Everything You Need to Know About Basic First Aid Procedures

No matter the severity of an emergency, basic first aid can make a crucial difference. Discover essential response techniques for a variety of emergency situations and be prepared to help when it matters most. 

First aid is the first line of response in a medical emergency. Whether it’s a minor injury or a serious condition, timely assistance can help stabilize the person, prevent further harm, and in many cases, support a quicker recovery before medical help arrives. 

Learning the Basics of First Aid 

• If a person isn’t breathing, start by checking and clearing their airway. 

• If the airway is clear but they’re still not breathing, provide rescue breaths. 

• If the person is breathing but unresponsive, check for a pulse. If there’s no heartbeat, begin chest compressions immediately. 

What Should You Do When Someone is Bleeding 

Start by observing the color of the flowing blood to assess the severity of the injury: 

• Capillaries: Slow, drop-like bleeding that usually stops on its own. 

• Veins: Dark red blood typically comes from veins and can range from mild to severe. 

• Arteries: Bright red blood that may spurt if an artery is injured. Blood loss can be rapid and serious. 

How to respond 

• Wash your hands or wear disposable gloves before rinsing the wound with clean water. 

• Cover the injury with gauze or cloth and apply firm pressure to ensure clotting. 

• Avoid removing the cloth if soaked as this will disrupt the clotting process. 

• Once bleeding stops, apply a clean bandage on the wound. 

What Should You Do When Someone is Choking 

Choking is a serious situation that can lead to unconsciousness or even death if not addressed quickly. Common signs include clutching the throat, difficulty speaking, gasping for air, panic, and gagging. 

How to respond 

When someone is choking, the Heimlich maneuver is the primary first aid response. This technique uses strong abdominal thrusts to help expel the object blocking the airway. 

• Position yourself behind the person, lean them slightly forward and wrap your arms around their waist. 

• Form a fist and place it between the belly button and the lower rib cage. Grasp your fist with your other hand. 

• Perform a series of quick, upward thrusts until the blocked pipe clears out. 

What Should You Do in Case of a Burn Injury 

Start by assessing the severity of the burn to determine how deeply the skin has been damaged.    First-Degree Burns: These are minor burns, affecting only the outermost layer of skin and typically cause redness and swelling. 

Second-Degree Burns: These impact two layers of the skin, often resulting in redness, swelling, and blisters. If the burn is in sensitive areas, it’s classified as a major burn. 

Third-Degree Burns: These burns reach the deeper layers of skin and may result in white or blackened areas and are always considered major burns. 

How to respond 

• Flush the burned area with cool water for some time. 

• Gently cover the area with a light gauze bandage. For minor burns, you can use aloe vera gel before covering it. 

• Avoid popping any blisters that form. 

In case of major burns, seek immediate medical attention. 

What Should You Do in Case of a Fracture 

If a person has a suspected fracture or serious injury to the spine, head, hip, pelvis, or thigh, do not attempt to move them. Check for signs like bones protruding through the skin, bleeding, or swelling around joints. Injuries to the limbs, hands, or feet require immediate medical attention. 

How to respond 

• Avoid attempting to realign the broken bone. 

• For a fractured arm, support it with a sling to keep it stable. If it’s a leg injury, elevate the leg. 

• Apply a cold pack to the affected area, but never directly on the skin. 

What Should You Do in Case of a Sprain

Keep an eye out for swelling in the affected area, pain during movement, and any numbness or signs of infection in the body. 

How to respond 

• Restrict movement of the affected limb. 

• Apply a cold pack to the injury site. 

• Raise the injured part, if it can be done safely. 

Conclusion 

Knowing basic first aid empowers you to respond confidently in medical emergencies, whether it’s for yourself or others. Even without formal training, understanding the essentials enables you to assist someone in need until advanced care is available. 

SOURCE: UR.LIFE