Self-protection

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The self-protection is the active protection through appropriate preventive measures , the danger to life or life to avert. Passive protection through suitable protective clothing is called self-protection.

Rescue chain

Self-protection means recognizing dangerous situations for life and limb in emergency situations and taking precautions to minimize any risks that arise. This includes the use of tools. Self-protection is a principle of action that must be observed by all those involved ( first aiders and professional helpers) in every phase of an operation.

Paying attention to self-protection should prevent the rescuer from blindly running into situations that pose a danger to him, or unnecessarily exposing himself to an increased risk. Only an uninjured helper can help, a damaged helper is more in need of help.

The following scheme can help a first-aider to provide assistance:

  • Detect - what type of emergency is it?
  • Think about it - what are the dangers for the person concerned or the helper?
  • Act - act according to the situation.

Dangerous situations

People cannot perceive many dangers with their sensory organs; they are odorless, invisible and noiseless. Even recognizable dangers are often disregarded by helpers if the urge to help is indiscriminately indulged.

  • Road traffic : A broken-down vehicle or an accident pose a risk to those affected, the traffic behind and the helpers. In order to reduce the dangers, an accident site must be secured before assistance is provided. The first measure is to switch on the hazard warning lights , make yourself more visible with a warning vest (self-protection) and then set up the warning triangle at a sufficient distance (depending on the speed on the route and the situation), possibly also one in the Opposite direction. Always run towards the traffic, if possible in the shoulder or behind the guardrail ( self-protection )! Other vehicle drivers can be asked to slow down with hand signals. ( External backup ).
  • Devices and machines in agriculture, in businesses and on construction sites: It is important that the devices are switched off and cannot move suddenly. They must be reliably secured against commissioning.
  • Pit, silo, cellar : There is a risk of being buried by poorly or unsupported pits and bulk goods in silos, as well as suffocation in fermentation cellars and silos, if z. B. carbon dioxide is produced by fermentation . This collects on the ground because it is heavier than air and completely displaces the air. Rescue in such a fermentation gas accident is only possible by trained specialists with air-independent breathing protection .
  • Fires : The dangers are heat and smoke and occur in the form of hot liquids and objects as well as hot and toxic gases and vapors. Fires may have to be extinguished before assistance is provided. It is important to choose the right extinguishing agent .
  • Gases : These pose the dangers of suffocation , poisoning and fire . It is forbidden to stay in areas that are filled with gases. Do not inhale gases, avoid sources of ignition (lighters, light switches, spark formation). This can be remedied by intensive ventilation.
  • Poisons : dangerous for the first aider are v. a. Contact poisons that are common in pesticides are included. The pesticide E 605, which has been banned since 2002, should be pointed out here in particular : the poison is absorbed through the skin and even touching it leads to serious health damage and even death.
  • Acids, alkalis : Avoid contact . Even acids and alkalis that have already been diluted can still have a corrosive effect .
  • Electric power : Before providing assistance, it is essential to disconnect the power supply by removing the fuse , pulling the plug or switching off the device. Some electronic components can store dangerous residual voltages.
  • Bleeding wounds : This poses a potential risk of infection . Disposable gloves protect against this.
  • Avalanches : After avalanches , further avalanches (secondary avalanches) may occur in the accident area.

Tools

In order to support self-protection, there are various aids, some of which prescribe different sets of rules.

Gloves

Set with pocket mask and disposable protective gloves

An important part of self-protection is wearing in every first aid kit available disposable gloves . They protect the first aider from infections (including hepatitis B , hepatitis C and HIV ). They ensure a minimum of hygiene and reduce the disgust factor, especially when dealing with open wounds and vomiting.

Protective work gloves protect, depending on their nature, to a certain extent against mechanical injuries, toxic or caustic substances.

Ventilation aids

Ventilation aids , which are intended to reduce the risk of infection when donating breath , are often found in company first aid kits ; They are still often missing in vehicle first aid kits and in private households. Ventilation wipes or simple ventilation masks are possible.

Safety devices

There are various safety devices in buildings, vehicles and on machines, the position and functionality of which should be known:

See also