Accidents are the order of the day. They can show up anywhere and at any time. Even when we are at home, while we are walking down the street, eating in a restaurant, etc. In such circumstances, it is always a relief to have someone who is capable of handling the situation, who knows what to do and how to act in an unforeseen event like this, since it provides the possibility of getting out of the emergency situation or provides enough time to the arrival of medical personnel. Actually, knowing what basic first aid is costs nothing and can save a person’s life. Even to a loved one. Therefore, it is important that we take it as part of our culture and that we learn what is the correct way to give them. However, it is not enough to know how to do it, you must also be able to identify which are the situations that deserve it. For example, in case of trauma, suffocation, hemorrhage, etc. These are just some of the dangerous situations where a person’s life can be compromised. Would you like to know how you should act in an emergency? Do you want to learn how to give first aid to those who need it? Do you have the willingness and desire to help others? If the answers to these questions have been yes, you cannot stop reading this article.
In it you will find everything you need to know about the correct way to help someone during an emergency situation. You do not have to be a nurse or a doctor to be able to do it, it will be enough that you have knowledge of the correct technique that you must use in each circumstance. Since the lives of others may be in your hands, pay close attention to what you should do.
Instructions for giving first aid
You will only know if you are really prepared when the emergency arises. However, it is important that you know what the steps to follow are: The first thing you have to do is stay calm. This can be a bit tricky. But, if you succeed, this will help you act quickly and effectively. The magnitude of the damage will depend on this, as well as its survival prognosis and the sequelae that may remain. If circumstances allow, call an emergency number or ask someone to do so. Evaluate the scene where the accident occurred or where the emergency arose. To ensure your own safety and that of others, the area must be free of risks. Do not move the injured person, unless it is strictly necessary, since a sudden movement could cause greater damage to the neck and spine. Check the general condition of the person. If he is conscious, how he breathes, what is his circulatory condition, etc. Take the patient by the shoulders and shake him gently, asking if he is okay. This way you will be able to know if the injuries can put his life at risk. Remove anything, solid or liquid, that is blocking your airway. He moves his tongue to try to get him to breathe on his own. If it’s not happening, you should give it word of mouth.
Place him on his back with his head slightly backwards, lifting his chin, so the throat will be completely stretched and oxygen will be able to pass freely. It blows air every 5 seconds, that is, about 12 times per minute. To do this, find a rhythm that allows you to do this, perhaps counting from 1 to 3. You have been trying to restore the normal breathing pattern. Check his vital signs. Count your heartbeat, pulse rate, and breathing for 30 to 20 seconds. Then, multiply those keystrokes by 3, so you will get the total responses per minute. If the person has no heartbeat, you should apply CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is the combination of inflations with chest compressions. Do it with your arms extended in the center of your chest with your hands interlocked. You should do it at a rate of about 100 or 120 compressions per minute, in cycles of 30 compressions. Continue the procedure until the person begins to breathe or until professional help arrives. As you may have realized, these are the steps you should follow in a general emergency situation. But what do you need to know about how to act in specific cases?
What do you need to give first aid?
In case of bleeding: with the help of a clean cloth or a compress, apply compression directly on the wound. Elevate the injured part, as this lowers blood pressure and therefore reduces bleeding. If the injury is on a leg or arm, you should raise it to a level that is higher than your heart. If the bleeding is internal, monitor the person for signs of collapse, such as paleness, thirst, anxiety, cold, tachycardia, etc. Place it on the ground horizontally and keep it warm, while you reassure it. In case of suffocation: these can be caused by the consumption of foods that are difficult to digest, as is the case with meat. If you notice clear symptoms of suffocation, stand behind the person with your arms around their waist. Next, adjust the fist, thumb inward, above the person’s navel, while your other hand grips the first tightly. Clench your fist up and in hard to force the obstructing object out of the trachea and normalize oxygen flow. These techniques are very simple. However, you must try to do it well in each situation, since the life of the person depends on it. But, what other recommendations should you take into account?
Tips for giving first aid
It may be that the emergency is apparently simple and that we think we know how to act. Those are the cases where more mistakes are made. Some of them are the following: Use fingers to pick things out of eyes. The hands are one of the dirtiest parts of the entire body. Through your fingers you can introduce any number of bacteria into your eyes. In case there is a foreign element in the eye, use clean water to rinse it and do not rub it. Apply hydrogen peroxide to an open wound. Because hydrogen peroxide affects cells, it can affect skin tissues. Although it is true that the bacteria are killed, doing this slows down the healing process. Instead, it is best to wash the wound with water and neutral soap. While the pressure of the water removes any debris or dirt from the wound, the soap disinfects the affected area. Tilt your head back to stop the nosebleed. By doing this, all the blood rushes down the throat, so the bleeding doesn’t actually stop. In fact, there is a risk of swallowing it and irritating the stomach or inducing vomiting. The correct course of action is to lean forward and apply pressure to the nose for about 5 to 10 minutes until the bleeding stops. Apply alcohol to lower the fever. Since it evaporates quickly, it can give the impression that the skin is cooler. But this does not mean that the fever will go away, as it does not affect body temperature.
Conversely, alcohol can seep through the skin and cause intoxication. So, in the face of a fever, it is best to rest, drink plenty of fluids and apply cold water compresses. If the fever does not subside, go to the doctor.