First Aid basic skills
Basic knowledge and skills will make you more aware and alert to potential hazards, it will help you to remain calm in emergency situations. Understanding the basic first aid procedures will allow you to provide assistance to a victim before professional help can arrive and therefore prevent a medical emergency from getting worse. I had the opportunity to learn first aid during both my military and civilian careers, today I regularly keep my skills up to date so I stay confident in knowing when and how to act in an emergency.
Having a knowledge of basic first aid skills can save lives.
Learning simple techniques, and knowing acronyms to help you recall the steps you’ll need to take will make you more confident in your skills and abilities. You will be able to provide emotional support to the ones around you by remaining in control. There are a lot of ressources available to learn about first aid, the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program are among the most prominent. Make sure you learn from a certified instructor.
Basic first aid skills include:
CPR - CardioPulmonary Resuscitation.
Treating cuts, scratches, burns, nosebleed, bites and insects' stings.
How to help a choking victim.
Setting a splint.
Stop bleeding.
Dehydration.
How to treat for shock.
How to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
The 3 C’s rule
When providing first aid to an injured person:
CHECK - Make sure the scene is safe before approaching. Then check the victim to identify the problem.
CALL - Call 911. If you ask someone to get help, be specific: "please call 911" rather than "go get help".
CARE - Explain that you know first aid and get permission to treat the victim.
Do not move an injured person unless it is absolutely necessary (in case of further danger).
The 3 W’s rule
When you call 911 for help:
WHO - Give your name, and the phone number you are calling from.
WHAT - Explain the situation: what do you see, how many people are hurt, what are their injuries.
WHERE - Give your exact location: the name of the street or a recognizable landmark.
Never hang up until the operator tells you to.
Protective measures to take when giving first aid
Consider all blood as if it contains germs and avoid using your bare hands to stop bleeding, use a protective barrier such as latex-free disposable gloves.
If you have any cuts on your hands, cover them with a bandage before treating the victim (or wear latex-free disposable gloves).
Always wash your hands and other exposed skin after treating the victim.
