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In the course of a busy life, medical mishaps are bound to occur. First aid encompasses the measures you take to address an urgent medical situation. The complexity of rendering first aid varies, depending on the severity of the situation. Circumstances that necessitate first aid usually involve an accidental injury or sudden illness. The administration of first aid may be as simple as placing an adhesive bandage on a scraped knee or as dramatic as using an automated external defibrillator, or AED, on someone whose heart has stopped. By familiarizing yourself with basic first aid, you can help yourself, a loved one or a stranger whose life may depend on you being in the right place at the right time with the right information.
BE PREPARED
Your ability to render first aid when needed depends largely on how prepared you are to do so. Preparation involves having simple medical supplies on hand, such as bandages, gauze, cloth tape, scissors, an ice pack, an elastic wrap, antibiotic ointment and antiseptic wipes. A book on basic first aid is also helpful. If you're going on a trip, take a first aid kit with you. Many people keep a first aid kit in their vehicles at all times -- just in case.
STAY CALM
Whether you need to administer first aid to yourself or someone else, it is important to stay calm. Take a deep breath and remind yourself of your intention and focus. When you let panic get the better of you, you lose your ability to think rationally and act effectively.
WHEN TO CALL FOR HELP
You may be unsure about what type of situation constitutes a medical emergency. You are most certainly not alone in this confusion. Certain situations, however, always require emergency medical care. Anyone who is unconscious, not breathing or having difficulty breathing needs emergency treatment; call 911. Heavy bleeding, broken bones protruding through the skin, and sudden paralysis or difficulty speaking are also medical emergencies. Summon an ambulance for people who have suffered a severe burn, been involved in a fire or overdosed on drugs. Early arrival of emergency personnel significantly increases a person's chance of surviving a life-threatening medical emergency. If you are uncertain what to do in a medically urgent situation, call 911.
TRAINING
First-aid training is a good option to help prepare for medical situations that may arise at home, work or school. The American Red Cross, local government agencies and many hospitals offer training classes. Online training courses are also available. If you prefer self-study, visit your local library or bookstore for basic first aid texts.
References
- American Red Cross: Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
- "First Aid"; First Aid By American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 2011
- American College of Emergency Physicians: What to Do in an Emergency
