The first aid skills you learn in school and at work can be life-saving, but they're also just the beginning. Everyone should know a few basic techniques that will help them handle common emergencies as well as uncommon situations. So what are those skills? Here's our list of must-know first aid tips:
Choking
If someone is choking, they will usually be coughing and unable to speak. If you believe someone is choking, ask if they need help, then perform the Heimlich maneuver:
- Stand behind them and wrap your arms around their waist, making sure that one arm crosses over the other.
- Place one fist just above their belly button (not too high or low) and press into their diaphragm with quick upward thrusts until something pops out of their mouth or they start breathing again--about four times should do it! If this doesn't work after about 15 seconds of trying and/or if there's blood coming from either person's mouth or nose after performing this technique (which would indicate internal bleeding), call 911 immediately because those things could be signs of serious injuries like broken ribs or ruptured organs.
CPR
- CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a lifesaving technique that can help you stay calm.
- Learn how to perform CPR on an adult and child, as well as how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator).
- If someone is choking, use the Heimlich maneuver or CPR as needed until they regain consciousness or are transported to the hospital for further treatment.
- If someone has a heart attack, call 911 immediately and then provide first aid until paramedics arrive.
For more information on how to save someone’s life, see the links below.
Burns and blisters
First, cover the burn with a sterile dressing. Then clean the burn with cool water. If blisters appear, leave them alone - don't break or squeeze them! If they pop on their own, clean the area and cover it with a clean bandage.
If the burn is minor and doesn't require medical attention, apply a cool water compress to reduce pain and swelling. If the burn is severe, seek immediate medical care.
Bleeding
- Keep calm.
- Control the bleeding as best you can by applying pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage, and/or elevating it above the heart if possible.
- If all else fails and you need to use a tourniquet, apply it 2 inches above (not on) an injured area of your body--for example, on your arm if you've been stabbed in your chest--and make sure to loosen it every 15 minutes so blood can flow properly through that limb again!
Head injuries
Head injuries can be serious and require immediate medical attention. If you suspect someone has suffered a head injury, call 911. If the person is awake and talking, try to keep them that way by asking questions, speaking slowly and avoiding sudden movements around them. If they're unconscious or vomiting, turn them on their side so they don't choke on their own vomit (if they are still breathing).
Use your belt or a piece of cloth to make a sling for your arm if you've broken it, and try not to move it too much until help arrives. If the injury is serious enough that you cannot walk on your own, signal for help by waving an object (like a flashlight) or calling out; do not leave the scene without someone else present in case there's another threat nearby.
Check out this article for tips on dealing with some common first aid situations.
First aid can be a lifesaver, but only if you know what to do and how to do it. If you're not trained in first aid, it's best not to attempt any kind of treatment on yourself or others. Instead, call 911 or get someone else to call for help as soon as possible.
The best first aider is the one who has been trained and knows what to do in an emergency situation--but even if you've never taken a course in this area before, there are some basic things everyone should know about handling emergencies:
Don't panic. If people are injured, don't rush to them until you have a clear idea of what's going on and how serious the injuries are.
Conclusion
We hope you learned something from this article, and feel confident that you can handle most first aid situations. If you want to learn more about how to keep yourself and others safe, we recommend checking out our other articles on the subject!
If you suspect someone has suffered a head injury, call 911. If the person is awake and talking, try to keep them that way by asking questions, speaking slowly and avoiding sudden movements around them. If they're unconscious or vomiting (or if this happens after you've arrived), turn them on their side so they don't choke on their own vomit (if they are still breathing).
