Learn Basic First Aid: Life Skills Series

In life, unexpected emergencies can occur at any time, making it crucial for individuals to be equipped with basic first aid knowledge. When confronted with accidents or sudden illnesses, having the ability to administer initial care can make a significant difference in the outcome. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of basic first aid techniques, ensuring you’re prepared to respond promptly and effectively when the need arises.

Stay tuned for more in this Life Skills Series. I will cover everything from personal skills, health and safety, physical habits, vehicle maintenance, home skills, professional skills, and financial skills. If you missed the first post, check out the information on how to use a calendar/schedule here. Today we will cover: Life Skills: basic first aid. Let’s get started!

Learn Basic First Aid Techniques: Your Guide to Handling Emergency Situations

Important tip: If you are the only person there to respond to an emergency and you need both your hands to respond, call 911 and put it on speakerphone. Then tell the 911 responder your address while you use your hands to assist the person requiring care.

1. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation):

One of the most critical basic first aid skills to master is CPR. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a life-saving technique used to restore circulation and breathing for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. Remember these key steps:

• Check for responsiveness and call for help.
• Begin chest compressions: Place the heel of your hand on the center of the chest, interlock your fingers, and deliver firm, rhythmic compressions.
• Open the airway and provide rescue breaths: Tilt the head back, lift the chin, and give two breaths.
• Continue cycles of compressions and breaths until medical help arrives or the person shows signs of life.

2. Choking:

Choking can be a terrifying experience, but knowing how to respond can save a life. Follow these basic first aid steps to help a choking victim:

• Determine if the person can cough forcefully or speak. If they can, encourage them to continue coughing to dislodge the object.
• If the person cannot cough or speak, stand behind them and deliver five back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
• If the obstruction persists, perform five abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) by placing your hands above the navel and giving inward and upward thrusts.
• Repeat the cycle of back blows and abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or medical help arrives.

3. Wound Care:

Proper wound care can prevent infection and aid in the healing process. Follow these basic first aid steps when providing initial care for wounds:

• Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
• Apply direct pressure using a sterile gauze pad or clean cloth to control bleeding.
• Elevate the wounded area if possible, as it helps reduce blood flow to the injury site.
• Clean the wound gently with mild soap and running water.
• Apply an antiseptic ointment and cover the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing.
• Monitor the wound for signs of infection and seek medical attention if necessary.

4. Burns:

Burns can range from mild to severe, and immediate first aid is crucial. Remember these steps when dealing with burns:

• Remove the source of heat if it’s safe to do so.
• Run cool water over the burned area for at least 10 minutes to cool the skin and alleviate pain.
• Cover the burn loosely with a sterile, non-stick dressing or clean cloth.
• Avoid applying creams, ointments, or home remedies to the burn.
• Seek medical attention if the burn is severe, covers a large area, or involves the face, hands, feet, or genitals.

5. Seizure:

Here’s a step-by-step basic first aid guide on how to respond if someone has a seizure:

1. Stay Calm: It’s essential to remain calm and composed during a seizure. Panicking can escalate the situation and potentially harm the person experiencing the seizure.
2. Ensure Safety: Take steps to ensure the safety of the person having the seizure and those around them. Clear the immediate area of any sharp objects or obstacles that could pose a risk.
3. Do Not Restrain: Avoid restraining the person or attempting to stop their movements during a seizure. Allow the seizure to run its course naturally. Restraining the individual can cause injury and increase distress.
4. Protect the Head: If possible, cushion the person’s head with a soft object, such as a folded jacket or pillow, to prevent head injuries.
5. Remove Hazards: Create a safe environment by removing any objects that could cause harm during the seizure, such as glasses, tight clothing, or jewelry. Loosen any tight clothing around the person’s neck to ensure proper breathing.
6. Time the Seizure: Note the duration of the seizure. Seizures lasting longer than five minutes or multiple seizures occurring in a row may require immediate medical attention.
7. Stay with the Person: Stay with the person until the seizure ends. Provide reassurance and offer comfort once they regain consciousness.
8. Protect Airway: If the person is lying down and their breathing becomes obstructed, gently roll them onto their side (recovery position) to help maintain an open airway. This position allows any saliva or vomit to drain out and helps prevent choking.
9. Do Not Put Anything in Their Mouth: Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to place anything in the person’s mouth, such as a spoon or a wallet, to prevent them from biting their tongue. Doing so can lead to injury.
10. Note Details: Pay attention to the details of the seizure, such as the type of movements, duration, and any unusual behavior. This information can be valuable for medical professionals in diagnosing and treating the individual.
11. Offer Support: Once the seizure has ended, the person may be confused, disoriented, or fatigued. Offer support and assistance as needed, such as helping them sit up slowly and providing a calm and understanding presence.
12. Medical Evaluation: Encourage the person to seek medical attention if it’s their first seizure, if the seizure lasted longer than usual, or if they sustained an injury during the episode. A healthcare professional can evaluate the situation and determine any necessary follow-up steps.

