Millions of people are seriously injured in accidents every year. Thousands more die. It’s a fact that many deaths could be prevented if first aid was given before the arrival of the emergency services.
Indeed, first aid training helps in rescuing lives. Providing adequate first aid creates a significant difference whether the individual will experience long-term or temporary impairment.
That’s why having a few simple first aid tricks up your sleeve is so important. Healing hands are often the answer to a medical emergency. Here are the first aid & CPR steps you need to take so that you can become one of life’s superheroes.
CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
This involves chest compressions and rescue breathing, known as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. When a person isn’t circulating blood or breathing adequately, CPR can restore the circulation of blood to the brain.
In children, rubbing the chest over the breastbone can help decide if there is any level of responsiveness. In adults, this also can be done by gently tapping the shoulders and asking the person if they’re all right.
Administering CPR
The three main parts of CPR can be remembered as ‘CAB’: C for compressions, A for airway, and B for breathing.
For adults, place the heel of your hand on the center of the person’s chest. Place the other hand on top and press down by about two inches at a steady rate of around a hundred compressions a minute.
After thirty chest compressions, give two rescue breaths. To do this, tilt the person’s head and lift the chin up with two fingers. Next, pinch the person’s nose. Seal your mouth over theirs. Blow steadily into their mouth for a second or two.
Continue with cycles of thirty chest compressions and two rescue breaths until they begin to recover.
If the injured party has been involved in an accident, you should advise them to find a personal injury doctor in case they need to make a claim.
First Aid Steps for Bleeding
Nearly all bleeding can be controlled, and if it isn’t, it can lead to shock or death.
Cover the wound with a cloth or piece of fabric. Apply direct pressure to stop the blood flow. Do not remove the cloth and add more layers if necessary. The cloth will help clots to form in order to stop the flow.
Keep in mind not to put on a tourniquet unless the injury is critical and the bleeding won’t stop with blunt pressure. Lightly cleanse the area with lukewarm water and soap to avoid irritation. Also, refrain from applying iodine or hydrogen peroxide on the injury since it can harm tissues.
Instead, you can apply antibiotic ointments that can mitigate chances of infection. After putting on the cream, wrap the area with a sterile bandage. Remember to change the gauze dressing regularly to keep the injured area dry and sanitary. In case an animal or human caused the injury, or the wound is immensely open or deep, this scenario requires calling a doctor. You may also contact your local training centers if you would like to enroll in an advanced first aid course in case any of these incidents happen.
Treating Fractures
Treat any extremity injuries like broken bones until an X-ray can be obtained.
- Do not try to straighten the limb
- Stabilize the limb with a splint and padding to keep it from moving
- Put a cold pack on the wound but avoid placing ice directly on the skin
- Elevate the limb
Bee Stings
Bees can be deadly if the victim is allergic to their venom. Get the poison out in any way possible to stop more getting into the bloodstream.
If you know the person is allergic to bee stings, use an EpiPen to stop anaphylaxis and always call 911. Use a cold pack to reduce swelling.
Handy First Aid Tips
Taking a few first aid steps could quickly turn you into a lifesaver. The more you can learn, the more useful you will be an emergency. Understand that attending first aid training will allow you to be capable and confident during urgent situations. Of course, not every crisis calls for a trip to the emergency room. However, that doesn’t mean the individual hurt isn’t in pain or suffering. For this purpose, knowing first aid techniques, even for common injuries, will allow you to alleviate the pain and give comfort to the person hurt.
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