H2O Magazine

Basics of First Aid

The basics of first aid consist of assessing and reacting to an emergency situation. There are many types of emergencies, including choking, burns and other injuries, heart attacks, and allergic reactions. When you understand basic first aid, you can quickly determine a person’s condition and begin the correct course of treatment. Calling for help is always the first step in most emergency situations. However, following the correct procedure while waiting for paramedics, fire safety people or other first responders can make the difference between life and death in certain critical situations.

First aid steps

Following a few basic first aid steps can help save a life. These include:

• Assess the situation. Help if you can, but never put yourself at risk and become a victim as well. If the situation is dangerous get emergency help immediately. If you can safely help in the interim, do so.
• Remember ABCs. Check the airway. Is it obstructed? Check to see if the person is breathing. Check for a pulse on one of the main pulse points (the carotid artery on the neck or arteries on the wrist or groin).
• Don’t move the victim. Never move a victim unless the person is in immediate danger. This can make injuries worse, especially spinal cord injuries.
• Call for help. Call emergency services as soon as you possibly can. The only exception is when the victim is not breathing and you need to try to establish breathing first. Never leave a victim alone for more than a few minutes when calling for help.
• Determine Responsiveness. If the person is unresponsive, try gently shaking them while speaking to them.
• Perform CPR on an unresponsive person. If the person is not responding, tilt the head back to open up the air way and begin CPR.

First Aid for injuries

If the injured person is responsive but has other injuries follow basic first aid steps for the type of injury.

• For a nose bleed, pinch the nose while tilting the head forward.
• For animal bites, wash the area and determine what type of animal if possible. Then report it.
• Small wounds should be cleaned and dressed, but larger wounds may need pressure applied to stop bleeding until help arrives.
• Bruises require a cold compress.
• If someone has a serious fall, call emergency services immediately and DO NOT move the victim.
• For any type of severe injuries call for help right away.

First Aid for Burns

Burns require special attention. Differentiate between first degree, second degree or third degree burns and treat accordingly.

• First degree burns are red, sore and cover a small area. Run cool water over the burn and cover with a sterile bandage.
• Second degree burns are blistered and very painful. Run cool water over the burn, pat lightly until dry and apply a clean bandage. Do not break the blisters.
• Third degree burns result in charring of the skin, a loss of skin layers and the remaining skin appears white. Do not run cool water over the burn or remove any clothing. Lightly cover the burn and seek medical help immediately.

Remembering the basics of first aid can help you stay calm and even save a life.

Nisha Sharma is the Editor for FireSafetyStore.co.uk. Visit her site to find out more information about fire safety products, such as fire blankets, and fire extinguishers.