The 5 Universal Types of First Aid
The ability to administer first aid is a fundamental skill for any operative or vigilant civilian. This knowledge is not only vital for self-preservation in hostile environments but also for ensuring the safety and operational effectiveness.
The basic five types of first aid that are universally recognized include: Airway management, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure (often abbreviated as ABCDE).
Airway Management
This is the initial and critical step in first aid. An operative must ensure that the patient's airway is clear to prevent asphyxiation. This can involve positioning the patient to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway, removing visible obstructions, or employing more advanced techniques like the use of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) or nasopharyngeal airway (NPA).
Breathing
Once the airway is secured, the focus shifts to the patient's breathing. This involves assessing the breathing pattern and, if necessary, providing rescue breathing or employing a bag-valve mask. In situations where an operative is dealing with trauma cases, this step might involve sealing chest wounds or managing tension pneumothorax. The ability to quickly assess and address breathing issues is essential for an operative, especially in scenarios where medical assistance is delayed or unavailable.
Circulation
This step involves checking for and controlling major bleeding. Techniques such as applying pressure, using tourniquets, or packing wounds are crucial skills. In a covert operation, controlling bleeding not only addresses the immediate life-threatening situation but also helps in preventing leaving traces like blood trails, which can compromise the mission.
Disability
Disability assessment involves a quick neurological evaluation, often simplified as checking the patient's response level using the AVPU scale (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive). This quick assessment helps an operative determine the severity of the patient’s condition and the urgency of evacuation or further medical intervention. In the field, operatives are trained to conduct these assessments under stressful conditions, often having to make rapid decisions based on limited information.
Exposure
The final step involves protecting the patient from environmental factors. This includes covering them to maintain body temperature and moving them to a safer location if necessary. For an operative, managing exposure is not just about medical care; it's also about maintaining operational security. Ensuring that the patient and the operative remain concealed and protected from environmental elements and enemy observation is a key component of this step.
These five universal types of basic first aid form a foundational framework that operatives rely on to provide immediate and effective medical care in diverse and often challenging environments.
Mastery of these skills is essential, not just for personal safety but also for the success of missions and the well-being of team members.