NCERT Textbook: First Aid and Safety | Health and Physical Education for Class 9 PDF Download

 Page 1


12.1 IntroductIon 
We all observe that when individuals fall ill or are injured, 
they are taken to hospitals or doctors for treatment. But it 
takes time to reach them, during which if some initial care 
is taken, it helps treatment of such individuals and in many 
cases saves their lives. We also observe that some of the 
minor illnesses or injuries are cured by taking such initial 
care. However, this care cannot be taken unless we are 
aware and trained in first-aid. In the present lesson we shall 
discuss various aspects of first aid and safety.
12.2 What d oes FIrst a Id Mean ?
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or 
injury. It is usually performed by a non-expert person to a 
sick or injured person until appropriate medical treatment 
can be accessed in a hospital or by going to a doctor. Certain 
self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further 
medical care after the first aid intervention. It generally consists 
of a series of simple and in some cases, potentially life-saving 
techniques that an individual can be trained to perform with 
minimal equipment. 
The First aid training, therefore, is of value in both preventing 
and treating sudden illness or accidental injury and in caring 
for large number of persons caught in a natural disaster. It is 
a measure both for self help as well as for the help of others. 
12.2.1 Self-help
If you, as a first-aider, are prepared to help others, you are 
better able to care for yourself in case of injury or sudden 
illness. Even if your own condition keeps you from caring for 
yourself, you can direct others in carrying out correct 
procedures to follow on your behalf. 
12.2.2 Help for Others
Having studied first-aid, you are prepared to give others 
some instruction in first-aid, to promote among them 
a reasonable safety attitude and to assist them wisely 
if they are stricken. There is always an obligation on a 
humanitarian basis to assist the sick and the helpless. 
There is no greater satisfaction than that resulting from 
relieving suffering or saving a life. 
First Aid and Safety
12
Fig. 12.1 : First Aid Box
a ctIvIty 12.1
•	 Make	 a	 first	 aid	 box	
and keep in your 
classroom.
•	 Make	 one	 student	
incharge so that 
all students know 
whom to reach in 
an emergency.
a ctIvIty 12.2
•	 Do	you	know	how	to	
apply bandage?
•	 Do	you	know	what	
treatments are applied 
for bruises and cuts?
•	 Discuss	 the	 above	 in	 your	
class and demonstrate.
Page 2


12.1 IntroductIon 
We all observe that when individuals fall ill or are injured, 
they are taken to hospitals or doctors for treatment. But it 
takes time to reach them, during which if some initial care 
is taken, it helps treatment of such individuals and in many 
cases saves their lives. We also observe that some of the 
minor illnesses or injuries are cured by taking such initial 
care. However, this care cannot be taken unless we are 
aware and trained in first-aid. In the present lesson we shall 
discuss various aspects of first aid and safety.
12.2 What d oes FIrst a Id Mean ?
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or 
injury. It is usually performed by a non-expert person to a 
sick or injured person until appropriate medical treatment 
can be accessed in a hospital or by going to a doctor. Certain 
self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further 
medical care after the first aid intervention. It generally consists 
of a series of simple and in some cases, potentially life-saving 
techniques that an individual can be trained to perform with 
minimal equipment. 
The First aid training, therefore, is of value in both preventing 
and treating sudden illness or accidental injury and in caring 
for large number of persons caught in a natural disaster. It is 
a measure both for self help as well as for the help of others. 
12.2.1 Self-help
If you, as a first-aider, are prepared to help others, you are 
better able to care for yourself in case of injury or sudden 
illness. Even if your own condition keeps you from caring for 
yourself, you can direct others in carrying out correct 
procedures to follow on your behalf. 
12.2.2 Help for Others
Having studied first-aid, you are prepared to give others 
some instruction in first-aid, to promote among them 
a reasonable safety attitude and to assist them wisely 
if they are stricken. There is always an obligation on a 
humanitarian basis to assist the sick and the helpless. 
There is no greater satisfaction than that resulting from 
relieving suffering or saving a life. 
First Aid and Safety
12
Fig. 12.1 : First Aid Box
a ctIvIty 12.1
•	 Make	 a	 first	 aid	 box	
and keep in your 
classroom.
•	 Make	 one	 student	
incharge so that 
all students know 
whom to reach in 
an emergency.
a ctIvIty 12.2
•	 Do	you	know	how	to	
apply bandage?
