confused and talk nonsense.
c) not know where they are or what is going on and maybe come unconscious.
d) Breathing and heart may stop
Treatment for Shock
1. Don your BSI and check for DRAB
2. Put the Casualty for the best position for the air condition;
i) If there is a head or spine injury support the head and don't move the casualty
ii) If casualty is conscious put them in a recovery position
iii) If the casualty is fully conscious and has no spine or or head injury that the casualty down on
their back keep the head low and raise the legs gently above the heart level.

8
> This will help keep the blood in the brain heart and lungs and to stop casualty from becoming
unconscious.
3. Try to keep the casualty as still and quiet as possible.
4. Keep talking to the casualty in a calm way
5. Loosen tight clothing around the neck, chest and waist.
6. Cover the casualty with a thermal blanket or a blanket or any clothes available to keep them
warm.
7. If the casualty is laying on the floor, put something underneath them.
8. Call for help
9. Keep checking the casualty is breathing and pulse rate, watch out for the signs that a person
might be becoming unconscious
10. If necessary give CPR
11. If the casualty becomes conscious, put them in a recovery position.
12. Remember to keep checking the vital signs and recording.
HEAD TO TOE SECONDARY SURVEY
> Once you have given the initial emergency treatment, you need to assess more thoroughly to
check for any other injuries or problems
> This is done through a systematic thorough check called a head to toe secondary survey.
S - Signs and symptoms
A - Allergies
M - Medication taken
P - Partial past history
L - Last oral intake
E - Events leading to the accident
> Signs are things you yourself can see, hear, feel or smell, you need to use your senses to
gather the signs.
> Symptoms are things the casualty tells you about how they feel.
> You need to ask a conscious casualty to gather symptoms.
> History is what has happened, you should ask the casualty or bystanders what happened
and look around for things that may suggest how it happened.
ONGOING CASUALTY CARE
> If you cannot get medical help or it takes longer to arrive, you might have to care for the
casualty for quite a long time.
> In this case you will have to make sure that the casualty is as comfortable as possible during
this time.
> As well as your ongoing care and recording you need to deal with the following;
i) Fluid
ii) Food
iii) Stopping pressure sores
iv) Taking the Casualty to a hospital clinic or their home.
PRESSURE SORES
> A person laying or sitting in the same position for a long time.
> The blood is not flowing properly to an area where a bony part of the body is pressing against
the ground bed or chair.

9
> When this happens the top layer of the skin and tissue are damaged and sores appear.
> They usually develop on parts of the body like;
a) Hips d) Ankles
b) Knees e) Heels
c) Spine
Signs of Pressure Sores
1. Redness of the skin
2. The area is warm and sensitive
3. Loss of feeling to that area
4. Blisters
5. The skin comes off and there are open wounds.
> To prevent pressure sores, change the position of the casualty every 2 hours.
Monitoring & Recording
1. Record casualty’s vital signs.
ACCIDENT CARE
1. Drowning - when a person breathes in water or fluid and the muscles of the lungs closes and
blocks the airway, they stop breathing due to suffocation.
2. Near drowning - when a person stops breathing because of the throat muscles closed when
they breathe in water or fluid but started breathing again in time and so and did not die.
3. Secondary drowning - when water or food that was breathed in and irritates the lungs and
makes the airways worse and gets narrowed.
Actions Taken During Drowning
1. If the casualty is still in the water remove them keeping the head low than the body
2. Lay the casualty on their back
3. Open the airway and check the breathing
4. Be prepared to resuscitate
5. If resuscitation is necessary give five initial rescue breaths & if the casualty is not conscious
begin CPR.
6. If the casualty is breathing, put them in a recovery position.
7. Treats for hypothermia, take off the wet clothing and cover with a blanket or clothing.
8. If the casualty becomes fully conscious give them a warm drink.
9. Medical help even if the casualty appears to have recovered fully in case of secondary
drowning.
10. To keep checking the casualty vital signs and recording.
EYE INJURIES
> This might be a problem as simple as an eyelash, dust or a foreign object being embedded in
the eye or a chemical burn.
Foreign Object in The Eye
> If there is a foreign object in the eye it is important to find out whether it is loose or sticky and
if it's embedded in the eyeball.
> if this is the case you should not try to remove it and because you may damage the eye.
Actions
1.Assess DRAB respond as needed and treat any urgent injuries.
2. Ask the casualty to sit down where you have enough light to see well.

