Basic First Aid Tips

Basic First Aid Tips

When someone is injured or suddenly becomes ill, there is usually a critical period before you can get medical treatment and it is this period that is of the utmost importance to the victim. Here are a few basic first aid tips.

• Make sure your household has a first aid kit. It should have basic medicines which are readily accessible
• Keep your first aid kit, all medications, including non-prescription drugs out of children's reach.
• Before assisting a victim, protect yourself first. Assess the scene and determine the prevalent hazards, if any.
• Whenever possible, wear gloves to protect yourself from blood and other bodily fluids.
• When an emergency occurs, make sure the tongue does not block the victim's airway and that the mouth is free of any secretions and foreign objects.
• It's important that the person is breathing freely. And if not, administer artificial respiration promptly.
• See that the victim has a pulse and good blood circulation as you check for signs of bleeding.
• Act fast if the victim is bleeding severely, swallowed poison or his heart or breathing has stopped. Remember every second counts.
• It's vitally important not to move a person with serious neck or back injuries unless you have to save him from further danger.
• If he has vomited and there is no danger that his neck is broken, turn him aside to prevent choking and keep him warm by covering him with blankets or coats.
• Have someone call for medical assistance while you apply first aid.
• The person who calls the doctor should explain the nature of the emergency and ask for advice on what should be done by the time the ambulance arrives.
• Be calm and give psychological support to the patient.
• Don't give fluids to an unconscious or semiconscious person. Fluids may enter his windpipe and cause suffocation.
• Don't try to arouse an unconscious person by slapping or shaking.
• Look for an emergency medical identification card to find out if the victim is allergic to medicines or has any serious health problems that require special care.