•	 Do	you	know	what	
treatments are applied 
for bruises and cuts?
•	 Discuss	 the	 above	 in	 your	
class and demonstrate.
 Health and Physical Education — Class IX
12.3 Why FIrst a Id ?
The main objective of first aid is not to cure, but 
to ensure safety until the patient or affected 
person accesses specialised treatment. It is the 
initial assistance or care of a suddenly sick or 
injured person. It is the care administered by 
a person as soon as possible after an illness or 
accident. It is this prompt care and attention 
prior to the arrival of the ambulance that 
sometimes creates the difference between life 
and death, or between a full or partial recovery. 
As shown in Box 12.1, the major objectives 
of first aid are: (i) to ensure that the victim 
reaches the place of specialised treatment safely and life is not 
lost in-between; (ii) to prevent further harm, i.e., the injury that 
has taken place, does not deteriorate further; (iii) to prevent 
the danger of further injury; and (iv) to promote recovery, i.e., 
necessary intervening care is taken in a way that promotes 
recovery and relieves the victim of pain and uneasiness.  
12.4 FIrst a Id In d IFFerent c ases It is essential to know and be trained in the art of providing 
first aid. Though it is done by non-expert persons, it cannot 
and should not be administered without acquiring adequate 
knowledge and appropriate skill. There are different ways of 
providing first aid in different cases of accidents and illnesses. 
Let us take some specific cases and know how first aid is 
provided.
12.4.1 First aid for Drowning
Many	 deaths	 occur	 because	 of	 drowning.	 Death	 by	 drowning	
occurs when air cannot get into the lungs because of the 
entrance of a small amount of water into the lungs. This may 
cause the contraction of the throat. In such cases efforts 
are made to remove water from the stomach of the drowned 
person. Attempting to forcefully remove water from the victim’s 
stomach should be avoided as this may make the victim vomit 
and there are chances of casualty. A casualty from drowning 
needs to be treated by a medical doctor, even if he/she seems 
to recover, because, as explained in Box 12.2, a secondary 
drowning may occur in him/her at a later stage. 
In this particular situation, the aim of the first aid is to 
restore breathing, to keep the person warm and to arrange for 
taking  him/her to hospital. The following steps may be taken:
Box 12.1
The basic objectives of First Aid are:
•	 to give immediate care.
•	 to protect the casualty from 
further harm.
•	 to relieve pain.
•	 to promote recovery.
The recovery is promoted as the heart 
rate goes down, which in turn prevents 
blood loss from the victim’s body.
Box 12.2
Water entering the 
lungs causes them 
to be irritated, and 
the air passages to 
swell several hours 
later —a condition 
known as secondary 
drowning.
Page 3


12.1 IntroductIon 
We all observe that when individuals fall ill or are injured, 
they are taken to hospitals or doctors for treatment. But it 
takes time to reach them, during which if some initial care 
is taken, it helps treatment of such individuals and in many 
cases saves their lives. We also observe that some of the 
minor illnesses or injuries are cured by taking such initial 
care. However, this care cannot be taken unless we are 
aware and trained in first-aid. In the present lesson we shall 
discuss various aspects of first aid and safety.
12.2 What d oes FIrst a Id Mean ?
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or 
injury. It is usually performed by a non-expert person to a 
sick or injured person until appropriate medical treatment 
can be accessed in a hospital or by going to a doctor. Certain 
self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further 
medical care after the first aid intervention. It generally consists 
of a series of simple and in some cases, potentially life-saving 
techniques that an individual can be trained to perform with 
minimal equipment. 
The First aid training, therefore, is of value in both preventing 
and treating sudden illness or accidental injury and in caring 
for large number of persons caught in a natural disaster. It is 
a measure both for self help as well as for the help of others. 
12.2.1 Self-help
If you, as a first-aider, are prepared to help others, you are 
better able to care for yourself in case of injury or sudden 
illness. Even if your own condition keeps you from caring for 
yourself, you can direct others in carrying out correct 
procedures to follow on your behalf. 
12.2.2 Help for Others
Having studied first-aid, you are prepared to give others 
some instruction in first-aid, to promote among them 
a reasonable safety attitude and to assist them wisely 
if they are stricken. There is always an obligation on a 
humanitarian basis to assist the sick and the helpless. 
