In such a fast world where tragedies and injuries are commonplace, knowing basic first aid skills can come in handy. It has been proven that these skills do well in saving lives, where bystanders are often called into action following an incident.
What Is First Aid?
First aid is the emergency medical care given to a sick or injured person. In some cases, it is the only care that a person needs. In some instances, first aid intervention help victims stabilise their condition until paramedics arrive.
Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time, and without prior notice. Having knowledge of basic first aid skills can help save lives, including your own.
Here, we’ve compiled some basic skills everyone should learn to help minimise the severity of injuries and save lives.
5 First Aid Skills You Should Know
1. Perform CPR
The most significant first aid skill everyone should learn is CPR, which is cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), where a person is unable to breathe or having trouble breathing, performing CPR can save lives.
The performance of CPR allows the responder to revive a person by keeping the oxygen moving to the brain until further help arrives.
2. Heimlich Maneuver
The Heimlich maneuver is a rapid first aid procedure used to treat choking emergencies, which uses abdominal thrusts to force objects out of the throat. The performance of this technique can clear the airways to sustain vital body functions and prevent brain collapse.
A god first aid course will have manikins that can be used for practising the Heimlich. Practice is essential because it helps ensures that you perform abdominal thrusts at the right place on the abdomen.
3. Bleeding Management
Accidents can occur at any moment, which could lead to heavy bleeding or blood loss.
It is crucial to stop the bleeding immediately, as excessive bleeding can quickly become life-threatening. The injury could be from a main artery or vein, which can cause the person to bleed out in 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Spot a Concussion
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can affect brain function. After a hit or blow to the head, symptoms like dizziness, pupil dilation, and confusion are likely to appear.
If left without treatment, a concussion or head trauma can have long-term effects on the brain. Understanding the principles of these types of injuries is essential to saving lives and preventing further damage.
Partaking in a first aid course will teach the correct way to deal with concussions and other forms of head injuries.
5. Treating Shock
Shock is a medical emergency that occurs when the person is not receiving enough blood to the brain due to a traumatic accident, illness, allergic reaction, or infection. A person experiencing shock may look pale, feel dizzy, disoriented, or lose consciousness.
First aid for shock starts by laying the victim on their back and elevating the feet higher than their head. Ensure the person’s airway is clear and is not bleeding or vomiting. If the person is not breathing, you may need to administer CPR.
Keep the victim warm by covering them in a blanket while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Understanding and knowing the basic skills discussed above can save someone’s life, including your own. For more comprehensive information on lifesaving procedures, it is suggested to take a first aid course provided by accredited RTOs and trainers who have practised these skills in the real world.
Where To Get First Aid Training?
Taking a formal first aid course will help you become familiar with doing chest compressions, CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, using an AED, and many other lifesaving techniques.
At The First Aid Pro Canberra, we offer health and safety training courses, including first aid, CPR, childcare, mental health first aid, and more.
To enrol in a class, get in touch with us at 08 8383 4677.
