When you witness an emergency situation, it is important to know how to administer first aid properly. This could be the difference between life and death. Keep reading to learn how to administer first aid in an emergency.
Get first-aid training in advance.
A certified first aid course is an important program that teaches individuals how to administer first aid in emergency situations. The program includes training in CPR, how to use a defibrillator, and how to deal with various medical emergencies. The course is designed for people who want to become certified first responders or work in healthcare or other emergency services. But these courses are also available for everyone who is interested in knowing more about handling an emergency medical situation. Upon completion of the course, participants can provide basic first aid and lifesaving assistance until paramedics arrive on the scene. Having this training is key when faced with any first-aid situation.
Assess the Situation
When someone is injured, it is important to know how to administer first aid to help them. Broken bones or head injuries require a completely different routine than burns or heart attacks. The first step is to assess the situation and determine if there is an immediate danger. If there is an immediate danger, such as a fire or hazardous material spill, you need to deal with that before providing first aid. If there is no immediate danger, then you can provide first aid.
Check for breathing.
In a medical emergency, check for breathing and pulse immediately. You can do this by checking for chest movement and feeling for a pulse on the neck or wrist. If the person is not breathing, you need to begin CPR immediately. Place the person’s head back, open the person’s airway, and pinch their nose shut. Take a deep breath, and place your mouth over the person’s mouth, then blow into the person’s mouth until the chest rises. Let the person exhale if possible, then continue these steps and give the person chest compressions. To give chest compressions, push down on the person’s chest about 2 inches and push down on the person’s chest at a rate of 100 compressions per minute. After 30 compressions, give the person a breath. If you get tired, try to get someone to help you or wait for medical professionals to arrive.
Immobilize a sprain or fracture.
When an individual sustains a sprain or fracture, be sure to call 911 right away. In the meantime, it’s important to immobilize the area as soon as possible to prevent further injury. Keep in mind that head injuries or neck fractures are much trickier to treat and should be left to medical professionals to handle. Don’t try to move someone with a neck or head injury. To immobilize a sprain or fracture, you will need some supplies, including:
- An ice pack
- A bandage or wrap
- A splint (or something to use as a splint)
If you can, gently elevate the injured area above the level of the heart. Apply the ice pack to the area for fifteen minutes every hour. Wrap the bandage around the injured area and then secure it with tape or a clip. If you use something like a tree branch or stick as a splint, place it along the long side of the injury and tie it in place with a scarf or piece of cloth.
Choking
Choking is a medical emergency when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat and blocks the airway. The most common objects to cause choking are small pieces of food, but they can also be caused by other objects such as coins, balloons, or toys. If someone is choking, they will usually be unable to speak or breathe. Choking can lead to brain damage or death if not treated quickly.
If you think someone is choking, you should first ask them if they can speak. They are probably choking if they cannot speak and are making a gasping noise. You should then try to dislodge the object with back blows. To do this, stand behind the person and place your hands on their abdomen just above the navel. Then give them five hard blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
If this does not work, you should then attempt abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). To do this, stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just below the person’s ribcage on their abdomen. Grasp your fist with your other hand and press into their abdomen quickly five times. Check again to see if the object has been dislodged before continuing rescue breathing efforts.
Overall, knowing how to administer first aid in an emergency is important. This information can help to save lives in the event of a car accident or other emergency. Be sure to enroll in a first-aid training course in your area to stay as prepared as possible.