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IN SHORT
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In emergency situations, every second counts and first aid skills can mean the difference between life and death. Whether in the event of an accident, illness or other unforeseen incident, knowing how to react adequately can save lives. Yet many of us don’t feel equipped to act in the face of a crisis. In this article, we’ll explore the essential first aid skills everyone should master to be ready to respond when needed, providing practical advice and clear information to boost your confidence and effectiveness.
First aid skills are essential techniques
which can mean the difference between life and death. This item
will guide you through the key skills everyone should master,
ranging from cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to the use of a
automated external defibrillator (AED), through the techniques
stopping bleeding and treating wounds.
Find out how these simple actions can save lives.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
There Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is one of the most crucial first aid skills.
It consists of a combination of chest compression and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation of vital organs
until help arrived.
CPR Steps
To perform CPR, first check for consciousness and breathing
of the victim. If she is not breathing, call emergency services immediately and
start chest compressions. Place your hands on top of each other,
arms straight, in the center of the chest, then apply regular pressure.
After 30 compressions, give two mouth-to-mouth breaths.
Importance of Training
Although theory is essential, there is no substitute for practical training.
Organizations like the Red Cross offer certified courses that allow
to practice these techniques under the supervision of qualified instructors.
This workout will give you the confidence to act effectively
in an emergency situation.
Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
A Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, can restart a stopped heart
heart thanks to a controlled electrical discharge. It is crucial to know
use this device in addition to CPR.
How to Use an AED
Modern AEDs are designed for use by people without training
medical. Follow the device’s voice and visual instructions. He
will guide you through each step: place the electrodes on the bare chest of the
victim, analyze the heart rate and administer a shock if necessary.
Accessibility of AEDs
More and more public places are equipped with AEDs. Learn to spot these
devices can greatly increase your chances of reacting quickly in the event of
emergency. Passing by these devices regularly will familiarize you with
their location.
Mastering Bleeding Stopping Techniques
Severe bleeding can be fatal within minutes. Know how
stopping bleeding is therefore a vital skill. Direct pressure,
the use of pressure dressings and, in extreme cases, the application
of a tourniquet can save lives.
Application of Direct Pressure
To stop bleeding, start by applying direct pressure to the
wound with a sterile dressing or a clean piece of cloth. Hold it
pressure until the bleeding slows or stops. If the dressing
is saturated, add another on top without removing the first.
Use of Compression Dressings
Compression dressings usually contain a hemostatic substance
which helps blood clot more quickly. Apply them in the same way as a
standard dressing, but be vigilant for any allergic reactions
potential to the hemostatic substance.
The Last Resort: the Tourniquet
The tourniquet is used only as a last resort, when other methods
are not enough to control massive hemorrhage. Place it a few
centimeters above the wound and squeeze it until the bleeding
stop. Note the time of application of the tourniquet, as it should not remain in
place more than two hours.
Treatment of Wounds and Burns
Wounds and burns require special attention to reduce
the risks of infection. Know how to clean and bandage a wound, as well as
Treating a burn can avoid complications and unnecessary pain.
Cleaning and Bandaging Wounds
Start by washing your hands or wearing gloves to avoid contamination.
Rinse the wound under running water to remove any dirt or debris, then
disinfect the area with an antiseptic solution. Then apply a bandage
sterile to protect the wound.
First Aid for Burns
To treat a burn, place the affected area under cold water for at least
least 10 minutes. Avoid using ice, as it can further damage
more skin. Cover the burn with a sterile, non-adhesive dressing to
protect the area. If the burn is severe, seek medical help
immediately.
| Skill | Description |
| Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) | Technique to restore blood circulation and breathing. |
| Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) | Device for treating cardiac arrest by electric shock. |
| Bleeding Control | Methods to stop heavy bleeding. |
| Lateral Safety Position (PLS) | Safe position for an unconscious but breathing person. |
| First aid for aspiration | Techniques for clearing the airways. |
| Shock Management | Support to stabilize a person in shock. |
| Consciousness Assessment | Methods for determining whether a person is conscious. |
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Identifying signs of cardiac arrest
- Implementation of the defibrillator
- Using an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator)
- First aid for injury
- Hemorrhage control
- Management of airway obstructions
- Heimlich techniques for adults and children
- Burn relief
- Application of immediate first aid
- Recognition of strokes (cerebral vascular accidents)
- Assessing symptoms and calling for help
Management of Airway Obstructions
Knowing how to clear your airways in case of choking is a
essential first aid skill. Methods vary depending on
the age and size of the victim, ranging from the Heimlich maneuver
back pats in infants.
