What Is This Module About?

What do you do when someone you know meets an accident? How do you immediately treat a person who has been
bitten by a dog or who has broken a bone? What can you use to help ease the pain of someone who has sprained his
ankle?
This module is about giving first aid or immediate treatment to a sick or injured person. Knowing first aid is very
important in saving lives especially during accidents. In giving first aid, you must be quick and careful because a victims
life may be in danger.
This module is divided into two lessons:
Lesson 1 Nosebleeds, Swallowing Objects, Poisoning and Dog Bites
Lesson 2 Sprains, Dislocations and Fractures

What Will You Learn From This Module?

After studying this module, you should be able to:

describe common accidents and injuries that need first aid;

explain the different procedures in giving first aid; and

demonstrate proper ways of giving first aid for common accidents and injuries.

Lets See What You Already Know

Before you start studying this module, take this simple test first to find out what you already know about the topic.
In the blanks provided, write True if the statement is true, and write False if it is false.
_______ 1.

A sudden twist or pulling of the bone causes a dislocated joint.

_______ 2.

An X-ray can show how serious a fracture is.

_______ 3.

A rolled newspaper or a piece of cardboard can be used in making a splint.

_______ 4.

Objects that are lodged in the throat should be pulled out using the fingers.

_______ 5.

A dog that has bitten a person should be killed immediately.

_______ 6.

A person who has swallowed gas or petroleum should be made to vomit.

_______ 7.

Keeping the sprained part elevated above the level of your heart will help reduce the swelling.

_______ 8.

The splint used in any kind of fracture should be tight.

_______ 9.

A person with a broken bone should not be made to move.

_______ 10.

One way of stopping a nosebleed is to put ice or a cold towel on the forehead.

Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 3233.

LESSON 1
Nosebleeds, Swallowing Objects, Poisoning and Dog Bites
Accidents happen at any time and at any
place. How can you be sure that you are safe
inside or outside your house? Study the pictures
on the left. What do you see in them? If you
happen to get injured and there is no doctor
around, what should you do?

Examples when first aid may be needed

when bitten by a dog

after swallowing an object

First aid is an emergency care or treatment

given to an ill or injured person before regular
medical aid can be done. Be prepared to give
first aid whenever an accident or an emergency
may occur. Know what to do and what not to do
to make your help effective. In other words, do
only what is needed and avoid doing too much.
Now, would you like to know how to give
first aid? Turn to the next page to find out how to
give first aid for nosebleeds, swallowing objects,
poisoning and dog bites.

when poisoned

when nose bleeds

Lets Read
Nosebleed
It was a hot day. Jack had just arrived from the farm after helping his
father harvesting the rice. Soon, he felt blood coming from his nose. Luckily,
his Aunt Rosa was there. She was able to give him first aid treatment. Aunt
Rosa is like a gift from heaven, Jack thought to himself.
When Jacks nose stopped bleeding, he recalled what his Aunt Rosa did
to stop the bleeding.
Here is the first aid that Aunt Rosa gave him to stop the nosebleed
1. She let him sit on a chair with his back leaning against it.
2. She tightly pinched his nose for ten minutes until the bleeding
stopped.
3. She placed an icebag on his forehead. (If you have no icebag, you
can use a cold towel.)
4. When the bleeding would not stop, she put a piece of cotton inside his nostrils. She left a small portion of the
cotton hanging out. Then, she pinched his nose again the bleeding stopped.

Lets Think About This

Do you think you will be able to follow these steps? With your learning partner, practice how to give first aid for
nosebleeds. Take turns in giving the first aid and make believe that you are the one who has a nosebleed. Request your
Instructional Manager to observe you. Ask him or her for comments.

Lets Try This

These steps are not in order. Put them in the correct order by writing numbers in the blanks. Use 1 to mark the first
step in stopping a nosebleed. Use 2 to mark the second step, and so on.
_____ Place a cold or wet towel on the persons forehead.
_____ Put a piece of cotton inside his nostrils if the bleeding does not stop.
_____ Let him sit on a chair with his back leaning against it.
_____ Pinch his nose tightly until it stops bleeding.
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 33.

