PRESENTED AS AN HISTORICAL DOCUMENT, DO NOT CONSIDER THIS CURRENT OR VALID FOR USE IN THE FIELD.

General Principles of Rescue & Contents of a Domestic First Aid Kit

from

Salvation and rescue for first aid in case of accidents
by Carlos de Nicolas Reullo
Madrid, Spain 1974, 5th edition

translated by Sam Kulla, EMT-B, WEMT

General Principles of Rescue:

PRESENTED AS AN HISTORICAL DOCUMENT, DO NOT CONSIDER THIS CURRENT OR VALID FOR USE IN THE FIELD.

Because of the perfection of their drafting, we have transcribed the following in the Manual of Civil Rescuers of the French Ministry of the Interior.

Rescue is the art of proportioning the necessary cautions in an accident in the absence of a doctor.  The manner in which these cautions are applied effects not only life but also death, treatment, cure, a long hospitalization, a temporary condition, or a chronic sickness.  In all cases, the administration of the correct and effective cautions diminishes suffering and facilitates the work of the doctor.  This is where the the role of the rescuer is of capital value.

A determined number of principles should be taken into account:

First:  BE CALM BUT ACT QUICKLY. With tranquility you give confidence to the victim and those that find themselves nearby.

Second:  MAKE A COMPOSITION OF THE SCENE. When you arrive at the sinister place you should not begin treating the first injured party you encounter.  There may be others in more grave states who, at the same time, need to be attended to first.  Make, well, a rapid examination of the scene.  You should intend to know if hidden wounded exist, for example, under rubble.  You have be aware as well of possible sources of danger:  The threat of a collapse, rupture of gas or water lines, fire, etc.

Third:  LEAVE THE WOUNDED LYING ON THEIR BACK. It is a method of combating shock, which we will discuss more in the pages ahead.  At the same time, if they have their face congested, you can lift the head a little, turning it to one side in  case of vomit.

Fourth:  MANAGE THE WOUNDED WITH GREAT PRECAUTION. Never change the scene of an accident before ascertaining their state and applying first aid.

Fifth:  EXAMINE THE WOUNDED THOROUGHLY. Investigate if they are bleeding, if they are breathing, if they have a fracture, if they present with burns, or have lost awareness.  Be very sure you have not let anything escape.  Take into account:  Hemorrhaging and cessation of respiration should be treated before carrying on  to any other thing; Any victim without awareness should, without a doubt, have suffered some strong blow to the head.

Sixth:  DON’T DO MORE THAN IS NECESSARY. If you try to do too many things, you will delay the transfer of the victim to a place of care.  Your part is not to replace the doctor, so you should limit the administration of these measures to those strictly necessary for the transport of the wounded.  No complicated cures; on the contrary, practice the most basic packaging that you can.

Seventh:  KEEP THE WOUNDED WARM. Avoid, nonetheless, excessive heat, maintaining an agreeable temperature.  If it’s cold, all of the body should be warmed; for this it’s best to wrap it in a blanket.

LOSS of awareness