There is no greater satisfaction than that resulting from 
relieving suffering or saving a life. 
First Aid and Safety
12
Fig. 12.1 : First Aid Box
a ctIvIty 12.1
•	 Make	 a	 first	 aid	 box	
and keep in your 
classroom.
•	 Make	 one	 student	
incharge so that 
all students know 
whom to reach in 
an emergency.
a ctIvIty 12.2
•	 Do	you	know	how	to	
apply bandage?
•	 Do	you	know	what	
treatments are applied 
for bruises and cuts?
•	 Discuss	 the	 above	 in	 your	
class and demonstrate.
 Health and Physical Education — Class IX
12.3 Why FIrst a Id ?
The main objective of first aid is not to cure, but 
to ensure safety until the patient or affected 
person accesses specialised treatment. It is the 
initial assistance or care of a suddenly sick or 
injured person. It is the care administered by 
a person as soon as possible after an illness or 
accident. It is this prompt care and attention 
prior to the arrival of the ambulance that 
sometimes creates the difference between life 
and death, or between a full or partial recovery. 
As shown in Box 12.1, the major objectives 
of first aid are: (i) to ensure that the victim 
reaches the place of specialised treatment safely and life is not 
lost in-between; (ii) to prevent further harm, i.e., the injury that 
has taken place, does not deteriorate further; (iii) to prevent 
the danger of further injury; and (iv) to promote recovery, i.e., 
necessary intervening care is taken in a way that promotes 
recovery and relieves the victim of pain and uneasiness.  
12.4 FIrst a Id In d IFFerent c ases It is essential to know and be trained in the art of providing 
first aid. Though it is done by non-expert persons, it cannot 
and should not be administered without acquiring adequate 
knowledge and appropriate skill. There are different ways of 
providing first aid in different cases of accidents and illnesses. 
Let us take some specific cases and know how first aid is 
provided.
12.4.1 First aid for Drowning
Many	 deaths	 occur	 because	 of	 drowning.	 Death	 by	 drowning	
occurs when air cannot get into the lungs because of the 
entrance of a small amount of water into the lungs. This may 
cause the contraction of the throat. In such cases efforts 
are made to remove water from the stomach of the drowned 
person. Attempting to forcefully remove water from the victim’s 
stomach should be avoided as this may make the victim vomit 
and there are chances of casualty. A casualty from drowning 
needs to be treated by a medical doctor, even if he/she seems 
to recover, because, as explained in Box 12.2, a secondary 
drowning may occur in him/her at a later stage. 
In this particular situation, the aim of the first aid is to 
restore breathing, to keep the person warm and to arrange for 
taking  him/her to hospital. The following steps may be taken:
Box 12.1
The basic objectives of First Aid are:
•	 to give immediate care.
•	 to protect the casualty from 
further harm.
•	 to relieve pain.
•	 to promote recovery.
The recovery is promoted as the heart 
rate goes down, which in turn prevents 
blood loss from the victim’s body.
Box 12.2
Water entering the 
lungs causes them 
to be irritated, and 
the air passages to 
swell several hours 
later —a condition 
known as secondary 
drowning.
First Aid and Safety 
Fig. 12.2 : Steps for CPR in 
the case of drowning
Step 1:  Rescue the person and get him/her to the dry 
land. Keep the person’s head lower than the 
rest of the body to reduce the risk of inhaling 
water.
Step 2:  Lay down the person on his/her back. Open 
the airway and check breathing. If required, 
give CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) 
with chest compression.
Step 3:  Treat the person for Hypothermia (low body 
temperature). Remove wet clothes and cover 
him/her with dry blanket. If the person 
regains full consciousness, give him/her a 
warm drink.
Step 4:  Call   for   a   doctor or ambulance to transport 
the person to the nearest hospital as soon 
as possible, even if she/he appears to have 
recovered fully.
12.4.2 First aid for Fire Injuries
When the skin comes in direct contact with fire, it gets 
damaged. This is known as dry burn. The burn exposes 
the under lying part of the skin, which increases the 
chances of infection. While assessing the burn, it is 
necessary to:
•	 consider the circumstances in which the burn 
has occurred;
•	 establish the cause of the burn;
•	 observe the condition of the victim; does she/he 
need immediate medical attention?
•	 assess the extent of burn or the depth of the 
burn; and
•	 determine the degree of risk for infection.