Lets Learn
Swallowing Objects
Did you ever swallow a button or a coin when you were still young? Ask your mother and father what they did to
relieve you. (To relieve means to free you from pain or danger.)
What objects do children usually swallow accidentally? What first aid should be given in cases like these?

If one swallows a small object, wait for it to come out

when she moves her bowel. Examples of such an object are
beads, buttons, coins, marbles and seeds.

If one swallows sharp objects such as needles, meat

bones or nails, bring him to the health center or hospital
immediately. The hospital has instruments that can
remove such things.

Consult a doctor if the victim complains of pain.

If the victim starts to choke or cannot breathe, try to make him

cough. It will force out the object from his throat. Do not try to remove
it with your fingers. You may push it farther down.

If the victim is a small child, hold his abdomen. Then, let him bend
over. Next give him a strong pat on the back between his shoulders.
The object will be forced out.

If the above procedures fail, call a doctor or a health worker

immediately. If the victim stops breathing, revive or bring him back
to life through the mouth-to-mouth process. This process is called
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
In situations like these, remember not to panic or show sudden
fear. Stay calm so that your actions will be right. Remember that
there is a life in danger and you must save it.
7

Lets Think About This

What should you do when you are facing with the situations below?
1. You swallowed a seed.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. A little boy starts to choke because of an object stuck in his throat.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. A woman swallowed a meat bone.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

4. A victim stops breathing.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 33.

Lets Read
Poisoning
Poisoning is caused by swallowing, breathing in or being exposed to a poisonous substance.
Have you ever seen a person who had taken poison accidentally? How
did it happen? What was done to the victim? What lessons did you learn
from the experience?
Read and remember the following guidelines for preventing poisoning
and giving first aid to a victim of poisoning.

Place all poisonous things in safe places that cannot be reached by

children. These include gas, insecticides, detergents, alcohol,
paints, cigarettes and matches, tincture of iodine, and rat poison.

Call a doctor immediately when someone has been poisoned. In case a doctor hasnt arrived yet, do the
following.

If the victim is unconscious, bring him or her to the

hospital immediately. Unconscious means lack of
awareness, as if asleep. If he is conscious, ask him
the cause of poisoning. You may also ask his
housemates.

If the victim has drunk acid, gas, gasoline or

petroleum and her lips, mouth and tongue are
burned, do not try to make her vomit. A strong
poison that burns on the way down the throat
will also do damage on the way back up.

For other kinds of poison, make the victim vomits by giving any of the following:

powdered coconut shell or charcoal mixed with water

milk with egg

flour mixed with water

a mixture of two parts powdered toasted bread, one part strong tea, and one part milk of magnesia

10

Lets Try This

Study the statements below. Which statements are correct? Place a check (3) in the box before the number of those
statements. Which statements are in correct? Place an (7) in the box. Explain your answers.
1.

Leave poisonous substances within reach of children.

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

2.

If the victim is conscious, ask him the cause of poisoning.

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

3.

A person who has drunk acid should be made to vomit.

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

11

4.

If a poison victim has become unconscious, bring her to a hospital immediately.

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 34.

Lets Learn
Dog Bites
It was almost morning when Peter, James and John walked to their homes.
They attended the birthday party of their good friend, Luke. Stray dogs were
barking as they went by. Without warning, one of the dogs suddenly ran after
them. It caught up with poor Peter and bit his leg. The friends agreed on what to
do with Peter. But, they argued with each other on whether or not to kill the dog.
In your opinion, what should they do?
This is what the boys decided to do:

Wash the affected area with soap and water immediately to remove the
dogs saliva.

Leave the wound open.

12

Dont kill the dog. Put it in a cage and observe it for two weeks.

If the dog dies within two weeks, bring the victim to the health
center for anti-rabies injection.

