First Aid: The Basics

Basic First Aid at the right time can save a life.

Life is full of uncertainties. Accidents happen uninvited. Providing the right action at the right time can save the victim. What is most important is to give the correct response. Every person should always be prepared to face all such incidents. The simple way to handle them is to have the knowledge of the first aid. This will always come in useful in case of emergency.

The Basics for the different accidents faced:

1) Unconsciousness: If the person has fainted due to weakness or hunger you can sprinkle a few drops of water on their face, and try getting them to drink water. If the heart has stopped beating try doing cardiopulmonary recessitation. If the victim has fainted due to drowning they can be treated with artificial respiration.

2) Shock: In this state the victim has a pale face, sense of vomiting, feeling cold, and nausea. Before the emergency services arrive you can help the victim by making them drink some fluid if possible. Make them sleep with the feet elevated. Also keep them covered so they do not lose body heat.

3) Bleeding: Before any emergency services arrive make it a point to control the bleeding. Keep your hands clean and covered. Press the wound with a thick pad or cloth bandage to control the bleeding. You can tie a belt, necktie or a cloth strip to keep it in place. The injury should be raised thus reducing the flow of the blood. Try using your thumb or hand pressure to control the bleeding.

4) Burns: The affected area has to be put under cool water. You can put a cool clean cloth on the area. Always remember not to put ice on the burn, as it will ony aggrevate it. If the burn is severe or is a chemical burn, calm down the victim with the shock treatment. If any cloth is sticking to the burn leave it there. Try and make the victim drink lots of water.

5) Choking :Tilt the head back lift the chin and open the airway. Try putting your finger in the victims mouth and sweep the obstruction out.

Remember you can save a life of a person by giving the right aid. If an emergency be there with the victim, because they need a helping hand more that anything else.

Also read our article about First Aid for Burns