Remember, each seizure and individual experience is unique. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with the situation, it’s always best to contact emergency medical services for guidance and assistance.

6. Broken Bone:

Responding to a broken bone emergency requires prompt action and proper care. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Stay calm: It’s essential to remain calm and composed to provide the necessary assistance.
2. Assess the situation: Evaluate the severity of the injury. If the broken bone has pierced the skin, there is excessive bleeding, or the person is unconscious, immediately call for emergency medical help.
3. Ensure safety: Make sure the area is safe and secure to prevent further injury. Clear any hazards or obstacles around the injured person.
4. Support the injured person: Ask the person to remain still and reassure them that help is on the way. Encourage them not to move the affected area to minimize further damage.
5. Control bleeding, if present: If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure using a sterile cloth or dressing to stop or minimize it. Avoid moving the broken bone while doing so.
6. Immobilize the affected area: If possible, support the injured limb in the position you find it, using makeshift splints or cushions to prevent movement. This can be done by immobilizing the joints above and below the fracture site.
7. Apply ice (optional): If available, apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured area to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Avoid placing ice directly on the skin.
8. Seek medical assistance: Call for professional medical help or an ambulance if you haven’t already done so. Describe the situation accurately to the emergency services to ensure they understand the urgency of the situation.
9. Provide comfort and reassurance: While waiting for medical professionals to arrive, comfort the injured person and reassure them that help is on the way. Try to keep them calm and still.

Remember, these steps are general guidelines, and the primary goal is to provide initial support and minimize further harm until medical professionals can assess and treat the injury. It’s crucial to rely on trained medical personnel to diagnose and treat broken bones appropriately.

7. Fainting

If someone faints, it’s important to respond quickly and calmly. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Assess the situation: Check if the area is safe and there are no immediate dangers. Look for any potential hazards that could harm the person who fainted.
2. Check for responsiveness: Gently tap the person and call out to them to see if they regain consciousness. Ask if they are okay. If they don’t respond, it’s important to take immediate action.
3. Position the person: If the person is lying down, turn them onto their back and make sure they are on a flat surface. If they are in an awkward position, gently help them into a more comfortable and safe position.
4. Check their breathing: Ensure that the person is breathing normally. Look, listen, and feel for any signs of breathing, such as chest movements, sounds, and air on your cheek. If they are not breathing or are having difficulty breathing, you may need to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if you are trained to do so.
5. Loosen restrictive clothing: If the person has any tight or restrictive clothing, such as ties, scarves, or belts, loosen or remove them to ensure proper blood flow.
6. Maintain an open airway: Gently tilt the person’s head back slightly and lift their chin to open the airway. This can help facilitate breathing. However, if there’s a possibility of a neck injury, avoid moving the person’s head and neck and wait for medical professionals to arrive.
7. Call for help: If the person remains unconscious, or if they regain consciousness but still feel unwell, call for emergency medical assistance right away. Describe the situation and provide your location accurately.
8. Stay with the person: Remain with the individual until medical help arrives. Monitor their breathing and any changes in their condition. Reassure them and keep them calm.

Remember, these steps are general guidelines, and it’s crucial to seek professional medical help in case of fainting or any other medical emergency.

Basic first aid knowledge is a valuable asset that empowers individuals to respond effectively during emergencies. By familiarizing yourself with techniques such as CPR, choking response, wound care and broken bone care, burn treatment, fainting, and seizure response, you can provide immediate assistance, potentially saving lives and minimizing the impact of injuries. Remember, regular practice and staying up-to-date with first aid training courses like the video below can enhance your skills and boost your confidence in handling emergency situations. Embrace the responsibility to be a first aid responder, and ensure the safety and well-being of those around you. Remember, when it comes to first aid, always prioritize personal safety and seek professional medical help when necessary.

Learn more first aid skills here.

You can also watch a great video here on first aid training: