Life is unpredictable, and we aren’t aware of what the next moment has in store for us. That’s why being physically and mentally prepared for emergencies is paramount. You never know when danger is coming; learning basic first aid skills is immensely important for every adult. Though most of us know what first aid is, I would like to elaborate that it is the initial line of treatment given to save someone’s life or make them feel better until the arrival of medical help. So, let’s look at some mandatory first-aid skills for all to know. Let’s take a look.
Some of the Vital First Aid Skills to Know
In the following section, I will elaborate on some of the basic first aids that may help someone survive or prevent a person’s symptoms from aggravating.
CPR
CPR, or Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is one of the basic first aid skills to learn. It may be a lifesaver for someone whose heart has temporarily stopped beating. Here are some things to keep in mind while performing CPR:
- Analyze the situation and seek medical help immediately, particularly if the person isn’t breathing or responding.
- Until the paramedics arrive, try reviving the person in question.
- Make him lie on his back and tilt his head slightly.
- If there is any obstruction in his mouth, like remnants of food particles or vomit, try removing them, especially if they are loose. If they aren’t loose, do not grasp them forcefully. Lest, they could block the airways, resulting in further damage.
- Next, check if the person is breathing. If he is unconscious but breathing, don’t do CPR. If he isn’t breathing, then you will have to start CPR.
- Clasp your hands together, placing one on top of the other. Push hard and fast in the middle of the affected person’s chest at 100 compressions/minute.
- If you are CPR-trained, give two rescue breaths as well after you have repeated 30 cycles of compression. Ensure that nothing is in their mouth. Pinch the affected person’s nose and place your mouth directly over his. Blow hard so that their chest rises. Each rescue breath shouldn’t last for more than a second. If the affected person’s chest doesn’t rise after the first rescue breath, start the second one.
- Repeat 30 compression cycles followed by two rescue breaths until the person recovers or medical help arrives.
For Epiglottis
If the term seems jargon, here’s a simple explanation: The epiglottis is the lid above your larynx or voice box, preventing food particles from getting inside the windpipe. Epiglottis happens when the epiglottis swells, preventing air from entering the lungs. The condition may occur in children and adults and could be fatal if not addressed immediately.
Children will show symptoms like drooling, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, etc. Adults will show similar symptoms alongside voice changes varying from hoarseness to a high pitch. When you see someone with epiglottis symptoms, immediately take them to the doctor.
It’s a medical emergency. The only first aid you can perform is to calm the person and ensure that he is upright, making breathing easy. The treatment for epiglottis includes assistive breathing in case of difficulty and antibiotics to control infection.
For Seizures
If you see someone have seizures displayed through jerky movements of legs and arms, breathing difficulty, losing consciousness, etc, you must act immediately. These are a few things to do:
- Place a pillow or something soft under their head. To make them feel comfortable, you can loosen their shirt button or loosen any tight clothing.
- Once the seizure episode is over, roll the person to the side. However, if there is fluid or food in their mouth, roll them to the side right away; otherwise, it could result in a choking hazard.
- Stay with the person until they feel better or recover.
- Record the time of the seizure.
- Seeking medical help is essential if the person has consecutive seizures, if the seizure prolongs over five minutes, or if the person is injured during a seizure episode.
For Sprains
The R.I.C.E approach is apt for treating sprains. It includes Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. If someone you know has sprained their ankle or elbow, make them rest right away. If it is an ankle injury, make them sit on a chair and have them rest their feet on the footrest, if possible. Applying ice on the affected area right after injury will help lessen swelling and pain. If a bandage or elastic wrap is handy, compress the area with the same. Ensure the injured person keeps the affected area elevated to minimize swelling. You could even take the person to the doctor for immediate treatment.
For Burns
First aid for burns depends on the severity and degree of the injury. For first-degree burns, the injury is mild, and the skin’s top layer is affected. In the case of second-degree burns, the upper and lower layers of the skin get affected, and one may experience redness, blisters, and swelling. If it’s a third-degree burn, it’s serious. The entire skin, alongside the nerve endings, may be affected. If you come across someone with a mild burn, here is what you can do:
- Apply cool water or wet compresses on the affected area for around ten minutes or till the inflammation or pain lessens.
- If you have petroleum jelly, apply it to the skin as it speeds up healing. Do not apply butter, toothpaste, or ointment on the burn. It could trigger an infection.
- If possible, use a sterile, nonstick bandage to cover the burn. This will prevent the area from becoming infected.
For second or third-degree burns, immediate medical assistance is needed. You must only try to take the person out of danger, keeping your safety in mind as well. Avoid removing clothing or jewelry stuck on the burnt area. It could worsen their condition.
Conclusion
Knowing the basic first aid techniques for some of the common situations people face will help you save someone’s life or prevent their condition from aggravating.