7 Lifesaving First Aid Skills Everyone Should Learn


Emergencies do not come with warnings - it can happen anytime, anywhere and to anybody.

The first step in handling emergency situations is to call 000 (Emergency Number Australia). While waiting, bystanders with basic first aid knowledge must do something while waiting for the emergency help to arrive.

Yet, many people are reluctant to step forward to help due to lack of knowledge on first aid application. Pre-hospital deaths could have been prevented had first aid been carried out before the emergency medical services arrive.

First Aid Training must be recognised and promoted as an essential life skill that It is. Below are the basic life-saving skills everyone should know to be emergency ready.

Perform CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is performed to provide chest compressions and rescue breaths when the heart is not pumping on its normal pace.

With Adult CPR, the ratio is 30:2. Apply a steady rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute about 5-6 cm deep. After every 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.

With Child and Infant CPR, gently deliver quick compressions that are about 1.5 inches deep. Tilt the head of the child/infant and gently provide two rescue breaths.

Continue CPR until the emergency response is ready to take over.

Respond to a Heart Attack
The first thing to do is to recognise the symptoms. If the person started exhibiting signs of heart attack, perform first aid immediately. The Mayo Clinic advises the person having a heart attack to chew aspirin while waiting for the medical services to arrive.

Stop Someone Choking
Heimlich Maneuver is the recommended treatment to stop choking. Stand behind the person and place both arms around leaning them forward, then perform up to five (5) abdominal thrusts. Continue the cycle until the foreign object is dislodged.

Revive Someone from Drowning
The first minute after near-drowning is critical. Maintain an open airway by thrusting the jaw open, allowing the person to breathe. Pinch the nose of the victim closed, then cover it with the responder’s mouth to create an airtight seal. Give 2 breaths followed by 30 chest compressions. Continue this process until the person starts breathing or emergency help arrives.

Stop The Bleeding
Apply firm, direct pressure on the wound using a clean cloth (or sterile dressing) available until the bleeding stops. Elevate and support the injured area above the level of the heart while applying pressure. Maintain the pressure until help arrives.

Treat a Burn
Treatment must take into account both cause and extent. For First Degree Burn and Second-Degree Burn:

1.      Immediately cool the affected area with flowing water
2.      Apply antibiotic ointment
3.      Cover the burnt with a clean, dry, non-stick dressing

For Third-Degree or Fourth-degree burns, seek immediate medical help

Deliver a Baby
The birth will naturally happen without intervention, the role of the bystander is to make a safe and relatively comfortable environment for the woman in labor Support the baby’s head and body as it moves out of the mother’s body. Dry the baby and keep it warm until emergency medical services arrive.

The thing about first aid survival skills is you never know when you are going to need them.

First Aid Pro promotes the importance of First Aid Training and encourages everyone to learn, renew and refresh their first aid skills regularly. For efficient and cost-effective first aid training courses, visit firstaidpro.com.au or call 1300 029 132 for more information.

Find a First Aid Pro branch near you



 View First Aid Course Brisbane in a full-screen map
Location: Brisbane QLD, Australia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

9 Helpful Tips for A Better Mental Health

Image
What is it that makes therapy so important to those battling with mental illness? Every year, millions of people experience mental health disorders, yet only fraction receives treatment from mental health therapists. There are several reasons why people are still having their second thoughts in seeking professional help, ‘therapy doesn't work' or ‘sharing my problems with someone won't help'. This way of thinking prevents people from enjoying the positive benefits that therapy could bring. The truth about therapy is that it really works in treating mental illness. But we get it, therapy is not always accessible to everyone nor an option for some people. So, we prepared a list of small and simple mental health care strategies you can start doing immediately. It’s not meant to be a substitute for professional help, but it can be a useful addition or way to accelerate your healing. Write your thoughts down on a journal When you’re stuck on a neg...
Read more

6 Top Reasons Why Basic First Aid Knowledge is Important

Image
Knowledge in First Aid has its benefits. Accidents are inevitable and there is no single bit of guarantee that people are safe from any physical injury, illness or trauma. The best possible thing that people can do is to be prepared in case any accidents, mishaps and occurrences will happen. Number of reasons are keeping people from learning first aid and getting the necessary training to perform it effectively.  1.) Fear of doing the wrong thing 2.) Misconceptions on the training costs 3.) Not having enough time 4.) No idea where to get training A trained person is capable to save a life and can make a world of difference. While a non-trained person is most likely puzzled and clueless in times of emergency. First aid training course only takes a matter of hours to complete, but it will render an individual powerful with all the knowledge needed to tackle an emergency. First Aid knowledge is gained by getting trained. Here are the 4 top reasons why first aid training is...
Read more

8 Dangerous First Aid Myths

Image
It's time to dispel some of the most popular myths that surround first aid. We’re debunking those misconceptions once and for all to prevent everyone from handling injuries the wrong way. Here are some of the common myths about first aid: Myth #1: Sucking a Snake Bite Don’t try to suck the venom out. The venom from the snake bite is shot into the bloodstream towards the heart and moving around the body. There is no possible way you could suck out all the venom. Instead, keep the bite below the level of the heart and try to stay calm as you contact the emergency medical services. Myth #2: Hyperventilating into a Paper Bag It’s a traditional practice to treat hyperventilation by rebreathing into a brown paper bag. The idea behind this is rebreathing in the bag helps the body restore its proper levels. But studies have shown that hyperventilating into a paper bag will only make things worse. It’s better to try breathing through pursed lip and if the hyperve...
Read more