Based on the depth of the skin damage, the burns are 
categorised into three types.
Box 12.3
Warning – Water in the lungs can 
increase the resistance to rescue 
breathes and chest compressions, so 
these have to be done at a slower rate. 
Hypothermia develops when the body 
temperature	 falls	 bellow	 35°	 Celsius.	
The effects vary depending on the speed 
of onset and the level to which the body 
temperature falls.
a ctIvIty 12.3
The students should be encouraged to 
ask questions if they have any doubt 
on the procedure of the first aid in 
swimming. If the swimming facility is 
available then the life saving technique 
of drowning can best be practised by 
doing. In the classroom or physical 
education laboratory the students may 
make use of dummies. 
Page 4


12.1 IntroductIon 
We all observe that when individuals fall ill or are injured, 
they are taken to hospitals or doctors for treatment. But it 
takes time to reach them, during which if some initial care 
is taken, it helps treatment of such individuals and in many 
cases saves their lives. We also observe that some of the 
minor illnesses or injuries are cured by taking such initial 
care. However, this care cannot be taken unless we are 
aware and trained in first-aid. In the present lesson we shall 
discuss various aspects of first aid and safety.
12.2 What d oes FIrst a Id Mean ?
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or 
injury. It is usually performed by a non-expert person to a 
sick or injured person until appropriate medical treatment 
can be accessed in a hospital or by going to a doctor. Certain 
self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further 
medical care after the first aid intervention. It generally consists 
of a series of simple and in some cases, potentially life-saving 
techniques that an individual can be trained to perform with 
minimal equipment. 
The First aid training, therefore, is of value in both preventing 
and treating sudden illness or accidental injury and in caring 
for large number of persons caught in a natural disaster. It is 
a measure both for self help as well as for the help of others. 
12.2.1 Self-help
If you, as a first-aider, are prepared to help others, you are 
better able to care for yourself in case of injury or sudden 
illness. Even if your own condition keeps you from caring for 
yourself, you can direct others in carrying out correct 
procedures to follow on your behalf. 
12.2.2 Help for Others
Having studied first-aid, you are prepared to give others 
some instruction in first-aid, to promote among them 
a reasonable safety attitude and to assist them wisely 
if they are stricken. There is always an obligation on a 
humanitarian basis to assist the sick and the helpless. 
There is no greater satisfaction than that resulting from 
relieving suffering or saving a life. 
First Aid and Safety
12
Fig. 12.1 : First Aid Box
a ctIvIty 12.1
•	 Make	 a	 first	 aid	 box	
and keep in your 
classroom.
•	 Make	 one	 student	
incharge so that 
all students know 
whom to reach in 
an emergency.
a ctIvIty 12.2
•	 Do	you	know	how	to	
apply bandage?
•	 Do	you	know	what	
treatments are applied 
for bruises and cuts?
•	 Discuss	 the	 above	 in	 your	
class and demonstrate.
 Health and Physical Education — Class IX
12.3 Why FIrst a Id ?
The main objective of first aid is not to cure, but 
to ensure safety until the patient or affected 
person accesses specialised treatment. It is the 
initial assistance or care of a suddenly sick or 
injured person. It is the care administered by 
a person as soon as possible after an illness or 
accident. It is this prompt care and attention 
prior to the arrival of the ambulance that 
sometimes creates the difference between life 
and death, or between a full or partial recovery. 
As shown in Box 12.1, the major objectives 
of first aid are: (i) to ensure that the victim 
reaches the place of specialised treatment safely and life is not 
lost in-between; (ii) to prevent further harm, i.e., the injury that 
has taken place, does not deteriorate further; (iii) to prevent 
the danger of further injury; and (iv) to promote recovery, i.e., 
necessary intervening care is taken in a way that promotes 
recovery and relieves the victim of pain and uneasiness.  
12.4 FIrst a Id In d IFFerent c ases It is essential to know and be trained in the art of providing 
first aid. Though it is done by non-expert persons, it cannot 
and should not be administered without acquiring adequate 
knowledge and appropriate skill. There are different ways of 
providing first aid in different cases of accidents and illnesses. 
Let us take some specific cases and know how first aid is 
provided.
