Definitions [2]
Define.
First aid
The primary help offered to the victims of disasters before actual medical treatment is available is known as first aid.
Definition: First Aid
The immediate and temporary care given to an injured or ill person before proper medical treatment is called first aid.
Key Points
Key Points: Bacterial Diseases
- Typhoid is caused by Salmonella typhi and spreads through contaminated food and water.
- Typhoid symptoms include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, and loss of appetite; confirmed by the Widal test.
- Pneumonia is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae and spreads through air droplets.
- Pneumonia affects the lungs, causing fluid-filled alveoli, cough, fever, and breathing difficulty.
- Other bacterial diseases include dysentery, cholera, tuberculosis, tetanus, and plague.
- These diseases spread through various modes like contaminated food/water, air droplets, direct contact, or insect vectors.
- Severe infections can lead to serious complications or death if untreated.
Key Points: Viral Diseases
- Common cold is caused by Rhinovirus, spreads via droplets from cough/sneezes and contaminated objects, with symptoms like nasal congestion, sore throat, and headache, lasting 3-7 days.
- Dengue and Chikungunya are both spread by the Aedes mosquito; Dengue is caused by the Dengue virus and Chikungunya by the CHIK virus.
- Influenza spreads via coughing/sneezing, Measles spreads via droplets, while Mumps and Chickenpox spread through airborne droplets.
- German measles spreads via close contact, Smallpox via direct contact, and Rabies is transmitted through the bite of a rabid dog.
- Polio is caused by the polio virus and spreads via faeces and air, seriously affecting the nervous system.
- Avian flu is caused by the H5N1 virus and spreads through contact with infected poultry as well as through airborne spread.
- Chickenpox is caused by Varicella zoster and spreads via airborne droplets, while Smallpox, caused by Variola virus, spreads via direct contact and is now globally eradicated.
Key Points: First Aid and Emergency Action
| Term | Meaning | Purpose | Example / Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Aid | Immediate care given before medical help | To save life and prevent condition from worsening | Treating cuts, burns, snake bite |
| Emergency Action | Quick steps taken during accidents or disasters | To reduce loss of life and property | Rescue, evacuation, calling help |
| Safety Signs | Warning symbols indicating danger | To prevent accidents | Electric shock sign, fire sign |
| First Aid Kit | Box of essential first aid materials | To provide quick medical help | Bandages, antiseptic, scissors |
