Situations Where First Aid Skills Are Essential
In life, you might end up with minor complications that are nothing more than scratches, bruises or cuts. However, there are those times when something a bit more tragic can happen. Regardless, having skills in first aid can really help to treat both minor and severe complications. Let us explore some issues you might come across.
The first complication is wounds which are very common and would include bruises, scrapes and cuts, puncture wounds, or even serious tears in the skin. If any of these should occur, your main concern at first would be to stop the bleeding. You can do this by applying a simple bandage or cotton pad.
Situations Where First Aid Skills Are Essential
Once you get the blood to stop, you would then remove dirt, clean out the wound, apply a topical antiseptic and reapply another bandage. If you see continual blood flow, this could indicate something more serious and might call for stitches, which would require a trip to the emergency center.
Another complication that is common and requires first aid is choking. Choking is when a piece of food or foreign object gets lodged in a person’s throat to the point they cannot breathe. If the person is able to cough, you should be ready for immediate help as it could get lodged and first aid will be needed. In the case it does get lodged, the Heimlich maneuver will be needed which will get the item dislodged.
However, if the person becomes unconscious, you will then have to get the person on their back, tilt back their head and raise their chin and attempt to finger sweep the item out. If the victim still has a pulse, you will need to give them artificial respiration, however if there is no pulse and no signs of breathing, you will need to administer CPR.
Burns are another complication which is typically caused by boiling water, flames, electricity, chemicals or prolonged sun exposure. The burn severity is based on the burn depth. Combined with causing fluid loss, burns can provoke some infections and breathing complications. Your first step is to remove the victim from the source of the burn. Then cool their burn with water; which will help minimize pain. Cover with a clean, dry bandage. Keep in mind that burns caused by chemicals or electricity will require medical assistance immediately.
Another common complication is broken bones and fractures which can cause infection and bleeding. It can be hard to determine if it is a dislocation or a fracture. It is best to keep the victim stabilized and avoid any movements. Keep them comfortable and keep the affected part immobilized. Preparing a type of sling would prove beneficial. You can use ice to reduce swelling and pain. Be sure to call for medical help as this is the safest way to get the victim to the hospital.
Many types of complications and injuries are minor where simply perform first aid will do the trick. However, more severe injuries and complications should not be taken lightly and the victim will need to be stabilized and medical help will need to be called promptly.