The Basics of First Aid Every Person Should Know

First aid is the immediate assistance given to a person who has suffered an injury or illness before professional medical help arrives. It can be a matter of life and death in some situations, which is why it is important for every person to have a basic understanding of first aid. In this article, we will discuss the basics of first aid that every person should know.

Assessing the situation

The first step in providing first aid is assessing the situation. It's important to ensure that the area is safe and free from any potential hazards before approaching the injured person. Check for any dangers such as downed power lines, fire, or falling debris. Make sure that you are not putting yourself or the victim in danger.

Checking for responsiveness

Once you have determined that the area is safe, check if the person is conscious and responsive. Tap the person gently on the shoulder and ask if they are okay. If there is no response, try shouting and asking louder. If you still don’t get a response, call for emergency services immediately.

Performing CPR

If the person is not breathing, you may need to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). This involves giving chest compressions and rescue breaths to the person. First, place the person on their back and kneel beside them. Place the heel of one hand on the center of their chest and interlock your other hand on top of the first. Press down hard and fast, about 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths by tilting the head back slightly and blowing into the person’s mouth. Continue with CPR until professional medical help arrives.

Controlling bleeding

If the person is bleeding profusely, try to control the bleeding immediately. Apply pressure directly over the wound with a sterile bandage or cloth. If possible, elevate the affected area above the heart to slow down the bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop within a few minutes or is spurting out uncontrollably, call for emergency services.

Treating burns

If someone has suffered a burn, it's important to cool the affected area immediately. Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for at least 10 minutes. Cover the burn with a sterile dressing or clean cloth. Do not apply any ointments or creams as they can trap the heat and make the injury worse.

Dealing with fractures

If someone has a suspected fracture, immobilize the affected limb as much as possible. Use a splint or sling to support the injured area and prevent any movement. If there is severe pain, swelling, or the bone is visibly out of place, call for emergency services.

Seizures

If someone is having a seizure, try to keep them safe by moving any objects that could cause harm out of their way. Do not try to restrain the person or put anything in their mouth. Once the seizure stops, roll the person into a recovery position by placing them on their side with their top leg bent upwards. This will help to keep their airway clear and prevent choking.

Finally, knowing the basics of first aid can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation. While this article covers some of the most common scenarios, it’s always best to attend a First Aid course to ensure that you are prepared for any eventuality. Remember, every second counts when it comes to providing first aid, so stay calm and act quickly.