Observe the dog. If the dog becomes fierce, refuses to eat and
foams at the mouth, kill and bury it. Bring the victim to the nearest
health center or hospital for appropriate treatment.

Lets Talk About This

Answer the following questions:
1. What will you do when someone is bitten by a dog?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Why should you not immediately kill a dog that has bitten someone?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

13

3. What should be done if the dog dies within two weeks? Why?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 34.

Lets See What You Have Learned

What should you do when you are facing with the following situations?
1. Your brother has been playing too long under the sun. He came home with his nose bleeding.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Your friend accidentally swallowed a meat bone.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

14

3. A neighbor of yours drank gasoline.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. A girl has been bitten by a dog.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 35.

Lets Remember
The following are things to remember when giving first aid:

For nosebleeds, pinch your nose until the bleeding stops. Apply ice or a cold towel on your forehead.

Never try to remove swallowed objects using your fingers. You may push the object farther down.

Never induce vomiting for victims of gas and petroleum poisoning.

In case of a dog bite, dont kill the dog immediately. Put it in a cage and observe it for two weeks.
15

LESSON 2
Sprains, Dislocations and Fractures
Do you like exercising? Do you often carry heavy objects? Have you ever hurt yourself during a fall?
Accidents and hard physical activities can sometimes lead to bone and other injuries. These injuries can happen
anywhere even at home. It is best that you know how to give immediate treatment for injuries like sprains, dislocations
and fractures.
This lesson will enable you to determine the kind of bone, joint or other injury you, a family member or anyone may
suffer from. You will also learn the proper first aid to give to a victim who has sprain, fracture or dislocation.
After studying this lesson, you should be able to:

identify a sprain, dislocation or fracture through its signs or symptoms;

explain first aid procedures for a sprain, dislocation and fracture; and

demonstrate the proper way of giving first aid to a sprain, dislocation or fracture.

16

Lets Try This

Read the following statements carefully. Tell whether each statement is correct or incorrect. Write your answers in
the space provided.
_______________ 1.

A fracture means a broken bone.

_______________ 2.

A dislocation occurs when sudden stretching or twisting of a bone moves a joint out of
place.

_______________ 3.

A sprain usually happens when a bone is broken.

_______________ 4.

You should not move the broken part of a victims body.

_______________ 5.

Keep the affected part of a sprain below the level of the heart.

_______________ 6.

Put an icebag over a dislocated joint.

_______________ 7.

There is no need to bring a fracture victim to a hospital.

_______________ 8.

The waist is the area usually affected by a sprain.

_______________ 9.

Make sure that the splint for the fracture is very tight.

_______________10.

A victim of a dislocation does not need first aid.

Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 3536.

17

Lets Learn
Sprains
A sprain is a common injury. It usually happens when ligaments or tendons get forced, twisted or torn. A ligament is
a sheet or band of tough tissue connecting bones or supporting muscles or organs. A tendon is a cord of tissue that
attaches the muscle to a bone. The areas usually affected are the ankles, wrists, shoulders and hips. The signs are pain,
swelling and difficulty of moving the affected area. Change in skin color may appear later. It may take weeks before the
injury is completely healed.

torn
ligament

twisted
ligament

Treatment depends on how bad or serious the sprain is. But in any each case, the immediate treatment will help to
control the swelling and pain. This is known as the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) treatment.
Rest:

Avoid moving or using the affected area to avoid added pain or injury. Try to exercise the injured part once it
has healed slowly.

18

Ice:

Apply ice (using bags with crushed ice, cold packs, etc.) to the affected area for the first 24 to 48
hours to prevent or minimize swelling.

Compression: This involves putting pressure or pressing on the affected area. Wrap an elastic bandage around the
affected area to keep the ice in place. Do not wrap it so tightly such that the flow of blood would be
interrupted. After 10-15 minutes, loosen the bandage and remove the ice. Ice may be reapplied for
15-20 minutes every one or two hours for the first six hours after the injury. As long as the affected
area is swelling, continue to apply ice 3-4 times a day.
Elevation:

This means placing the affected area above the level of the heart make the flow of blood slowly to the
injury.