12.4.1 First aid for Drowning
Many	 deaths	 occur	 because	 of	 drowning.	 Death	 by	 drowning	
occurs when air cannot get into the lungs because of the 
entrance of a small amount of water into the lungs. This may 
cause the contraction of the throat. In such cases efforts 
are made to remove water from the stomach of the drowned 
person. Attempting to forcefully remove water from the victim’s 
stomach should be avoided as this may make the victim vomit 
and there are chances of casualty. A casualty from drowning 
needs to be treated by a medical doctor, even if he/she seems 
to recover, because, as explained in Box 12.2, a secondary 
drowning may occur in him/her at a later stage. 
In this particular situation, the aim of the first aid is to 
restore breathing, to keep the person warm and to arrange for 
taking  him/her to hospital. The following steps may be taken:
Box 12.1
The basic objectives of First Aid are:
•	 to give immediate care.
•	 to protect the casualty from 
further harm.
•	 to relieve pain.
•	 to promote recovery.
The recovery is promoted as the heart 
rate goes down, which in turn prevents 
blood loss from the victim’s body.
Box 12.2
Water entering the 
lungs causes them 
to be irritated, and 
the air passages to 
swell several hours 
later —a condition 
known as secondary 
drowning.
First Aid and Safety 
Fig. 12.2 : Steps for CPR in 
the case of drowning
Step 1:  Rescue the person and get him/her to the dry 
land. Keep the person’s head lower than the 
rest of the body to reduce the risk of inhaling 
water.
Step 2:  Lay down the person on his/her back. Open 
the airway and check breathing. If required, 
give CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) 
with chest compression.
Step 3:  Treat the person for Hypothermia (low body 
temperature). Remove wet clothes and cover 
him/her with dry blanket. If the person 
regains full consciousness, give him/her a 
warm drink.
Step 4:  Call   for   a   doctor or ambulance to transport 
the person to the nearest hospital as soon 
as possible, even if she/he appears to have 
recovered fully.
12.4.2 First aid for Fire Injuries
When the skin comes in direct contact with fire, it gets 
damaged. This is known as dry burn. The burn exposes 
the under lying part of the skin, which increases the 
chances of infection. While assessing the burn, it is 
necessary to:
•	 consider the circumstances in which the burn 
has occurred;
•	 establish the cause of the burn;
•	 observe the condition of the victim; does she/he 
need immediate medical attention?
•	 assess the extent of burn or the depth of the 
burn; and
•	 determine the degree of risk for infection.
Based on the depth of the skin damage, the burns are 
categorised into three types.
Box 12.3
Warning – Water in the lungs can 
increase the resistance to rescue 
breathes and chest compressions, so 
these have to be done at a slower rate. 
Hypothermia develops when the body 
temperature	 falls	 bellow	 35°	 Celsius.	
The effects vary depending on the speed 
of onset and the level to which the body 
temperature falls.
a ctIvIty 12.3
The students should be encouraged to 
ask questions if they have any doubt 
on the procedure of the first aid in 
swimming. If the swimming facility is 
available then the life saving technique 
of drowning can best be practised by 
doing. In the classroom or physical 
education laboratory the students may 
make use of dummies. 
 Health and Physical Education — Class IX
•	 A superficial burn involves only burns on the outer 
most layer of the skin, called the epidermis.
•	 A partial thickness burn is generally very painful, this 
destroys the epidermis. If such wounds are on more than 
20 per cent of the body, then it may be fatal.
•	 A full thickness burn is not painful in most of the cases, 
so it may mislead the first-aider and the casualty about 
the severity of the injury. This needs immediate medical 
attention.
As, the kind of the burns vary, so does the kind of first aid 
needed for various kind of burns.
(a) First Aid for Severe Burns
In this case, the first aid is given to :
•	 stop burning and relieve pain;
•	 treat the associate injuries;
•	 minimise the risk of infection;
In case of severe burn the following steps need to be taken.
Step 1:		 Help	 the	 casualty	 to	 lie	 down.	 Do	 not	 allow	 the	 injury	
area to come into direct contact with the ground.
Step 2:  Pour cold water on the burn for a minimum of 10 
minutes, but at the same time, arrangement of 
transport for taking the casualty to hospital should 
be made. Continue cooling the affected area until the 
pain is relieved.
Step 3:  Gently remove any ring, watch, belt and shoes before 
the tissues begin to swell. Carefully remove burnt 
clothing, if it is not sticking to the skin.
Step 4:  Cover the injured area with a sterile dressing to protect 
it from infection.
