Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere — at home, work, or on the road. Knowing basic first aid can make a big difference in helping someone before professional medical help arrives. It can even save a life.
Here are essential first aid tips everyone should know.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Before you act, make sure it’s safe for you and the injured person. Check if they are conscious, breathing, and if there’s any immediate danger around.
2. Stop Severe Bleeding
•Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage.
•Keep pressure until help arrives.
•If bleeding is from a limb and is severe, elevate it above heart level (unless broken).
3. Perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
If the person isn’t breathing:
1.Call emergency services immediately.
2.Push hard and fast in the center of the chest (about 100–120 compressions per minute).
3.If trained, give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
4. Treat Burns
•Cool the burn under running water for at least 10 minutes.
•Do not apply butter, oil, or toothpaste.
•Cover lightly with a clean, non-stick cloth or dressing.
5. Handle Choking
•Ask if the person can cough or speak.
•If not, stand behind them, wrap your arms around their waist, and perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) until the object is expelled.
6. Deal with Nosebleeds
•Sit the person down, leaning forward slightly.
•Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes without letting go.
•Avoid tilting the head backward.
7. Recognize Signs of Stroke (FAST)
•Face drooping.
•Arm weakness.
•Speech difficulty.
•Time to call emergency services immediately.
8. First Aid for Sprains (RICE Method)
•Rest the injured area.
•Ice for 20 minutes every 2–3 hours.
•Compress with an elastic bandage.
•Elevate above heart level.
Final Tip:
Always keep a stocked first aid kit at home, in your car, and at work. Regularly check expiration dates of medicines and replace used items.
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