Sprains must be studied carefully. If the tear is very serious, call a doctor. If he cannot come immediately, do not
apply a bandage, but keep the injured part elevated and at rest until he arrives. He may request for an X-ray of the affected
area to make sure there are no other injuries.

19

Lets Try This

Match Column A with Column B. Match each step in the RICE treatment with its name. Write your answer in the blank
before the number of each statement.
Column A

Column B

_____ 1. Wrap an elastic bandage around the injured area to keep the ice in place.

a.

_____ 2.

b. Ice

Place the injured area above the level of the heart to make the
flow of blood slowly to the injury.

_____ 3.

Apply an icebag or a cold pack to the injured area to prevent or

reduce the swelling.

_____ 4.

Avoid using or moving the affected area to prevent further pain

or injury.

Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 36.

20

Rest

c. Compression
d. Elevation

Lets Read
Dislocations
Sudden stretching, twisting or pulling of the bone results in a dislocation.
Here, a bone dislocates or moves away from its normal position or location at a
joint. A joint is a part in the body where two bones are joined or connected. A
bad fall or too much body movement may result in dislocations.

dislocation
on shoulder
joint
original
position

The most common dislocations occur in the shoulder, elbow or finger.

The signs of a dislocation are swelling, pain, tenderness and change in skin
color of the area. The area may appear abnormal. There may be a bump or a
hollow.
If you suspect a dislocation, do not move the area. You may use a splint. A
splint is any device or object that may be used to support the dislocated body part
and keep it from being moved. You may use any of these objects for a splint
depending on the size of the area affected: a tongue blade or depressor, pencil
stub, cardboard, broomstick, cane, crutch, mopstick, piece of board, rolled
newspaper, or an umbrella.
Try to keep the joint elevated or above the level of the heart to make the flow
of blood slowly to the area.
In the case of any dislocation, it is advised to wait for a doctor to set the
dislocated bone back to its proper position. Just prevent the movement of the
dislocated area. More importantly, no attempt at all should be made if there is
an open wound near the dislocated area.
21

Splint

Lets Talk About This

1. What is a dislocation?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the signs of a dislocation?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. What is the first aid or immediate treatment for a dislocation?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 37.

Lets Learn
Fractures
Have you ever had a broken bone? A broken bone is called a fracture. A fracture must be carefully handled. The
most common signs of a fracture are:

Pain at the affected area.

22

The area may or may not appear normal. There may be swelling, a bump or a hollow.

The victim cannot put weight on the area without experiencing pain.

A scratching or rough feeling or sound may be present when the injured area is moved.

There are two kinds of fracture:

a closed fracture

an open fracture

A closed or simple fracture does not break or pierce through the skin. If it is not properly cared for, it could be
further injured. If you believe there is a fracture:

Check for swelling around the affected area.

There may be a change in the color of the skin. If the victim complains of tenderness and pain in the area or says
that he felt or heard a bone break, bring him to a doctor immediately.

An open or compound fracture pierces through the skin. There may be serious bleeding. Do not apply pressure to
an open fracture to stop the bleeding. Here is what you should do for a compound fracture.

23

Cover the injured area with a clean, fresh pad or a light bandage.

Apply a splint to keep the bone from causing further injury to the areas
around it. If the victim must be moved, splint him where he lies before moving
him.

Call a doctor immediately or bring the victim to a hospital. Expert handling is

needed to save the victims life or prevent serious or permanent damage. An
X-ray may be taken to find out how serious the fracture is.

Avoid moving the victim, but keep him warm, comfortable and calm.