Step 5:  Gather and record details of the injury. Record the 
level of response, pulse and breathing carefully.
Step 6:  While waiting for the help to arrive, keep reassuring 
the casualty. In case of burn of the face, do not cover 
the injury because it may cause discomfort to the 
victim. Keep cooling the area till the doctor arrives.
(b) First Aid for Mild Burn
In case of mild burns, first aid is given to :
•	 stop burning.
•	 relieve pain and swelling.
•	 minimise the risk of infection.
In case of mild burns, one should :
Step 1:  Pour cold water on the injured part for minimum 10 
minutes, to relieve pain. If water is not available, then 
any harmless cold liquid (for example, milk) may be used.
a ctIvIty 12.4
Find out from a 
health worker, 
parents or 
neighbour about 
any person who was 
given first aid for 
burn injuries. Share 
the experience in 
the class.
Box 12.4
Do Not
•	 Break blisters.
•	 Interfere with the 
injury.
•	 Apply adhesive 
dressing.
•	 Apply ointments 
or fats, as they 
may damage 
the tissue and 
increase the 
chances of 
infection.
Page 5


12.1 IntroductIon 
We all observe that when individuals fall ill or are injured, 
they are taken to hospitals or doctors for treatment. But it 
takes time to reach them, during which if some initial care 
is taken, it helps treatment of such individuals and in many 
cases saves their lives. We also observe that some of the 
minor illnesses or injuries are cured by taking such initial 
care. However, this care cannot be taken unless we are 
aware and trained in first-aid. In the present lesson we shall 
discuss various aspects of first aid and safety.
12.2 What d oes FIrst a Id Mean ?
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or 
injury. It is usually performed by a non-expert person to a 
sick or injured person until appropriate medical treatment 
can be accessed in a hospital or by going to a doctor. Certain 
self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further 
medical care after the first aid intervention. It generally consists 
of a series of simple and in some cases, potentially life-saving 
techniques that an individual can be trained to perform with 
minimal equipment. 
The First aid training, therefore, is of value in both preventing 
and treating sudden illness or accidental injury and in caring 
for large number of persons caught in a natural disaster. It is 
a measure both for self help as well as for the help of others. 
12.2.1 Self-help
If you, as a first-aider, are prepared to help others, you are 
better able to care for yourself in case of injury or sudden 
illness. Even if your own condition keeps you from caring for 
yourself, you can direct others in carrying out correct 
procedures to follow on your behalf. 
12.2.2 Help for Others
Having studied first-aid, you are prepared to give others 
some instruction in first-aid, to promote among them 
a reasonable safety attitude and to assist them wisely 
if they are stricken. There is always an obligation on a 
humanitarian basis to assist the sick and the helpless. 
There is no greater satisfaction than that resulting from 
relieving suffering or saving a life. 
First Aid and Safety
12
Fig. 12.1 : First Aid Box
a ctIvIty 12.1
•	 Make	 a	 first	 aid	 box	
and keep in your 
classroom.
•	 Make	 one	 student	
incharge so that 
all students know 
whom to reach in 
an emergency.
a ctIvIty 12.2
•	 Do	you	know	how	to	
apply bandage?
•	 Do	you	know	what	
treatments are applied 
for bruises and cuts?
•	 Discuss	 the	 above	 in	 your	
class and demonstrate.
 Health and Physical Education — Class IX
12.3 Why FIrst a Id ?
The main objective of first aid is not to cure, but 
to ensure safety until the patient or affected 
person accesses specialised treatment. It is the 
initial assistance or care of a suddenly sick or 
injured person. It is the care administered by 
a person as soon as possible after an illness or 
accident. It is this prompt care and attention 
prior to the arrival of the ambulance that 
sometimes creates the difference between life 
and death, or between a full or partial recovery. 
As shown in Box 12.1, the major objectives 
of first aid are: (i) to ensure that the victim 
reaches the place of specialised treatment safely and life is not 
lost in-between; (ii) to prevent further harm, i.e., the injury that 
has taken place, does not deteriorate further; (iii) to prevent 
the danger of further injury; and (iv) to promote recovery, i.e., 
necessary intervening care is taken in a way that promotes 
recovery and relieves the victim of pain and uneasiness.  