10
NB; Make sure the casualty does not rub the eye
3. Stand behind the casualty and gently open the eye with your index and pointing finger or
thumb and look closely.
5. If you cannot see the foreign object on the eyeball, pour clean water on the eye and make
sure the casualty leans towards the injured side .
6. If the object doesn't wash out, wipe the object with a clean wet cloth and if this does not work
try to get medical help.
Signs of Eye Injury
1. Intense pain
2. Redness of the eye
3. Blood or other obvious signs of injury
4. Fluid or tears leaking from the eye
5. The person may not be able to open the eye.
Management
1. Assess DRAB
2. Help the casualty to lay on their back
3. Hold the head to keep still as possible and at the casualty to keep both eyes as still as
possible.
4. Place clean dressing or a piece of cloth over there eyes and ask the casualty to hold it in
place.
5. Secure the spot with a bandage if it will take some time to get help.
6. Where to get medical help and if you need to transport the casualty try keeping them in a
treatment position
Chemical Burn To The Eye
> This is when the eye comes into contact with a solid, liquid or gas chemical. The severity
depends on the type and amount of chemical that came into contact with the eye.
Signs
1. Intense pain
2. Fluid leaking from the eye
3. Redness and swelling
4. Casualty not being able to open the eye
Actions
1. Assess DRAB
2. Put on disposable gloves or plastic bags over your hands if possible.
3. If there is clean running water all the casualties are under this for at least 10 minutes.
> Otherwise stand behind the casualty and gently open the eye with your index finger and
thumb, pour clean water from a cup into the eye.
4. Prevent the water that is coming out of the eye from splashing on the casualties are the eye
or face.
5. Place a dressing or clean piece of cloth over the eye and ask the casualty to hold it in place.
6. Bandage this into place if you think it is going to be a while before getting medical help and
find out if possible what chemical it was and write it down.
7. Get medical help
8. But keep checking the casualty's vital signs.

11
 TEARGAS
> These effects usually only last about 15 to 20 minutes but the eyes remain red and sore for
longer.
Signs & Symptoms
1. Watering and stinging in the eye
2. Coughing and sneezing with a feeling like a burning in the nose & throat.
3. Chest tightness and possibly difficulty in breathing properly.
Actions
1. If possible, cover your nose and mouth with a clean cloth, try to get the casualty away from
the gas.
2. Access DRAB & respond as needed.
3. Reassure them that the symptoms will not last long and keep them from rubbing their eyes.
4. As the casualty to open their eyes and fun them with your hand or a piece of paper to make
them feel better.
5. Do not try to wash your eyes out, this may make it last for longer.
6. If the casualty was very close to the gas and is breathing a lot of it try to get medical help.
7. Keep on checking the casualty's vital signs.
MOVING THE CASUALTY
CONDITION OF ALONE ONE HELPER MORE THAN
CASUALTY ONE HELPER

Conscious or able Human Crutch Human Crutch

to walk Cradle carry- Two handed seats
Lightweight casualty
only

Conscious or not Drag method (might Fore & aft carry (not for Blanket carry
able to walk make head shoulder or casualty with arm, head Stretcher
neck injuries worse) or rib injuries)
Cradle carry - Two handed seats
lightweight casualty Four handed seats
only

Unconscious Drag method Fore & aft carry (not for Blanket carry
Cradle carry - Casualty with arm, head Stretcher
lightweight casualty or rib injuries)
only
POISONING
It a chemical substance that can cause harm or even death when enough is taken into the body
through swallowing, skin contact, injection or inhaling.
Once a poison enters the body it may enter the bloodstream and quickly be carried to the
organs and tissues where it causes damage.
 Swallowed Poison
 Skin Contact poison
 Injected poison

12
  Inhaled poison
o EMERGENCY CHILD BIRTH

It is when a pregnant mother goes into labor before she can be rushed to the hospital. Because the baby
will be born in a place that is not normally used to deliver babies, there is a possibility of infection of the
baby or the mother. It is therefore important to try to prevent the chances of infection by:
 Trying to make sure a few people as possible are there but do not go against the mother’s wishes.
If she wants someone to stay with her, you must let this person stay. However. if someone has a
sore throat, cold, or any other infection, they should not be allowed near to the mother.
 Tie a clean clothe or bandage over your nose and mouth so that any germs you may have do not
infect the mother or the baby.
 Take off any jacket or coat you may have on, and roll up any long sleeves.
 Wash your hands carefully, before touching the mother or baby.
 Put on gloves
 Only use clean blankets or towels or clothing.
 Wash your hands carefully again after the baby has come out.

