First Aid Terms and Glossary.

A

Airway

The passage that carries air to the lungs. In the primary survey you open the airway by gently tilting the head back and lifting the chin, then check it is clear. An open airway is essential before you can check breathing.

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

A portable device that analyses the heart rhythm and, if needed, delivers a controlled shock to restart a normal heartbeat in cardiac arrest. AEDs give spoken instructions and are safe for a trained first aider to use. Early defibrillation with good CPR gives the best chance of survival.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can develop within minutes. Signs include swelling, difficulty breathing and collapse. Treat it by helping the casualty use their adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen), calling 112 or 999, and keeping them still.

B

Bleeding Control

The steps used to stop severe external bleeding: apply firm direct pressure to the wound, add dressings, and use a tourniquet for catastrophic limb bleeding that will not stop. Controlling bleeding quickly helps prevent shock.

Burns

Damage to the skin from heat, chemicals, electricity or radiation. Cool a burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, remove tight items before swelling starts, and cover loosely. Never apply creams or burst blisters.

C

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

The combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths used when a casualty is not breathing normally. For adults, give 30 chest compressions at 100 to 120 per minute, to a depth of 5 to 6 cm, followed by 2 rescue breaths, and keep going until help arrives.

Choking

A blocked airway caused by an object, common while eating. For a conscious adult who cannot breathe or speak, give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades, then up to 5 abdominal thrusts, repeating until the blockage clears.

Casualty

The injured or ill person a first aider is helping. Good first aid means assessing the casualty calmly, treating the most life-threatening problems first, and reassuring them until the emergency services take over.

D

DRSABCD Primary Survey

The step-by-step approach used to assess any casualty safely: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation. Working through it in order makes sure you deal with the biggest dangers first.

Defibrillation

Delivering a controlled electric shock with an AED to restore a normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. Attach the AED as soon as one is available and follow its spoken prompts, continuing CPR in between shocks.

E

EpiPen (Adrenaline Auto-injector)

A single-use injector that delivers a measured dose of adrenaline to treat anaphylaxis. It is given into the outer thigh. After use, call 112 or 999 immediately, as a second dose may be needed and the casualty must be monitored.

Emergency Services (112 / 999)

The numbers to call for an ambulance in Ireland. Give a clear location, describe what has happened and the casualty's condition, and do not hang up until told to. A bystander can be sent to call while you start first aid.

F

FAST (Stroke Test)

A quick check for the signs of a stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 112 or 999. If any sign is present, treat it as an emergency and call for help straight away.

Fracture

A broken or cracked bone. Signs include pain, swelling and deformity. Support the injured part, keep the casualty still, do not try to straighten it, and arrange medical help. Treat any open wound and watch for shock.

First Aid Kit

The container of essential supplies every workplace must keep, including sterile dressings, bandages, gloves, plasters and antiseptic wipes. Items must be in date, sealed and stored in a clean, dry, clearly marked location.

H

HSA

Health and Safety Authority - the national body in Ireland with responsibility for securing health and safety at work. The HSA enforces health and safety legislation and provides guidance on First Aid.

Head Injury

Any injury to the head, which may affect the brain. Watch for confusion, drowsiness, vomiting or unequal pupils. Keep the casualty still, monitor their response, and seek urgent medical help if symptoms appear or worsen.

R

Recovery Position

A stable side-lying position for an unconscious casualty who is breathing normally. It keeps the airway open and lets fluids drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of choking while you wait for the emergency services.

Rescue Breaths

Breaths given during CPR to put oxygen into a casualty's lungs. After 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. If you are unable or unwilling to give them, continue with compression-only CPR until help arrives.

Risk Assessment

The process of identifying hazards, judging the risk of harm, and deciding on control measures. A first-aid risk assessment helps an employer work out how many trained first aiders, kits and AEDs a workplace needs.

S

Shock

A life-threatening condition where not enough oxygen reaches the body's tissues, often caused by severe bleeding. Signs include pale, cold, clammy skin and rapid breathing. Lay the casualty down, raise their legs, keep them warm and call for help.

Seizure

A sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause collapse and uncontrolled movements. Protect the casualty from injury, never restrain them or put anything in their mouth, time the seizure, and place them in the recovery position afterwards.

Stroke

A medical emergency caused by an interrupted blood supply to the brain. Use the FAST test to spot it - Face, Arm, Speech, Time - and call 112 or 999 immediately, as fast treatment improves recovery.

U

Unconscious Casualty

Someone who does not respond to voice or gentle touch. Open and check their airway, then check breathing. If they are breathing, place them in the recovery position and monitor them. If they are not breathing normally, start CPR and call for help.

W

Workplace First-Aid Risk Assessment

An employer's review of the first-aid needs of a workplace. It considers the hazards present, the number and pattern of workers, the distance from emergency services and the history of injuries, then sets out the trained first aiders, kits and AEDs required.

Wound Care

Cleaning and dressing a wound to control bleeding and reduce infection. Wear gloves, apply direct pressure to stop bleeding, clean around the wound, then cover it with a sterile dressing. Seek medical help for deep, dirty or heavily bleeding wounds.