24

Lets Try This

Study the pictures below. You will see that there are different kinds of splints used for different kinds of fractures. Do
you think youll be able to make a splint? Work with your co-learners on how to make different kinds of splints. Ask your
Instructional Manager for supervision and assistance.

fracture of the lower leg

fracture of the lower arm

fracture of the spine

25

Lets Think About This

1. What is the difference between a simple and a compound fracture?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the common signs of a fracture?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. What is the use of a splint?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. What will you do if a friend of yours accidentally fractured his lower left arm and the bone pierced through the
skin?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 3738.

26

Lets See What You Have Learned

Write the letter of the correct answer in the space before the number of each statement.
_____ 1.

To ease the pain of a mild sprain, what should be done?

a.
b.
c.
d.

_____ 2.

To find out how serious the bone fracture is, what is the best thing to do?
a.
b.
c.
d.

_____ 3.

Have its picture taken.

Take an X-ray.
Feel the skin.
Massage the area.

A dislocated bone can only be set back in place by __________.

a.
b.
c.
d.

_____ 4.

Apply an ice pack on it.

Massage the area.
Apply oil on the sprain.
Rub the area with alcohol.

anyone available
a midwife
an expert with this kind of injury
a dentist

What may happen if the splint is too tight?

a. It will not cause any harm.
b. The flow of blood might be interrupted.
27

c. It will lessen the pain.

d. None of the above.
_____ 5.

Your brother was given first aid for a dislocation, but after two weeks it was still swollen and painful.
What should he do?
a.
b.
c.
d.

Theres nothing to worry about.

Loosen the bandage.
Consult a doctor.
Tighten the splint.

Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 38.

Lets Remember
In this lesson, you learned that:

A sprain occurs when ligaments or tendons get forced, twisted or torn. First aid involves the RICE treatment
(Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation).

A dislocation occurs when a bone dislocates or moves away from its normal position or location at a joint.
Dislocated areas should not be moved. It can only be set back by a doctor or an expert on this kind of injury.

A fracture occurs when a bone is broken. It is best to bring the victim to a hospital for proper medical treatment.
A splint may be used to prevent movement of the injured area while waiting for a doctor.

28

Lets Sum Up
In this module, you learned that:

First aid is an emergency care or immediate treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical help
can be done or applied. Thus, it is important to know how to practice first aid.

Common emergencies that require first aid include nosebleeds, swallowing objects, poisoning, dog bites, sprains,
dislocations and fractures. Further injury and permanent damage may be prevented when you have knowledge of
first aid.

What Have You Learned?

Study the following situations. Give the proper first aid for each injury. Write your answers on the space provided.
1. Your friend stayed out under the heat of the sun for too long. His nose was bleeding.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

29

2. You are in a restaurant. The woman in the table beside you accidentally swallowed a meat bone.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Your sister sprained her ankle while exercising.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. Your sister dislocated her wrist bone when she lifted a heavy bag.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. You saw a man fell from the second floor of a building. You rushed to him and saw part of his leg bone piercing
through his skin.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 39.
30

If the number of correct answer you got is:

5

Very good! You have learned much from this module.

34

Good! You just need to review the parts that you did not understand clearly.

02

You need to study the module again.

31

Answer Key
A. Lets See What You Already Know (page 2)
True.
_______

1. A dislocation results from sudden stretching, twisting or pulling of the bone. Here, a bone dislocates
or moves away from its normal position or location at a joint.

True.
_______

2. You cant tell just by looking how serious a fracture or broken bone is. An X-ray is needed to see a
fracture more clearly.

True.
_______

3. A rolled newspaper or a piece of cardboard can be used in making a splint, as long as these materials
can provide the support needed to prevent the injured area from any movement.

False.
_______

4. An object that is trapped in the throat should not be pulled out with the fingers because this will only
push the object farther down.

False.
_______

5. The dog that has bitten a person should not be killed immediately. Put the dog in a cage and observe
it for two weeks. However, if the dog starts to become fierce, refuses to eat and foams at the mouth,
you may then kill it.

False.
_______

6. A person who has swallowed gas or petroleum should not be made to vomit. A strong poison such
as gas or petroleum that burns on the way down the throat will also do damage on the way back up.

