First aid is a critical skill that can save lives in emergency situations. Unfortunately, many workers die on the job each year, and many more suffer from conditions that could have been resolved with proper first aid. According to the National Safety Council, more than 5,000 workers died on the job in 2019 alone. In addition, many more people die each year from injuries or conditions that could have been treated with basic first aid prior to reaching a hospital.

First aid courses typically cover a core curriculum of topics, including basic life support, injury assessment, and wound care. Basic life support includes CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Injury assessment includes recognizing the signs and symptoms of common injuries, such as broken bones, sprains, and cuts. Wound care includes cleaning and dressing wounds, and preventing infection.

A Few Practical First Aid Tips

One of the most important first-aid tips is to remain calm in an emergency. Panic can lead to mistakes and delay the provision of necessary care. Another important tip is to call for professional medical help as soon as possible. In the meantime, it is essential to provide basic first aid, such as stopping bleeding, keeping the person warm and comfortable, and monitoring their vital signs.

In this article, you will find essential information and instructions on providing basic medical care in various emergencies. The guide covers a range of topics, including how to handle injuries such as strains, sprains, and fractures, as well as how to provide care for burns, cuts, and more. The information provided in this guide is not a substitute for professional medical care, nor is it the best substitute for in-person training, but it can help you to provide the initial care that is needed before professional help arrives.

Please Note: it is important to note that in any emergency, it is always best to call for professional medical assistance as soon as possible. By familiarizing yourself with the information in this guide, you will be better prepared to handle emergency situations and potentially save a life.

What To Do for Eye Injuries:

  1. Protect the injured eye: If there is any object in the eye, do not try to remove it yourself. Cover the eye with a sterile bandage or clean cloth to prevent further injury.
  2. Flush the eye: If the eye is irritated or has a foreign object in it, flush it with clean water for at least 20 minutes. This can help remove any debris and reduce the risk of infection.
  3. Apply a cold compress: To reduce swelling and pain, apply a cold compress to the eye, such as a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel.
  4. Seek medical attention: If the injury is severe, or if you are unsure of the extent of the injury, seek medical attention immediately. This is especially important if the person is experiencing vision loss, severe pain, or if there is a possibility of a broken bone around the eye socket.
  5. Avoid rubbing the eye: Rubbing the eye can cause further injury and increase the risk of infection.
  6. Do not wear contact lenses: If you have an eye injury and you wear contact lenses, do not try to put them back in. They can trap debris in the eye and make the injury worse.
  7. Keep the person still: If the person has a head injury, keep them still and prevent them from moving their head or neck. This can prevent further damage to the eye and reduce the risk of additional injury.
  8. Do not apply medication unless directed by a doctor: Do not apply any medication to the eye unless instructed by a doctor. Some medications can cause further damage and worsen the injury.

What to Do For Bleeding:

To stop bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage. Keep the person warm by covering them with a blanket, and elevate the injured limb if possible. Monitor the person’s vital signs, such as their breathing, pulse, and level of consciousness. If the person is unconscious, turn them onto their side to prevent choking.

What To Do For Sprains, Strains, and Fractures:

Strains:

  1. Rest the affected muscle and avoid activities that cause pain.
  2. Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
  3. Compress the area with an elastic bandage.
  4. Elevate the affected limb, if possible.
  5. Take over-the-counter pain medication, if needed.

Sprains:

  1. Rest the affected joint and avoid activities that cause pain.
  2. Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
  3. Compress the area with an elastic bandage.
  4. Elevate the affected limb, if possible.
  5. Take over-the-counter pain medication, if needed.

Fractures:

  1. Call for emergency medical assistance if the person is unconscious or the bone is visibly broken through the skin.
  2. Immobilize the affected limb with a splint or sling.
  3. Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
  4. Elevate the affected limb, if possible.
  5. Take over-the-counter pain medication, if needed.

What To Do For Cuts, Burns, and Abrasions:

  1. Stop bleeding: Apply pressure to the cut with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding. Keep the pressure on the wound for at least 5 minutes.
  2. Clean the wound: Gently clean the wound with soap and water. Then dry it with a clean cloth.
  3. Apply an antibiotic ointment: To prevent infection, apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the wound.
  4. Cover the wound: Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or clean cloth.
  5. Burns:
    • For minor burns, hold the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes or until the pain subsides
    • Cover the burn with a sterile bandage or clean cloth
    • Do not pop any blisters
    • Seek medical attention for severe burns or burns that cover a large area of the body
  1. Abrasions:
    • Clean the abrasion with soap and water
    • Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment
    • Cover the abrasion with a sterile bandage or clean cloth
  1. Watch for signs of infection: Keep an eye on the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention.
  2. Get a tetanus shot: If the wound is deep or dirty, or if it has been more than five years since your last tetanus shot, you may need a tetanus booster.

Remember, in case of cuts, burns, and abrasions, it’s important to seek medical attention if the wound is deep, large, or if there’s a concern of infection. Additionally, if you are not sure about the severity of the injury or the proper first aid treatment, it’s always better to seek medical advice.

What To Do for Heart Attacks and Cardiac Arrests:

  1. Recognize the signs: Common symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, and discomfort in the jaw, neck, or arm. Cardiac arrest can also be recognized by a loss of consciousness, and no pulse or breathing.
  2. Call for emergency medical help: Dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
  3. Start CPR: If the person is unconscious and not breathing, start CPR immediately. Place the person on their back, kneel down beside them, and push down on their chest with the heel of your hand. Give 30 compressions, then tilt the person’s head back and lift their chin to open their airway. Give two breaths. Continue CPR until emergency medical help arrives or the person starts breathing on their own.
  4. Use an AED: If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, use it as soon as possible. It’s a device that can be used to analyze the person’s heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock if necessary.
  5. Administer aspirin: If the person is conscious, chew and swallow an aspirin if it’s available, unless the person is allergic to aspirin or have been advised against taking it by a doctor.
  6. Monitor vital signs: Monitor the person’s breathing, pulse, and level of consciousness until emergency medical help arrives.
  7. Stay calm: Stay calm and reassure the person. Keep them still and prevent them from moving their head or neck.
  8. Follow up with Medical Care: Even if the person appears to recover, it’s important to follow up with medical care as soon as possible. A heart attack or cardiac arrest can cause long-term damage and require ongoing treatment.

It’s important to note that in case of heart attack or cardiac arrest, every second counts and seeking medical attention as soon as possible is crucial. CPR and AED use can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. Knowing the signs of heart attack and cardiac arrest, and being prepared to act quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Recognize Signs of Shock:

In addition to these tips, it’s also essential to know how to recognize signs of shock, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Common signs of shock include pale and clammy skin, rapid breathing, and a weak pulse. If the person is showing signs of shock, lay them down with their feet elevated and loosen any tight clothing.

Local Resources: Many local organizations offer first aid training courses, such as the American Red Cross and the National Safety Council. Many employers also provide on-site training for their employees. In addition, local hospitals and community centers often offer classes.

First aid is a vital skill that can save lives in emergency situations. By learning basic first aid techniques, you can be prepared to help someone in need until professional medical help arrives. With the right training, you can make a difference in the life of someone you care about, and possibly even save a life. Therefore, It is crucial for individuals to seek out local resources and take first aid training to be prepared in case of an emergency.

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First Aid – Online Safety Training