Part 17: First Aid

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The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (Red Cross) cofounded the National First Aid Science Advisory Board to review and evaluate the scientific literature on first aid in preparation for the 2005 American Heart Association (AHA) and American Red Cross Guidelines for First Aid. 1 In preparation for the 2010 evidence evaluation process, the National First Aid Advisory Board was expanded to become the International First Aid Science Advisory Board with the addition of representatives from a number of international first aid organizations (see Table). The goal of the board is to reduce morbidity and mortality due to emergency events by making treatment recommendations based on an analysis of the scientific evidence that answers the following questions: View this table: Table. International First Aid Science Advisory Board Member Organizations A critical review of the scientific literature by members of the International First Aid Science Advisory Board is summarized in the 2010 International Consensus on First Aid Science With Treatment Recommendations ( ILCOR 2010 CPR Consensus ), from which these guidelines are derived.2 That critical review evaluates the literature and identifies knowledge gaps that might be filled through future scientific research. The history of first aid can be traced to the dawn of organized human societies. For example, Native American Sioux medicine men of the Bear Society were noted for treating battle injuries, fixing fractures, controlling bleeding, removing arrows, and using a sharp flint to cut around wounds and inflammation.3 Modern, organized first aid evolved from military experiences when surgeons taught soldiers how to splint and bandage battlefield wounds. Two British officers, Peter Shepherd and …