True.
_______

7. If the sprained part is kept elevated above the level of the heart, flood will flow slowly and prevent the
area from swelling.

False.
_______

8. The splint should not be tight in any kind of a fracture. This may interrupt the flow of blood or
prevent the blood from flowing normally.

32

_______
True.

9. A person with a broken bone should not be made to move or should be prevented from moving the
injured part of his body. Movement may worsen his injury and may result in permanent damage.

_______
True. 10. One way of stopping your nose from bleeding is to put ice or a cold towel on your forehead.
B. Lesson 1
Lets Try This (page 5)
_____ Place a cold or wet towel on the persons forehead.
_____ Put a piece of cotton inside his nostrils if the bleeding does not stop.
_____ Let him sit on a chair with his back leaning against it.
_____ Pinch his nose tightly until it stops bleeding.
Lets Think About This (pages 89)
7 1. I will wait for the seed to come out when I move my bowel.
3 2. I will make the boy cough, so the object will be forced out from his throat. I will not remove the object with
my fingers because I may push it farther down.
7 3. I will immediately bring the woman to a health center or a hospital. The doctors or health workers there have
instruments that can remove the meat bone from her throat.
3 4. I will call a doctor immediately. While waiting for the doctor, I will give the victim mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation to revive her.

33

Lets Try This (pages 1112)

1. Leave poisonous substances within reach of children.
Poisonous substances should not be kept where children can easily reach them. The children may get curious and
accidentally drink or swallow the substances.
2. If the victim is conscious, ask him the cause of poisoning.
To know the proper first aid you should give to a victim of poisoning, you must know what poisonous substance
he has drunk or swallowed.
3. A person who has drunk acid should be made to vomit.
A person who has drunk acid should not be made to vomit. A strong poison such as acid that burns on the way
down the throat will also do damage on the way back up.
4. If a poison victim has become unconscious, bring her to the hospital immediately.
It is important that you immediately bring a poison victim to a hospital especially if she is unconscious.
Lets Talk About This (pages 1314)
1. When someone is bitten by a dog, I will wash immediately the affected area with clean water and soap to remove
the dogs saliva. I will leave the wound open. I will put the dog in a cage and observe it to know if it has rabies so
I can bring the victim to a hospital if needed.
2. I should not immediately kill the dog that has bitten someone. I should put the dog in a cage and observe it for
two weeks. Observing the dog will let me know if the dog has rabies.
3. If the dog dies within two weeks, the victim should be brought to a health center or a hospital so he can be given
an anti-rabies injection.
34

Lets See What You Have Learned (pages 1415)

1. I will let my brother sit on a chair with his back leaning against it. Then, I will pinch his nose tightly until it stops
bleeding. I will place a cold towel on his forehead. If the bleeding does not stop, I will put a piece of cotton inside
his nostrils.
2. I will immediately bring my friend to a hospital or a health center. The doctors or the health workers have
instruments that can remove the meat bone from her throat.
3. I will immediately call a doctor or bring my neighbor to a hospital. I will not force my neighbor to vomit because
vomiting may further damage his throat.
4. I will wash the bitten area with clean water and soap to remove the dogs saliva. I will leave the wound open. I will
have the dog put in a cage and observed for signs of rabies. If the dog dies within two weeks or shows signs of
rabies, I will bring the girl to a hospital for an anti-rabies injection.
C. Lesson 2
Lets Try This (page 17)
Correct.
_________

1. When a bone is broken, a fracture has occurred.

Correct.
_________

2. Sudden stretching or twisting of a bone moves a joint out of place. A dislocation occurs.

Incorrect.
_________

3. A sprain affects a tendon or a ligament, not the bone itself. A tendon is a cord of tissue that
attaches the muscle to a bone. A ligament is a sheet or band of tough tissue connecting bones or
supporting muscles or organs.