The Heimlich Maneuver
For adults and children over one year old, stand behind the victim
and surround his waist with your arms. Place a fist above his navel,
cover it with the other hand, and apply pressure inwards and towards
upwards repeatedly until the object is expelled.
Back Pats for Infants
For infants, place the baby face down on your forearm with his or her head
slightly lower than the rest of its body. With the heel of your hand
free, give him up to 5 firm taps between the shoulder blades. If the object does not come out
not, combine this technique with chest compressions.
Management of Heart Attacks
Recognizing the signs of a heart attack and reacting quickly can save
Lives. Chest pain is often the first symptom, but it
may be accompanied by other signs such as difficulty breathing, nausea
and pain radiating down the arm or jaw.
Identify Symptoms
Chest pain is often described as a feeling of heaviness or
crushing. Other symptoms include cold sweat, dizziness and
feeling of oppression. In women, symptoms may be more subtle
and include back or neck pain, as well as unusual fatigue.
Immediate Actions
If you suspect a heart attack, call for help immediately. In
In the meantime, have the person sit in a comfortable position and reassure them.
If she is conscious and not allergic, give her an aspirin tablet to
help thin the blood. Also prepare to administer CPR if the
person loses consciousness.
Rescuing Drowning Victims
When a person is drowning, every second counts. The techniques
rescue in an aquatic environment, combined with first aid actions,
are widely recommended to increase the chances of survival.
Assistance in the Aquatic Environment
Approach the victim while always keeping a safe distance. Use
a floating object to reach the person and attract them to a safe place. Avoid
to come into direct contact so as not to risk being dragged underwater yourself.
Aquatic resuscitations
Once the victim is out of the water, immediately check their breathing and
pulse. If she is not breathing, begin chest compressions and
breaths as quickly as possible. Continue CPR until help arrives.
rescue or until the victim starts breathing again.
Management of Epileptic Seizures
Seizures can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do can
help prevent further injury and reassure loved ones. Gestures
simple things can make a big difference.
Immediate Actions
During a seizure, move dangerous objects away from the victim and place a cushion
or a jacket under his head to prevent head trauma. Never attempt to
put anything in his mouth. Note the start time of the seizure, because
a seizure that lasts more than five minutes requires urgent medical attention.
Securing the Person after the Crisis
Once the seizure is over, place the person in a side safety position
to keep his airways clear. Stay with her until she
fully recovers his spirits. If this is the first time the person has made a
crisis or if it does not recover quickly, call for help.
Skills in Capitalization and Transportation
In the event of fractures or serious injuries, it is important to know how
Properly immobilize the affected part of the body before transporting the victim.
Improper handling can aggravate injuries.
Immobilization Techniques
Use splints, if available, or improvise with rigid objects like
sticks or boards. Attach them to the injured limb using bands or
tissues, without tightening too much to avoid cutting off blood circulation. Make sure
that the victim remains motionless until help arrives.
Safe Transportation
If you have to transport the victim before help arrives, do so with
precaution. Use a blanket or improvised stretcher to move the
person by minimizing body movements. It is often better not to
move a victim of spinal or head injury except in cases of
imminent danger.
First Aid for Asthma
Asthma attacks can be extremely dangerous without intervention
fast. Recognizing an attack and applying first aid correctly can
relieve symptoms and save lives.
Recognizing an Asthma Attack
Signs of an asthma attack include wheezing, coughing
persistent, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. The person can also
have difficulty speaking or breathing deeply.
Fast intervention
If the person has an inhaler, help them use it immediately. Make sure she
remains seated in a comfortable and calm position. If symptoms do not improve
after a few minutes, repeat the dose of the medicine and call emergency services.
What are the most important first aid skills?
The most important first aid skills include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using an automatic external defibrillator (AED), controlling hemorrhage, and recognizing the signs of a stroke.
Why is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) so crucial?
CPR is crucial because it helps maintain blood circulation and oxygenation of the brain until help arrives, thus increasing the victim’s chances of survival.
How to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED)?
To use an AED, simply turn on the device, follow the voice instructions, place the electrodes on the victim’s chest and let the device analyze the heart rhythm before delivering a shock if necessary.
What are the steps to control bleeding?
Steps to control bleeding include direct pressure on the wound, using a bandage or clean cloth, and if necessary, elevating the injured area.
How to recognize the signs of a stroke?
Signs of a stroke include sudden weakness on one side of the face, inability to raise your arms, and difficulty speaking or understanding. It is important to act quickly by calling for help.
Are there other essential first aid skills to master?
Yes, other essential skills include managing burns, treating fractures, as well as knowing severe allergies and using an epinephrine auto-injector.