Accidents and other emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Being aware of first aid skills is important in providing emergency care in various circumstances. That's why people of all ages and professions should get trained in an advanced first aid course.
This blog will focus on the fundamental first-aid skills everyone should know in case of an emergency. Whether you are a seasoned first aider or a complete beginner, these basic skills are essential.
Stopping severe bleeding
Tragically, life-threatening occurrences and accidents can occur at any time. In certain situations, blood loss might cause severe bleeding or even fatal complications. When the body cannot produce a clot, severe bleeding occurs. When that happens, blood loss might cause death.
Bystanders are encouraged to apply direct, firm pressure with a clean, sterile cloth to the site of the bleeding rather than the wound as a whole if they happen to see such a circumstance. In a worst-case scenario, you can use your fingers to bind off major blood vessels.
Supplementary aids, such as elevating the injured limb above the heart, might also lessen the rate of excessive bleeding.
Understanding the warning signs of arterial bleeding is critical since a person with arterial blood loss can die within minutes. Arterial bleeding causes a pulsing pain and produces a brilliant crimson blood stain.
Only by applying consistent pressure until medical help arrives is it possible to save the victim's life in such a scenario.
Heimlich maneuver
Stand behind the person with their back to you to do the Heimlich maneuver. You should encircle the individual from behind, with your arms crossed in front of them and your fist placed above their belly button.
Throw your fist upward and into their stomach with all your might. By forcing their diaphragm upwards, they can force air out of their lungs and out of their airway, clearing the path for the foreign body to escape.
It is essential to repeat the process until the object is removed and the victim can take a deep breath. About 6–8 thrusts may be necessary.
Remember not to use this maneuver on young children.
Treating shock
When the brain does not receive enough oxygenated blood, a state known as shock occurs. A person suffering from shock may seem and feel exceedingly pale and faint. Injuries, infections, severe allergic reactions, illnesses, and blood loss are common causes of shock.
Many situations can lead to shock, including excessive fluid loss, severe bleeding, or an infection.
Anyone experiencing shock should rest flat on their back with their feet propped up. The goal here is to improve cerebral blood flow. Wrap the individual in a blanket to keep them warm and comfortable. Shock victims should never be given water, as doing so poses a serious risk of choking.
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
CPR must be initiated immediately. Put your hand's heel in the middle of the victim's chest, then put your other hand on top of it and interlock your fingers.
Always check your body alignment to make sure your shoulders are directly over your hands.
Compress their chest by squeezing your entire body weight around 2 to 2.5 inches.
Speed up to between 100 and 120 repetitions per minute. You can also give rescue breaths if you're trained and comfortable doing so; the ratio is two breaths for every 30 compressions.
Keep going until aid arrives.
Identifying signs of stroke
Strokes seem to affect the elderly more frequently, although anyone might suffer from one. Brain tissue is destroyed when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain.
When dealing with a medical emergency like a stroke, every second counts; therefore, being aware of the warning symptoms is essential.
Some stroke symptoms are nonspecific, while others are dead giveaways, such as sudden drooping on one side of the face or body, confusion, and numbness on one side of the body.
Administering aspirin to the patient while waiting for help will help expand the veins and ensure the blood flows unhindered, but this may be the extent of the first aid you can provide for a stroke victim.
You must first rule out an allergy to aspirin before giving it to a patient.
Conclusion
It's important to be prepared to provide emergency treatment at any time, as you never know when someone will need it. Preparation is key, and it could be the difference between life and death for an injured individual. In the event of an accident, illness, cardiac arrest, choking, or other emergencies, knowing these simple techniques could save the victim's life.
Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.
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The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you to interpret any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.