METHODS OF CHILD BIRTH

1.Vaginal Birth
Is the delivery of an baby through the birth canal.
Benefits of Vaginal Delivery
 Faster recovery
 Short hospital stays
 Lower rate of infection
 Lactation and breastfeeding is easy
 Babies are at a lower risk of respiratory problems and have a stronger immune system

Disadvantages of Vaginal birth

 Vaginal tears-these are tears in the tissue around vagina and rectum that happened during
child birth
 Deep vein thrombosis-these are blood clots that develop on the legs or pelvis shortly after
delivery.
 Postpartum preeclampsia-this is excessively high blood pressure in a person who has just
given birth.
2.Cesarean Section
Is a surgical delivery of a baby through a cut /incision made on the patient’s abdomen and
uterus.
Events leading to C-section
 Multiple twins
 Babies in breech
 Multiple fibroids
 Placenta previa
 High blood pressure
 HIV infection
 Diabetes

13
  Prolapsed umbilical cord
 Baby in distress
Disadvantages of C Section
 Loss of blood
 Infection on the lining of the uterus(endometritis)
 The cut may weaken the uterine wall
 Blood clot may break off and enter the blood stream (embolism)
 Injury to the bowel or bladder
3.Assisted vaginal delivery
a) Vacuum Extraction
A delivery in which a healthcare worker or a midwife uses a vacuum extractor to help move the
baby through the birth canal. Tools used :vacuum cup attached to the baby’s head by suction.
A soft or hard plastic or metal cup is attached by a tube to the suction device.
Benefits of Vacuum Extraction
 Easy to learn
 Quick delivery
 Less neonatal craniofacial injury
 Less maternal discomfort
 Less maternal genital trauma
 Less anesthesia required
Contraindications of Vacuum Extraction
 Unengaged fetal head
 Unknown fetal position
 Fetal disorder such as hemophilia.
b) Forceps delivery
A form of assisted delivery that can help mothers deliver their babies vaginally when labor is not
progressing .Obstetrical forceps are used to grasp the baby inside the birth canal and help
guide the baby out.
Benefits of Forceps Delivery
 Delivery can be archived faster
 The incidences of fetal scalp injuries such as cephalhematoma and subgaleal hematoma is
lower following the use of forceps.
Complications of forceps delivery
 Bladder or urethra injury
Indications of forceps delivery
 Exhaustion
 Bleeding
 Cardiac or pulmonary disease
 History of spontaneous pneumothorax
Disadvantages of forceps delivery
 Greater risk of damaging the baby’s facial nerves

14
Complications of forceps delivery to babies
 Bleeding in the skull
 Cerebral palsy
 Jaundice
 Seizures
 Skull fractures
 Small bumps or bruises on the baby’s head
 Small cuts or lacerations on the baby’s face
 Temporary facial muscle weakness (facial palsy)

3.Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section (VBAC)

Describes a vaginal delivery in a woman who has given birth via C section in a former
pregnancy.

Miscarriage
Is when a baby is born very early before the 24th week of pregnancy. In this case, the cannot
survive and will die. Because the woman may lose a lot of blood, miscarriage can be very
dangerous and should be treated as a medical emergency.

How to tell that someone is about to miscarry

 Cramp-liked pains in the lower abdomen
 Bleeding from the vagina-this might be sudden and there might be a lot of blood
 Signs of shock
 A sore back
 The foetus or any other matter may come out of the vagina.

How to treat Miscarriage

 Reassure the woman. Help her to sit or lie down, with her legs bent up. Use pillows/blankets
/jackets to support her body and legs .If she becomes unconscious ,place her in the recovery
position
 Use a clean cloth or towel for the bleeding
 Call for ambulance
 Monitor vital signs, be prepared to resuscitate if necessary.
 If any matter comes out of the vaginal, put in a clean plastic bag or other container. Give this
to any medical person you hand the casualty to, do not let the casualty see this, unless she
asks.
NB: If the bleeding or pain is very bad, get medical help as quickly as possible. Treat for shock.

15
16