12.4 FIrst a Id In d IFFerent c ases It is essential to know and be trained in the art of providing 
first aid. Though it is done by non-expert persons, it cannot 
and should not be administered without acquiring adequate 
knowledge and appropriate skill. There are different ways of 
providing first aid in different cases of accidents and illnesses. 
Let us take some specific cases and know how first aid is 
provided.
12.4.1 First aid for Drowning
Many	 deaths	 occur	 because	 of	 drowning.	 Death	 by	 drowning	
occurs when air cannot get into the lungs because of the 
entrance of a small amount of water into the lungs. This may 
cause the contraction of the throat. In such cases efforts 
are made to remove water from the stomach of the drowned 
person. Attempting to forcefully remove water from the victim’s 
stomach should be avoided as this may make the victim vomit 
and there are chances of casualty. A casualty from drowning 
needs to be treated by a medical doctor, even if he/she seems 
to recover, because, as explained in Box 12.2, a secondary 
drowning may occur in him/her at a later stage. 
In this particular situation, the aim of the first aid is to 
restore breathing, to keep the person warm and to arrange for 
taking  him/her to hospital. The following steps may be taken:
Box 12.1
The basic objectives of First Aid are:
•	 to give immediate care.
•	 to protect the casualty from 
further harm.
•	 to relieve pain.
•	 to promote recovery.
The recovery is promoted as the heart 
rate goes down, which in turn prevents 
blood loss from the victim’s body.
Box 12.2
Water entering the 
lungs causes them 
to be irritated, and 
the air passages to 
swell several hours 
later —a condition 
known as secondary 
drowning.
First Aid and Safety 
Fig. 12.2 : Steps for CPR in 
the case of drowning
Step 1:  Rescue the person and get him/her to the dry 
land. Keep the person’s head lower than the 
rest of the body to reduce the risk of inhaling 
water.
Step 2:  Lay down the person on his/her back. Open 
the airway and check breathing. If required, 
give CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) 
with chest compression.
Step 3:  Treat the person for Hypothermia (low body 
temperature). Remove wet clothes and cover 
him/her with dry blanket. If the person 
regains full consciousness, give him/her a 
warm drink.
Step 4:  Call   for   a   doctor or ambulance to transport 
the person to the nearest hospital as soon 
as possible, even if she/he appears to have 
recovered fully.
12.4.2 First aid for Fire Injuries
When the skin comes in direct contact with fire, it gets 
damaged. This is known as dry burn. The burn exposes 
the under lying part of the skin, which increases the 
chances of infection. While assessing the burn, it is 
necessary to:
•	 consider the circumstances in which the burn 
has occurred;
•	 establish the cause of the burn;
•	 observe the condition of the victim; does she/he 
need immediate medical attention?
•	 assess the extent of burn or the depth of the 
burn; and
•	 determine the degree of risk for infection.
Based on the depth of the skin damage, the burns are 
categorised into three types.
Box 12.3
Warning – Water in the lungs can 
increase the resistance to rescue 
breathes and chest compressions, so 
these have to be done at a slower rate. 
Hypothermia develops when the body 
temperature	 falls	 bellow	 35°	 Celsius.	
The effects vary depending on the speed 
of onset and the level to which the body 
temperature falls.
a ctIvIty 12.3
The students should be encouraged to 
ask questions if they have any doubt 
on the procedure of the first aid in 
swimming. If the swimming facility is 
available then the life saving technique 
of drowning can best be practised by 
doing. In the classroom or physical 
education laboratory the students may 
make use of dummies. 
 Health and Physical Education — Class IX
•	 A superficial burn involves only burns on the outer 
most layer of the skin, called the epidermis.
•	 A partial thickness burn is generally very painful, this 
destroys the epidermis. If such wounds are on more than 
20 per cent of the body, then it may be fatal.
•	 A full thickness burn is not painful in most of the cases, 
so it may mislead the first-aider and the casualty about 
the severity of the injury. This needs immediate medical 
attention.
As, the kind of the burns vary, so does the kind of first aid 
needed for various kind of burns.
(a) First Aid for Severe Burns
In this case, the first aid is given to :
•	 stop burning and relieve pain;
•	 treat the associate injuries;
•	 minimise the risk of infection;
In case of severe burn the following steps need to be taken.
Step 1:		 Help	 the	 casualty	 to	 lie	 down.	 Do	 not	 allow	 the	 injury	
area to come into direct contact with the ground.