Correct.
_________

4. The broken part of a victims body should not be moved. Moving the broken part may result in a
more serious or permanent damage.
35

Incorrect.
_________

5. You should keep the affected part of a sprain above the level of the heart, not below. The purpose
of this is to slow down the flow of blood to the affected area so that not much swelling will occur.
Placing the affected part below the heart level will produce much swelling.

Incorrect.
_________

6. Putting an ice bag over a dislocated joint is not the proper first aid for a dislocation. Instead, a
splint should be made to prevent the affected area from being moved farther.

Incorrect.
_________

7. A fracture victim should be immediately brought to a hospital so he may be given proper medical
treatment. Failure to bring the victim to a hospital may result in a more serious or permanent
damage.

Incorrect.
_________

8. The waist is not an area usually affected by a sprain. The usually affected areas are the ankles,
wrists, shoulders and hips.

Incorrect.
_________

9. A splint for a fracture should not be very tight. If the splint is too tight, it may interrupt the normal
flow of blood in the area.

Incorrect. 10. A dislocation, as well as most other injuries, needs first aid. This is to prevent a more serious and
_________
permanent damage.
Lets Try This (page 20)
(c) 1. is the answer. In compression, an elastic bandage is wrapped around the injured area to keep the ice in
___
place.
(d) 2. is the answer. In elevation, the injured area is placed above the level of the heart to slow the flow of blood to
___
the injury.
(b) 3. is the answer. In ice, an ice bag or a cold pack is applied to the injured area to prevent or reduce swelling.
___
(a) 4. is the answer. In rest, the area is prevented from being used or moved so as no further pain or injury will
___
occur.
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Lets Talk About This (page 22)

1. A dislocation is an injury where a bone dislocates or moves away from its normal position or location at a joint. It
usually results from sudden stretching, twisting or pulling of the bone.
2. The signs of a dislocation are swelling, pain and tenderness and change in skin color of the area. The area may
appear abnormal. There may be a bump or a hollow.
3. The first aid or immediate treatment for a dislocation is to prevent the movement of the injured area. A splint may
be used to support the dislocated part and prevent it from being moved. The joint is elevated or kept above the
level of the heart to slow the flow of blood to the area. A doctor is called to set the bone back to its proper
position or location.
Lets Think About This (page 26)
1. In a simple fracture, the bone does not pierce through the skin. In a compound fracture, the bone breaks through
the skin.
2. The common signs of a fracture are:
a.

Pain at the affected area.

b. The area may or may not appear normal. There may be swelling, a bump or a hollow.
c. The victim cannot put weight on the area without experiencing pain.
d. A scratching or rough feeling or sound may be present when the injured area is moved.
3. A splint is used to support the fractured bone and prevent it from being moved to avoid further damage.

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4. I will cover the injured area with a clean fresh pad or a light bandage. I will prevent his lower left arm from being
moved by using a splint. I can roll some newspaper and place them at the side of the arms and tie them together. I
will make sure that the splint is not too tight so as not to interrupt the flow of blood in the area. I will immediately
call a doctor or bring my friend to a hospital for proper medical treatment. While waiting for the doctor, I will
avoid moving my friend, but I will keep him warm, comfortable and calm.
Lets See What You Have Learned (pages 2728)
(a) 1. is the correct answer. To ease the pain of a mild sprain, apply an ice pack on it. Massaging the area,
___
applying oil on it, rubbing it with alcohol may worsen the sprain because the area may accidentally be
moved or too much pressure might be applied.
(b) 2. is the correct answer. Take an X-ray to find out how serious a bone fracture is. A simple picture of the
___
area will not show much about the injury. Feeling the skin and massaging the area may worsen the injury.
(c) 3. is the correct answer. A dislocated bone can only be set back in place by an expert with this kind of
___
injury. It cannot be done by just anyone. A midwife and a dentist are not experts in dislocation.
(b) 4. is the correct answer. If the splint is too tight, the flow of blood might be interrupted. It might cause
___
further harm. It will not lessen the pain.
(c) 5. is the correct answer. My brother should consult a doctor about his dislocation. His injury is something he
___
should be worried about because after two weeks it is still swollen and painful. Loosening the bandage will
not help heal his injury because the injury might be worse than he thought. Tightening the splint might bring
further damage because it will interrupt the normal flow of blood in the affected area.

