First Aid Everyone Should Know
Sometimes people will find themselves in a situation where they need to help someone who’s been hurt or who faints, or has trouble breathing. A basic knowledge of just a few first aid skills could help save a person’s life. Below are a few of the first aid skills that everyone ought to be familiar with.
Aspirin
If you think that someone may be having a heart attack, the first thing to do is call an ambulance. Providing the person isn’t on medication that might cause a reaction, or isn’t allergic to aspirin, then give them a tablet. Experts say that an aspirin can often deflect some of the damage to the heart.
If Someone is Drowning
Swimming pools are a lot of fun, but they can also be dangerous. If you think that someone is drowning, there are a few things you can do to help. If they are away from the edge of the pool, find a branch or pole then lie flat at the edge of the pool and extend the item to the person. If there’s a safety ring to hand, then throw it towards the person. Only swim out to help if there is no lifeguard around or no other way to help them.
Our First Person on Scene courses provide full training on what to do. Sign up today.
CPR
If someone collapses or has trouble breathing, then CPR could save them until help arrives. CPR using the hands can be undertaken by most people; just press down on the chest for two inches – you can keep doing this until help arrives. If you haven’t already done so then it might be worth taking a course with NDFA in first aid. Book Now
Choking
If someone other than an infant is choking on some food, you need to hit him or her hard in the middle of the back with the heel of your hand. You should also get someone to call for help. You should hit the person several times, but you can’t do this with a small child. If a child appears to be choking, then seek medical help immediately if they don’t respond to a pat on the back.
Burns
If a person is badly burned then you need to seek medical help immediately. For small accidents resulting in a burn, you should run cold water on the affected area and hold it there for about ten minutes. Don’t put cream or anything else on the affected area, just add a cold compress, and give the person some painkillers if they can take them.
You should be able to deal with minor accidents and even help someone who is unconscious with the above skills – when in doubt, always seek medical help.
These are the very basic rules of what to do in an emergency, we feel everyone needs to be educated in First Aid and provide courses for every level. Get in touch today to make sure you are prepared in an emergency.
