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You can save a life! Learn how to perform basic First Aid

By Mark Etinger

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 26Sep2009
Word count: 472
Viewed: 311 time(s)

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In reality, we have to be ready for any possible scenario. There are many surprises and situations that require immediate action and when we encounter an emergency, we have to act twice as fast, and be three times as careful.

This is why its important to know basic first-aid and be able to reach out and help a family member, friend, co-worker or even a stranger in need. First-aid refers to the most basic process of assessment and treatment of an injured person. First-aid can be crucial in cases of emergency, accidents, chocking, heart attacks, drug related incidents, or any situations of physical distress.

In some cases, first-aid can be done with minimal equipment and simple procedures while other cases require complicated techniques and can help save lives.

Of course that there are numerous types of emergencies and every case require different first-aid procedure. Still, there are a few basic steps that should be taken in most scenarios; actions that can help you assess the situation and act accordingly. The one action that is common to all emergencies whatsoever is to call 911. If you have to attend the victim, make sure that someone else calls the emergency services.

First thing to remember when applying first-aid on a victim is to take all necessary precautions that will ensure the safety of the victim and the rescuer. In cases of emergency we tend to act fast and sometimes forget about our own safety. So remember to check your surroundings for any possible threats and use protective sterile equipment.

The first-aid ABCs stands for Airway, Breathing and Circulations. These are the most important indicators to check. If the victim is responsive, try and speak to speak and see if he or she can answer so youd know the airway is clear. If the airway is blocked, roll the victim on his back while safely securing the head. You can then clear his airway by opening the mouth. When the victim is breathing but unconscious, you want to roll him on the side while securing the neck and head, and open the mouth in order to make sure that the airway will not be blocked by the tongue. If the victim is unconscious put your hand or ear near his mouth and check for breathing. You can also place a small mirror to see breath. If there are no signs of breathing, dont wait for the ambulance and start performing CPR. C for Circulation means checking the victims pulse.

If the victim is bleeding, you can help him by placing a clean piece of cloth over the wound and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. You should avoid moving the victim when not necessary and if you must, drag the person from the collar or by using a large blanket in order to avoid spinal injury.

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