Are you wondering about the basics of first aid? While many of us know the basics of how to help someone who is injured, knowing a little more can save a life.
With so many people living alone around the world, it’s essential to know first aid so that you can get help if needed. If someone has a heart attack, it’s not always possible to get immediately to a hospital, so knowing first aid is essential.
Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about first aid.
The Most Crucial First Aid Supplies
Always keep the most essential first aid supplies within easy reach. A basic first aid kit should include items such as
- bandages
- gauze rolls
- sterile dressings
- adhesive tape
- antibiotic ointment
- scissors
- tweezers
- medical-grade gloves
You should also consider flashlights, thermometers, an emergency blanket, sterile flush, antiseptic wipes and lotions, alcohol swabs, and basic pain relievers. Knowing how to administer first aid is key to helping the injured.
Recognizing Signs of Illness and Injury
First aid is a set of initial medical treatments administered to an injured or ill person in order to prevent further harm or deterioration. Recognizing signs of illness and injury is an important part of providing effective first aid, as it enables a person to take early and appropriate action.
Signs of illness and injury to look out for include:
- sudden changes in mood
- physical responses
- changes in skin color
- abnormal body movements
When providing first aid, a person should be aware of important medical information such as their personal medical history, allergies, and medication is taken, as well as whether an individual is up to date on their vaccinations. If an unconscious person is detected, the priority is to check for a response and breathing, then call for professional help.
Caring for Wounds and Burns
Caring for wounds and burns is an important part of the basics of first aid. To provide adequate care to wounds and burns, the first step is to stop any bleeding and clean any dirt or debris from the wound. Then, dress the wound using sterile, non-adhesive bandages and wraps, and to prevent infection, use antiseptic ointment.
To minimize the discomfort of burns, cool the wound with cold water or a cold compress. Any burnt clothing should be removed away from the body, cover the wound should be with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage. Pain relief medications may be advised by the medical professional caring for the patient.
In cases of severe burns and wounds, call emergency services immediately.
Applying CPR
CPR is a procedure used to keep oxygen-rich blood and other vital nutrients circulating to the brain and other vital organs, and it can potentially save a life in certain medical emergencies.
To perform CPR, place one hand on the patient’s chest and push down firmly, keeping the other hand on top of the first. Push the chest down one to two inches 30 times within 30 seconds, then give two breaths. After, continue with chest compressions, alternating back and forth with the breaths.
It is important to keep performing these steps until help arrives or the patient wakes up. Learn more about CPR to ensure you’re doing it in the correct way.
Learn the Basics of First Aid
First aid is an important skill that everyone should have. Learning the basics of first aid will ensure that we can help others in times of emergency. Start taking first aid classes today and make the world a safer place.
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