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D. What Have You Learned? (pages 2930)

1. I will let my friend sit on a chair with his back leaning against it. Then, I will pinch his nose tightly until it stops
bleeding. I will place a cold towel on his forehead. If the bleeding does not stop, I will put a piece of cotton
inside his nostrils.
2. I will immediately bring the woman to a hospital or a health center. The doctors or the health workers there have
instruments that can remove the meat bone from her throat.
3. I will give my sister the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) treatment. I will prevent movement or use
of her ankle. I will put ice on the area for the first 24 to 48 hours to prevent or minimize swelling. I will wrap an
elastic bandage around the area to keep the ice in place. After 10-15 minutes, I will loosen the bandage and remove
the ice. I will reapply ice for 15-20 minutes every one or two hours for the first six hours after the injury. As long
as the affected area is swelling, I will continue to apply ice 3-4 times a day. I will elevate the area or place it above
the level of the heart to make the flow of blood slowly to the injured area. I will consult a doctor to make sure
there is no further damage.
4. I will not move the injured area. I will use a splint to support his dislocated wrist bone and prevent it from being
moved. I will place the area above the level of the heart to make the flow of blood slowly to the injured area. I will
call a doctor to set the bone back to its proper location.
5. I will cover the injured area with a clean fresh pad or a light bandage. I will prevent his leg from being moved by
using a splint. I can roll some newspaper and place them at the side of his leg and tie them together. I will make
sure that the splint is not too tight so as not to interrupt the flow of blood in the area. I will immediately call a
doctor or bring the man to a hospital for proper medical treatment. While waiting for the doctor, I will avoid
moving him, but I will keep him warm, comfortable and calm.

39

Glossary
Anti-rabies injection A medicine given to a person bitten by a dog with rabies. This helps control the spread of
disease in the victims body
Choking Occurs when an object blocks the throat
Compound fracture (or open fracture) A fracture where the bone pierces through the skin
Compression Involves putting pressure or pressing on the affected area
Dislocation An injury where a bone dislocates or moves away from its normal position or location at a joint
Elevation Placing the affected area above the level of the heart to make the flow of blood slowly to the injury
First aid An emergency care or treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be done
Fracture A break in a bone; a broken bone
Joint A part in the body where two bones are joined or connected
Ligament A sheet or band of tough tissue connecting bones or supporting muscles or organs
Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation A method use to revive an unconscious victim. Here, the victim is artificially given
air by another person.
Nosebleed Bleeding from the nose
Poisoning Caused by swallowing, breathing in or being exposed to a poisonous substance
40

Rabies A disease transferred to a man through a bite by an animal, usually a dog. The victim may find it hard to
breathe, experience fever and die.
Simple fracture (or closed fracture) A fracture where the bone does not break or pierce through the skin
Sprain Occurs when ligaments or tendons get forced, twisted or torn
Splint A device or object used to support the fractured bone and prevent it from being moved to avoid further
damage
Tendon A cord of tissue that attaches the muscle to a bone
Unconscious Without awareness, as if asleep

References
Escaro, Josefina N. Advanced First Aid: Emergency Care and Treatments. Manila, Philippines: Mirriam School &
Office Supplies Corp., 1976.
Olson and Dorland. A Reference Handbook and Dictionary of Nursing. Tokyo, Japan: Igaku Shoin Ltd.,1969.
First Aid and Health. <http://bcadventure.com/adventure/wilderness/survival/first.htm>. Date accessed: April 23,
2001.
Meijer Pharmacy. <http: www.meijer.com/pharmacy/first_aid.html>. Date accessed: April 23, 2001.

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