Step 2:  Pour cold water on the burn for a minimum of 10 
minutes, but at the same time, arrangement of 
transport for taking the casualty to hospital should 
be made. Continue cooling the affected area until the 
pain is relieved.
Step 3:  Gently remove any ring, watch, belt and shoes before 
the tissues begin to swell. Carefully remove burnt 
clothing, if it is not sticking to the skin.
Step 4:  Cover the injured area with a sterile dressing to protect 
it from infection.
Step 5:  Gather and record details of the injury. Record the 
level of response, pulse and breathing carefully.
Step 6:  While waiting for the help to arrive, keep reassuring 
the casualty. In case of burn of the face, do not cover 
the injury because it may cause discomfort to the 
victim. Keep cooling the area till the doctor arrives.
(b) First Aid for Mild Burn
In case of mild burns, first aid is given to :
•	 stop burning.
•	 relieve pain and swelling.
•	 minimise the risk of infection.
In case of mild burns, one should :
Step 1:  Pour cold water on the injured part for minimum 10 
minutes, to relieve pain. If water is not available, then 
any harmless cold liquid (for example, milk) may be used.
a ctIvIty 12.4
Find out from a 
health worker, 
parents or 
neighbour about 
any person who was 
given first aid for 
burn injuries. Share 
the experience in 
the class.
Box 12.4
Do Not
•	 Break blisters.
•	 Interfere with the 
injury.
•	 Apply adhesive 
dressing.
•	 Apply ointments 
or fats, as they 
may damage 
the tissue and 
increase the 
chances of 
infection.
First Aid and Safety 
Step 2:  Remove gently any ring, watch, belt and shoes before 
the tissues begin to swell. Carefully remove burnt 
clothing, if it is not sticking to the skin. 
Step 3:  Cover the area with a sterile dressing and bandage 
loosely on the affected area.
Step 4:  If a blister is caused by the burn, apply a non-
adhesive dressing that extends well beyond the edges 
of the blister and keep it in place until it subsides.
 One should be aware of two significant facts given in 
boxes 12.5 and 12.6.
(c) First Aid for Injuries on the Play Field
Injuries which occur as a result of participation in the sports 
activity are known as sports injuries or athletic injuries. There 
are various types of sports injuries. These are mentioned in 
the following table 12.1.
Table 12.1
Injuries Types
Skin injuries Abrasion (falling on rough or firm surface)
Laceration (tears in the skin)
Incision (cut by a sharp edge of an object)
Puncture wound (pierced by a sharp and 
pointed object)
Avulsion (tearing away of a part of the skin)
Soft tissue 
injuries (e.g. 
muscles, 
ligaments)
Contusion (Bruise caused by the direct 
blow to some part of the body. For example: 
Knee of a player is knocked against thigh of 
the person).
Sprain (Injury of ligament of joints, caused 
by the violent overstretching of ligament 
in a joint or the movement of the joint in 
abnormal directions. It is characterised by 
pain, tenderness, swelling at the joint.
Strain (Injury of muscle or tendon, three 
types–	mild, moderate, severe).
Joint injuries Joint injuries are very common in sports 
they are known as joint dislocation.
“Dislocation is the displacement of 
contiguous surfaces of two or more bones 
which are in a joint.” Causes: An external 
force which forces the joint to move beyond 
the limits of a joint. If the joint is forced 
to move in an abnormal direction, this 
dislocation can be a complete or a partial 
displacement of the bones.
Box 12.5
Box 12.6
CALLUSES
These are thickening 
of the epidermis. It 
usually occurs in the 
palm of the hands or 
on the sole of the foot 
due to constant friction 
or pressure. If the 
calluses crack then it 
will cause a very painful 
condition. Sometimes 
a blister may develop 
under the callus. When 
it becomes very hard, 
to prevent cracking, 
soak the body part in 
the water for some time 
and then scrub it off. 
If it gets infected then 
consult a doctor.
BLISTERS
These are caused by 
the deposition of a type 
of colourless fluid in 
between the dermis and 
epidermis. Sometimes 
this fluid may be blood 
stained; this is due 
to the damage of the 
blood vessels caused 
by the continuous 
frictional force. It is 
normally seen on the 
hand or palm or on big 
toe. Blisters should not 
be cut, rather the fluid 
inside can be removed 
by a sterile syringe, but 
only by a doctor.