Health and Wellness
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Subject: Physical Education Health Core
Class: SHS 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 20
Grade code: 2.1.3.LI.5
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 2.1.3.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.1.3.LI.5
Theme: Physical Activity and Health
Subtheme: Health and Wellness
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In our daily lives, at home, in school during sports, or even on our way to the market, accidents can happen unexpectedly. A classmate might get a cut while playing football, a sibling might burn their hand in the kitchen, or someone might faint from the heat. Knowing what to do in these first few critical moments can prevent a minor injury from becoming a major one, and in some cases, can even save a life. This lesson introduces you to the vital skill of First Aid – the immediate help you can provide to someone who is injured or suddenly becomes ill, before professional medical help arrives. It is about being a prepared, confident, and responsible member of your community.
2.1. What is First Aid?
First Aid is the immediate and temporary care given to a person who has been injured or suddenly taken ill. It is the assistance provided on the spot, using available resources, before a trained medical professional (like a nurse or doctor) can attend to the victim. Immediate: It is the very first response to an emergency. Temporary: It is not a full medical treatment. Its goal is to stabilize the person and prevent their condition from getting worse until they can receive professional medical care. 2.2. The Aims and Principles of First Aid (The 3 Ps)
The goals of first aid can be remembered with the "3 Ps". These are the guiding principles for any first aider. Preserve Life: This is the most important aim. All actions taken should be to keep the victim alive. This includes performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) if trained, or stopping severe bleeding. *Example:* If someone has a deep cut on their arm and is bleeding heavily, the first priority is to apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding and prevent them from losing too much blood. Prevent Worsening: The first aider must act to ensure the victim's condition does not deteriorate while waiting for medical help. This involves making the area safe, moving the victim only if necessary, and managing their injuries appropriately. *Example:* If someone has a suspected broken leg, a first aider would immobilise the leg (keep it still) to prevent the broken bone from causing more damage to muscles or blood vessels. Promote Recovery: First aid actions can help the recovery process begin. This includes simple actions like cleaning and covering a minor wound to prevent infection or cooling a burn to reduce tissue damage. *Example:* Applying a clean dressing to a cut helps keep out germs, which is the first step towards clean healing. 2.3. The First Aid Box and Its Contents
A first aid box (or kit) is a container with essential supplies for providing first aid. Every school, workplace, and home should have one. The contents may vary, but here are some common and essential items: