10 quick first aid tips that can save your life in emergencies
Knowing basic facts about first aid can literally help save your life and others’ when faced with an emergency situation. It’s important to learn how to assess the situation, what actions you can take to help, and to understand what is helpful versus harmful.
For example, in case of bleeding, a bandage is often more effective than a tourniquet. Respectful of your requests, from the health section.SelMagzWe cover the most common first aid procedures that you might need in different situations.
The most important first aid actions
1. Cut
When you encounter a cut, always raise it above heart level. This helps reduce swelling and aid fluid drainage from the wound. If the cut is on your thigh, lie down and elevate the area with a pillow. If you cannot do this, try to keep it at or near heart level, especially if bleeding is involved.
What does first aid include?
2. First-degree burn
First-degree burns, also known as superficial burns, only affect the top layer of skin. They may be painful but are not serious.
To treat, wash the burn with warm water. Although cold water or ice might seem obvious, they can cause more tissue damage. After cleaning, apply a cold compress or ice pack.
Using oils or butter is an old home remedy that can worsen the injury by trapping heat. Instead, use a mixture of water andbaking sodawhich can help remove heat from the burn.
3. Heart attack
During a heart attack, quick action can reduce damage. Chewingaspirincan help by inhibiting blood platelets that cause blood clots, responsible for blocking arteries.
When taking aspirin, use a low dose for faster effect, and chew it instead of swallowing, then call emergency services immediately.
First aid for heart attacks
4. Bee sting
If stung by a bee, you should remove the sting. Although it’s believed that removing the sting reduces venom, timing is crucial. Remove the sting as quickly as possible, using tweezers or scratching it out.
When a bee loses its sting, it releases a scent that attracts other bees, risking additional stings. After removing the sting and escaping the area, wash the wound and apply ice. Use an auto-injector or EpiPen if allergic. Contact emergency services promptly.
5. Eye injuries
When injured, the first step is usually to clean the wound. For eye injuries, the most important action is to cover the eye and seek help.
Trying to clean the eye alone can risk further damage or permanent injury. The main exception is if chemicals contact your eye; then you should rinse immediately with water.
6. Fracture
If a part of your body breaks, do not try to straighten it. Keep the limb immobilized with a splint in the position it’s in. Fractures can be broken bones or simple sprains. Always seek medical care to confirm the injury and prevent further damage.
First aid training for fractures
7. Wood splinters
Splinters are full of germs and can easily infect open skin. Always sterilize tools when handling them. If a wooden splinter is deeply embedded, disinfect the area first, then carefully extract it with a sterilized needle or tweezers, and clean with water and soap afterward.soapand water.
8. Snake bite
In movies and TV shows, when someone is bitten by a venomous snake, their first action is to suck out the venom. This is ineffective because it allows venom to enter the bloodstream before you can remove it.
After a snakebite, stay calm. Reduce your heart rate to slow venom spread, and use painkillers to thin the blood. It’s best to call emergency services immediately. If moving to seek help, walk slowly and avoid running.
Apply oil or coconut oil to the wound if possible, as it can help fight bacteria and parasites, then bandage the bite area.Methods for first aid after a snakebite9. Breathing obstructionIf someone stops breathing, there is usually an airway obstruction. Lay the person on their back, check the mouth, and remove any blockages, including liquids.To open the airway, tilt the head back and lift the chin. Place your hand above the head or near the forehead, and put your fingers under the chin. Gently press the lower jaw to open the mouth without moving the neck, helping the tongue move away from the airway and reducing breathing obstruction. Keep the head tilted until the airway is clear.
10. Scars
When injured, you might worry about ugly scars. However, certain steps can help prevent scars from forming. Baking soda has anti-infectious properties and can help prevent scars and heal the skin without infection.
When treating a scar with baking soda, allow the wound to breathe and use a mixture of water and baking soda as an antiseptic solution.
Tips for opening bandages
First aid isn’t only useful in emergencies but also during healing. To remove adhesive without damage, apply baby oil or alcohol to the bandage, or use warm water.
You can also cool the area with ice before carefully peeling off the bandage. Be gentle to avoid damaging the healed skin or reopening the wound.
First aid removal of bandages
First aid is not only about immediate action but also important during the healing process.
- To safely remove bandages, apply oil or alcohol, or soak in warm water.Then, cool the area with ice, and gently peel off the bandage.Although it might be tempting to rip off the bandage in one go, do it slowly to prevent skin damage or re-injury.
- First aid procedures
- Cut injury first aid
