Life is unpredictable, and an accident can happen anywhere, anytime. You never know when you might face a situation where someone is injured or in danger. Whether at home, at work, or in the community, the unexpected can happen. When accidents happen, having a basic understanding of first aid can be the difference between life and death. This is why it is important for everyone to know some basic first aid tips that can save a life.
What Is First Aid?
First aid is the first and immediate care given to someone who is injured or ill until professional medical help arrives. It involves simple, but crucial, techniques and measures that can be administered by bystanders or non-professionals until professional medical help arrives. The primary goals of first aid are to preserve life, prevent the situation from worsening, and promote recovery.
Basic first aid skills include actions such as CPR, controlling bleeding, treating burns, recognizing and responding to specific medical emergencies, and more. Acquiring these skills equips individuals to be proactive and effective in assisting others during unexpected health crises, making a significant difference in outcomes.
10 Essential First Aid Tips That Can Save Lives
In an accident emergency, the first thing you should do is to call for medical help. Dial your local emergency number and tell them what happened, where you are, and how many people are involved. Stay on the line until they tell you what to do next. Depending on the nature of the accident, you may be required to perform any of the following first aid actions until professional medical help arrives.
1. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
CPR involves performing chest compressions, and it is done when a person is not breathing. In an emergency where the person is unconscious, check if they are breathing and have a pulse. You can do this by placing your ear near their mouth and nose and feeling their neck or wrist for a heartbeat. If they are not breathing or have no pulse, start CPR immediately.
Place your hands on the centre of the chest and push hard and fast, about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. If you are trained in CPR, give two rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Continue until help arrives or the person shows signs of life.
2. Cleaning and dressing minor wounds
For minor cuts and scrapes, wash the wound with clean water and soap, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a sterile bandage or dressing. Change the dressing every day and watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or fever.
3. Removing stingers and splinters
For stings from bees, wasps, or hornets, use a credit card or your fingernail to scrape off the stinger from the skin. Do not use tweezers or squeeze the stinger, as this may release more venom into the wound. Wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold compress to ease the pain and swelling.
For splinters, use tweezers to gently pull out the splinter in the same direction that it entered the skin. Wash the area with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment. If the splinter is too deep or difficult to remove, seek medical attention.
4. Stop the bleeding
In case of bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage. For severe bleeding, raise the injured part above the level of the heart to slow down the blood flow. If an object is stuck in the wound, do not remove it, as this may cause more bleeding or infection. If the bleeding does not stop after about 10 minutes, call for medical help.
5. Treating burns
Fire, scalding water, or a hot surface can cause minor to severe burns. If someone has a minor burn, run cool water over the affected area for at least 10 minutes. Do not use ice, butter, or creams on burns. Cover the burn with a sterile dressing or a clean cloth. If the burn is severe, seek medical attention.
6. Treating sprains, bruises, and fractures
For sprains and bruises, apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours. This will help reduce swelling and pain. You can also use an elastic bandage to wrap the injured part and provide support and compression.
In cases of bone fractures, immobilize the injured area, avoid unnecessary movement, and seek professional help.
7. Treating nausea and diarrhea
If someone has nausea or diarrhea, give them clear fluids such as water or oral rehydration solutions [ORS] to prevent dehydration. In situations where pre-packaged ORS is not available, you can prepare a homemade solution by mixing six level teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in one litre of clean or boiled water. This should be administered in small, frequent sips to optimize absorption. Avoid solid foods, dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods until they feel better. If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or if they start having signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, or reduced urine output, seek medical attention.
8. Treating poisoning
Poisoning can occur when someone swallows, inhales, or comes in contact with a harmful substance, such as household chemicals, medications, plants, or animals. If you suspect poisoning, call for medical help and follow their instructions. Do not induce vomiting unless they tell you to do so.
9. Performing the Heimlich maneuver
The Heimlich maneuver is a technique that can save someone who is choking on a foreign object, such as food or a toy. To perform it, stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their navel.
Then, grasp your fist with your other hand and thrust it inward and upward sharply several times until the object is dislodged.
10. Shock and seizures
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s organs do not get enough blood and oxygen. It can be caused by severe bleeding, trauma, dehydration, infection, or an allergic reaction. Signs of shock include pale skin, cold and clammy skin, rapid breathing, weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. To help a person in shock, lay the person down with their feet elevated, cover them with a blanket or coat to keep them warm, and seek prompt medical assistance. Continue reassuring them until help arrives.
If someone is having a seizure, it is important to stay calm. Ensure the person’s safety by removing any nearby dangerous objects. Do not restrain the person; place them on their side to aid breathing, and provide a cushion under their head. Allow the seizure to run its course while keeping a watchful eye on the person. After the seizure, stay with the person and offer reassurance. Seizures typically last for a few seconds to a few minutes. Prolonged seizures require prompt medical attention.
BONUS TIP
Recognizing and responding to a Stroke
A stroke can happen at any time. Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial for survival. The symptoms of a stroke can vary but often include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. Other signs may include confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, difficulty walking, dizziness, or a severe headache. Once you notice these signs, get medical help immediately.
Knowing these basic first aid tips can help you save a life in an emergency situation. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical care. Always call your local emergency number if someone is seriously injured or ill, and seek medical attention as soon as possible after providing first aid.
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