Basic First Aid Skills Everyone Should Learn

Accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. Having a fundamental understanding of first aid can be crucial in a medical emergency. Whether it’s a minor cut, a burn, or something more serious like a heart attack, being prepared can save lives. Having some essential first aid skills not only boosts confidence but also empowers people to act quickly and effectively when it matters most.

Introduction to First Aid and Its Importance

First aid refers to the prompt assistance provided to an injured or suddenly ill person before paramedics or professional medical help arrives. It includes basic, life-saving techniques that anyone can acquire. The primary focus of first aid insistence is to save lives, prevent the situation from worsening and support recovery.

Everyone, from parents to teachers to co-workers, benefits from knowing basic first aid. It’s not just for doctors or paramedics. In fact, in most emergencies, the first person on the scene isn’t a professional; it’s a bystander. That’s why having a basic understanding of first aid can be critical.

Many workplaces now require workers or appointed persons to take a first aid at work course, especially in high-risk environments like construction, education and healthcare. These essential skills ensure individuals are up-to-date with the latest techniques and safety measures. Obtaining certification not only enhances an individual’s skillset but also enhances their confidence in managing emergencies. 

How to Perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is one of the most vital first aid skills. When someone’s heart stops beating, time is of the essence. CPR maintains the blood flow to the brain and other organs until professional help arrives.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR:

1. Check for responsiveness: Gently tap the person and ask, “Are you okay?” If there’s no response, call emergency services instantly or ask someone nearby to call for you.
2. Open the airway: Lean the person’s head back slightly to open the airway and check if they’re breathing. If they aren’t breathing or only gasping, begin CPR.
3. Chest compressions: Place one hand over the other and press hard and fast in the centre of the chest. Aim for about 100-120 compressions per minute. Push down about 2 inches deep for adults, slightly less for children and even gentler for infants.
4. Rescue breaths: Start with 30 compressions and give two rescue breaths. Pinch the person’s nose, tilt their head back and breathe into their mouth, making sure their chest rises. If you’re not comfortable with mouth-to-mouth compressions, just continue with chest compressions.
5. Repeat: Continue with 30 compressions and two breaths until emergency personnel arrive or the person starts breathing again.

CPR can increase survival chances for someone experiencing cardiac arrest by two to three times. While it may seem intimidating at first, practising it in a first aid course can help people feel more confident in performing this life-saving technique.

Treating Cuts and Wounds

Cuts and wounds are some of the most frequent injuries that individuals encounter. From a kitchen mishap to a fall, it’s essential to know how to treat them properly to avoid infections and promote healing.

Here’s how to treat a simple cut or wound:

• Clean the area: The first step is to wash your hands to avoid contamination of the wound. Rinse the cut or wound under clean running water to remove any dirt or debris.
• Disinfect: Once clean, apply an antiseptic to prevent infection. Avoid using strong alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can damage the skin.
• Dress the wound: Apply a sterile bandage or dressing to shield the wound from additional injury and maintain cleanliness. New bandages should be applied daily or whenever they get dirty or damp.
• Monitor for infection: Look for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. If any of these symptoms appear, consult a doctor.

For deeper wounds, or if the bleeding doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Managing Burns and Scalds

Burns and scalds are another type of common injury. They can vary from mild first-degree burns to severe or third-degree burns, and knowing how to respond quickly can minimise damage and pain.

These are three types of burn categories:

1. First-degree burns: These are superficial burns that affect only the outer layer of skin. They typically cause redness and mild pain. The best way to treat these is by running cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10-15 minutes. Avoid applying ice, as this can cause further damage. After cooling, use a soothing lotion, like aloe vera and cover it with a sterile bandage if needed.
2. Second-degree burns: These burns affect the deeper layers of skin and may cause blisters. Treat the same way as a first-degree burn by running cool water over the area. Do not pop the blisters, as they protect the underlying skin. If the burn is large or particularly painful, seek medical help.
3. Third-degree burns: These burns harm all layers of the skin and may impact the underlying tissues. The skin may appear charred or white. Do not attempt to treat these burns at home—call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help, cover the burn with a clean, non-stick cloth or bandage.

Recognising and Responding to Choking

Choking is a frightening experience, but with the proper response, it can be resolved quickly. The Heimlich manoeuvre is the most common method to help someone who is choking, but the approach differs slightly depending on whether the person is an adult, child, or infant.

For Adults and Children Over 1-Year-Old:

• Assess the situation: Ask if the person can speak or cough. If they can’t, they’re likely choking and need help immediately.
• Position yourself: Position yourself behind the individual and encircle their waist with your arms.
• Perform abdominal thrusts: Make a fist with one hand, place it just above the navel and grab it with your other hand. Pull in and up sharply, aiming to dislodge the object. Keep up with this motion until the object is dislodged or the person loses consciousness. If they lose consciousness, begin CPR.

For Infants (Under 1-Year-Old):

• Lay the baby face-down on your forearm: Support their head and neck with your hand and keep their head lower than their body.
• Back blows: Give five firm back blows between the baby’s shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
• Chest thrusts: If the object doesn’t come out, turn the baby over onto their back and give five chest thrusts with two fingers, pressing just below the nipple line.

Alternate between delivering five chest thrusts and five back blows until the object comes out or the baby resumes breathing. 

In any case of choking, the quicker the response, the better the chances of the person recovering without harm. Knowing this skill could save a life in seconds.

The Lifesaving Power of Basic First Aid

Learning basic first aid is more than just acquiring skills—it’s about being prepared to help in critical moments. Whether it’s performing CPR, treating a cut, or knowing how to react when someone is choking, these small actions can be the difference between life and death. 

The importance of first aid certifications cannot be overstated and everyone should consider taking basic first aid courses, whether through work or on their own. Continuous learning ensures individuals are always prepared for the unexpected.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In a medical emergency, always seek help from qualified healthcare professionals or contact emergency services.