Simple first Aid Notes, Quizzes & Revision
π Revision Notes β’ π Quizzes β’ π Past Papers available in app
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Topic: topic_name_replace β Subtopic: Simple first Aid
Target age: age_replace β’ Kenyan context
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Purpose
These notes teach basic, safe first-aid steps children/learners (age_replace) can use at home, school or in the community in Kenya until a trained adult or medical help arrives.
Learning outcomes (specific)
- Recognise common injuries and emergencies (bleeds, burns, choking, fainting, fractures, poisoning).
- Give simple, safe first aid steps appropriate for age_replace and call for help when needed.
- Prepare a small, low-cost first-aid kit suitable for home/school in Kenya.
- Know how to contact emergency services and inform caregivers.
Key words & short meanings
- First aid β immediate help given to an injured or ill person before professional help.
- Shock β bodyβs response to serious injury; person may be pale, cold, weak.
- Sterile β clean and free from germs (use boiled cloth if sterile items not available).
- Ambulance / emergency number β call for professional help (Kenya: 999 or 112).
Simple safety rules before helping
- Keep yourself safe first (move away from traffic, fire, electricity).
- Ask for permission to help if the person is conscious; if a child cannot answer, help anyway.
- Wash your hands, or use a clean cloth/plastic bag as a glove to avoid infection.
- Get an adult or call for help if the injury is serious.
What to do: step-by-step for common problems
1) Bleeding (cuts)
β’ Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or dressing for at least 5β10 minutes. π©Έ
β’ Raise the injured part above heart level if this does not cause pain.
β’ Do not remove embedded objectsβpress around them and get help.
Call for help if bleeding is heavy, does not stop, or the person feels faint.
2) Burns
β’ Cool the burn with cool (not icy) running water for 10β20 minutes. π§
β’ Remove tight clothing or jewellery from the burned area if it is not stuck.
β’ Cover with a clean, non-fluffy cloth or plastic wrap. Do not apply paste, oil or butter.
Seek help for large, deep burns, burns on face/hands/genitals or if from chemicals/electricity.
3) Choking
β’ If the person can cough or speak, encourage coughing. Do not hit their back strongly.
β’ If they cannot breathe, give 5 back blows (between the shoulder blades) then 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) for older children/adults. For infants use chest thrusts instead. π€²
Call 999/112 immediately and get an adult trained in first aid if available.
4) Fractures (possible broken bone)
β’ Keep the injured part still. Do not try to straighten a deformed limb. π¦΄
β’ Support using a splint (rolled newspaper, stick) padded with cloth and tie gently above and below the injury.
Get medical help β go to the nearest clinic/hospital or call for ambulance if severe.
5) Fainting or unconscious but breathing
β’ Lay the person flat and raise their legs about 30 cm (if no spine injury suspected). π¬οΈ
β’ Loosen tight clothing, ensure fresh air. Check breathing and pulse regularly.
If not breathing, start CPR and call 999/112 immediately.
6) Poisoning (swallowed medicines, farm chemicals)
β’ If safe, remove the person from the source (move to fresh air if fumes).
β’ Do NOT make them vomit unless a trained professional tells you to.
β’ Take the container/label with you to the health worker. Call the nearest hospital or 999/112.
7) Animal or insect bites
β’ Wash the wound with clean water and soap. Apply a clean dressing. ππ
β’ For snake bites, keep the person still and calm; do not cut or suck the wound. Get urgent medical care (anti-venom may be needed).
8) Heat exhaustion & dehydration
β’ Move to shade or cool place, give small sips of water if conscious. Offer oral rehydration if available. βοΈ
β’ Cool the person with damp cloths. Seek help if symptoms worsen (confusion, very high temperature).
9) Seizures
β’ Gently protect the head by placing a soft item under it. Do not restrain movements. βοΈ
β’ Remove nearby sharp objects and turn the person to their side after shaking stops to keep airway clear.
Call for medical help if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or repeats.
When to call for help (Kenya)
- Severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, severe burns, suspected poisoning, suspected broken bones with deformity, or severe head injury.
- Emergency numbers: 999 or 112. Also alert a teacher, parent or local health worker.
- Tell the caller: where you are, what happened, number and condition of injured, and whether anyone is not breathing.
Simple first-aid kit (low-cost & Kenya-friendly)
- Clean cloths / gauze, adhesive tape, plasters (assorted sizes) π©Ή
- Small scissors, tweezers, safety pins
- Antiseptic (savlon or similar), hand sanitizer
- Disposable gloves or clean plastic bags for hands
- Oral rehydration salts (ORS), paracetamol (as per caregiver guidance)
- List of emergency contacts and nearest clinic/hospital address
Infection control & hygiene
Always wash hands before and after giving first aid when possible, use a clean barrier (glove or plastic), and cover wounds to keep them clean. If a clean dressing is not available, use boiled and cooled cloth as a last resort.
Practical reminder (quick checklist)
- STOP: Ensure scene is safe.
- SHOUT: Get help from adults nearby.
- CHECK: Is the person breathing? Are they bleeding?
- CARE: Give simple first aid and call emergency numbers if needed.
Short self-check questions
- What number do you call in an emergency in Kenya?
- Name two things you should NOT do to a burn.
- How long should you cool a burn with running water?
Note: These notes give simple first-aid guidance for learners (age_replace) and are not a substitute for professional medical training. In serious cases always seek immediate medical care at the nearest health facility or call emergency services (999/112).