March 9, 2021
As I have tackled in my previous article about Basic First Aid Is Not Just Basic, It Is Life Saver, having the knowledge in administering First Aid will give us the confidence to give help when an emergency occurs. It will not only prevent further disabilities but will also save a life and reduce casualties. And it is much better if we, ourselves, know how to perform First Aid at home during an emergency.
Learning the basic first aid techniques can help us cope with an emergency. And this could mean the difference between life and death to the patients. There are many ways to learn basic first aid techniques. Health-related articles and first aid posters for example also give information about basic first aid techniques. And we can apply these techniques during an emergency at home, or even outdoor accidents.
During my Caregiving training, I learned different basic first aid techniques and having that knowledge means a lot to me. Not only I could respond to an emergency, but it gives me the ability to save someone's life that is at stake. We can not just rely on rescuers and medical workers when an emergency occurs. Because not all the time their services are available. We should at least do something before worse things happen.
To give you a grasp on this matter, I have collected the information about Basic First Aid techniques I have learned from school. Many thoughts that First Aid techniques are difficult to learn, but it's NOT. It is easy as ABC which stands for:
A- airway
B - breathing
C - CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
And in any situation, we can apply this DRSABCD Action Plan, which stands for:
Danger – do not put yourself in danger when going to emergency assistance. Always check the danger to you, to the injured person, and bystanders around the area.
Response – check the consciousness of the patient(s) by squeezing or tapping their shoulder. If they don't respond when you talk to them, then call for help.
Send for help – immediately call the emergency hotline number in your area and tell the operator about the situation.
Airway – check the airway of the patient if it's clear or blocked. Is he breathing or not?
©If the person is responding, conscious and with a clear airway, assess how you can help him.
©If the person is not responding and unconscious, check the airway by opening his mouth. If it's clear, tilt the head by lifting the chin and check for breathing. If the mouth is not clear, remove the contents by turning him on the side, open the mouth, and dislodge the content.
Breathing – check for breathing through chest movements (up and down). You can also place your ear near to his mouth and nose.
©If the person is unconscious but breathing, turn them onto his side, and make sure that the head, neck, and spine are aligned. Monitor the breathing until the rescuers arrive.
The next one is a very important and life-saving technique that everyone should learn. This might save an unconscious patient whose life is in a critical phase. Especially for those who suffered from a heart attack, respiratory problems attack, drowning, stroke, and other life-threatening circumstances.
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) – if an adult is unconscious and not breathing, place him on his back on a flat surface.
Place the heel of your dominant hand on the center of the patient's chest, and your other hand on top.
Press down firmly to one-third of their chest depth. Make 30 compressions.
Give 2 breaths after 30 compressions by tilting his head back (lift the chin). Pinch the nostrils, place your mouth over his, then blow firmly into his mouth.
Continue the 30 compression and 2 breaths at the speed 5 cycle in two minutes, until the patient responds or the rescuers arrive.
The CPR method for children and babies is different because you need to exercise it more cautiously. You can check articles about it online.
Defibrillator – this machine is used for unconscious patients who are not breathing and in critical condition. It delivers an electrical shock to terminate irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), to re-establish the normal heartbeat. This machine is only available in medical institutions, but some organizations and public places also have AED in case of emergency. The machine is just simple to operate, you just need to follow the instructions given on the photo of the machine. But some are not suitable for children.
This DRSABCD is an emergency action plan that everyone should know and this can save lives and reduce casualties during incidents.
Here are the other First Aid Techniques that can be applied at home and anywhere during an emergency.
You can download this photo and use this as a guide to practice First Aid techniques at home or once you have encountered an emergency. There are more First Aid techniques posters that you can find online and ready to download.
First Aid Kit Anywhere
Aside from knowing the first aid techniques, a first aid kit should always be available at home, schools, workplaces, and public transportation establishments. The contents should meet the needs and appropriate to cope with different emergencies, depending on the settings. It is also handy if we have a first aid kit in our office or car, that is readily available to pull out when needed.
First Aid techniques especially CPR are skills that everyone should know. We can find educational videos and articles online that we can use to know about First Aid. Or if you want to, you can attend classes about First Aid and other medical care training. Being trained to provide First Aid is not only useful to oneself but society. And most of all, it will promote a healthy and safe environment, and instills confidence amongst people, especially in our family.
Lead image from https://www.quotemaster.org/first+aid
Knowing first aid has helped me in some emergency cases where I have worked