Immediate first aid can stabilize a person’s condition and prevent life-threatening situations, reduces severity of injuries or illnesses and reduces the risk of infection. First aid is key for medical emergencies.
The following basic tips are essential
1. Burns from Cooking or Fireworks:
Cool the burn under cold running water for 10-15 minutes.
Do not apply ice, butter, or oils.
Cover loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing and seek medical help if severe.
2. Cuts and Scrapes
Wash the wound with clean water to remove dirt.
Apply an antiseptic and cover with a sterile bandage.
If bleeding doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes, seek medical assistance.
3. Choking (Food or Objects)
Encourage the person to cough.
Perform 5 back blows between the shoulder blades followed by 5 abdominal thrusts.
For infants, use gentle back blows and chest compressions.
4. Falls and Bruises
Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.
For head injuries, monitor for symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or confusion and seek immediate medical care if present.
5.Allergic Reactions
Recognize signs like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Use antihistamines for mild reactions.
For severe reactions, administer an epinephrine auto-injector and seek emergency help.
6. Food Poisoning
Stay hydrated with oral rehydration solutions or clear fluids.
Rest and avoid solid foods until symptoms ease.
Seek medical help for persistent vomiting, fever, or dehydration signs.
7.Electric Shocks
Turn off the power source immediately.
Avoid touching the person with bare hands until safe.
Call emergency services and check for breathing and pulse.
8. CPR Basics
If someone is unconscious and not breathing, start CPR: 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical first-aid technique for someone who is unconscious and not breathing.
When to Perform CPR:
The person is unresponsive and not breathing or breathing abnormally (e.g., gasping).
They have no pulse or signs of circulation.
Steps for Performing CPR:
Ensure Safety: Check the scene for danger before approaching.
Check Responsiveness.
If no response, call for help and have someone dial emergency services.
Open the Airway:
Check for breathing (look, listen, and feel).
Perform Chest Compressions:Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest (on the sternum) and the other hand on top.
Push hard and fast, at a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm), at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
Pinch the nose shut, seal your mouth over theirs, and blow until the chest rises.
Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
