An emergency can strike at any time and any place, and being prepared for the same makes a big difference. Here is where knowing the basic steps of first aid can impact the well-being of a person's life considerably.
Whether it is a sudden illness, injury, or serious accident, taking prompt action through emergency first aid is crucial to saving a person’s life, reducing the severity of injury, and promoting faster recovery—especially when every second counts.
To further understand this concept in detail, this guide covers what is first aid, why it matters for health and safety, the main steps to follow, and the different types of first aid care to be aware of.
What is First Aid and Why Does it Matter?
In simple words, first aid is the immediate assistance given to individuals in medical emergencies like sudden illnesses or injuries, before professional help can arrive. This involves simple procedures and techniques, like cooling a burn, controlling bleeding, or performing CPR, that can help stabilise a person's condition and promote their recovery quickly.
First aid and emergency help are important for the following reasons:
- Can help save an individual's life
- Allows people to act quickly
- Keeps a person prepared for any situation
- Prevents further complications
- Keeps panic away during emergencies
Primary Goal of First Aid
After understanding what first aid is, let us take a look at what the three primary goals of first aid include:
Saves lives
Prevent Condition from Worsening
Promote Quicker Recovery
The first priority of first aid and emergency help is to save the person’s life by taking quick action. This could involve saving the person from serious dangers like heavy bleeding, choking, cardiac arrest, or unconsciousness.
First aid is crucial to ensure a person’s condition due to their illness or injury does not worsen. This may include keeping a broken bone still, stopping bleeding, or moving the person away from further danger.
With the help of timely first aid steps like cleaning and covering wounds, using a cold pack for swelling, or giving reassurance, it helps a person recover faster while providing them with comfort and reduced pain.
Key Steps During Emergencies
During emergencies, first aid care is crucial. Upon noticing such a situation, here are the steps you can take:
1. Check the Area
Look around quickly to see if the place is safe. Make sure neither you nor the injured person is in any danger.
2. Handle Serious Problems First
Take care of the most urgent issues, like blocked airways, difficulty in breathing, or heavy bleeding, before moving to less serious concerns.
3. Call for Help
Dial emergency services right away and share clear details about what happened and where you are.
4. Give Basic Care
Use the right first aid steps to control injuries, stop things from getting worse, and keep the person stable until medical help arrives.
5. Keep Them Calm
Stay composed, speak gently, and provide reassurance to make the injured person feel supported while waiting for professionals.
Practising First Aid Skills
The most common technique used in first aid to revive a person is the ABC (Airway, Breathing and Circulation) Method. This is how it works:
Airway
Breathing
Circulation (Chest Compressions)
Check if the airway is clear. Tilt the head back slightly to open the airway and remove any visible obstruction.
Look, listen, and feel for breath for 10 seconds. If breathing, place the person in the recovery position. If not breathing, start CPR immediately.
Place hands in the centre of the chest, then press hard and fast, about 100–120 compressions per minute. Continue until help arrives or the person breathes.
Situations That Require First Aid
Certain common scenarios that require quick first aid and health assistance include:| Emergency Situation | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Road Accidents | Ranges from cuts and bruises to severe trauma |
| Household Injuries | Common burns, cuts, and falls at home |
| Sports Injuries | Sprains, fractures, or concussions during play |
| Falls and Trauma | Injuries from slips, trips, or falls from height |
| Burns and Scalds | Skin burns from heat, liquids, or flames |
| Choking | Food or objects block the airway |
| Cardiac Emergencies | Heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest |
| Severe Bleeding | Excess blood loss from cuts or injuries |
| Allergic Reactions | Severe reactions or anaphylaxis due to allergens |
| Heatstroke & Dehydration | Illness due to hot weather or fluid loss |
| Seizures | Sudden convulsions or loss of control |
| Fainting | Temporary loss of consciousness |
| Medical Emergencies | Diabetic issues, asthma attacks, or fainting spells |
Types of First Aid Care
The various types of first aid care that can be provided include:
1. First Aid for Burns:
- Ensure to remove the person from the source of the burn.
- Cool the burn by running it under cooling water for at least 10 minutes.
- Cover the burn area with a sterile cloth or non-stick dressing.
- For severe or large burns, seek professional attention as soon as possible.
2. First Aid for Choking
- Ask the person to speak or cough to help clear the obstruction.
- If a person cannot breathe, use the Heimlich manoeuvre.
- Stand behind the person, place your arms around the waist, and perform inward and upward abdominal thrusts till the object is dislodged.
- If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR and wait for medical help.
3. First Aid CPR
- Place your hands in the centre of the chest.
- Press chest hard and fast, about 100–120 compressions per minute.
- Continue until help arrives or the person breathes.
4. First Aid for Broken Bones and Fractures
- Encourage the person to stay still and avoid moving too much.
- Immobilise the injured area using padded materials (such as towels or rolled clothing) to prevent further injury.
- Use a sling or wrap to support an injured arm or shoulder.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
5. First Aid for Nosebleeds
- Encourage the person to lean forward.
- Close their nostrils with their thumb and index finger.
- Apply pressure for at least 10-15 minutes without releasing to avoid blood from clotting.
- Repeat until bleeding stops, and if it persists, call for medical help immediately.
6. First Aid for Heatstroke
- Move the person to a cool area.
- Wrap a cool, wet towel around the back of the person's neck.
- Sponge them with cooling water.
- In case of symptoms like nausea or vomiting, fever, fainting or seizures, call for immediate medical help.
First Aid Kit Essentials
While packing your first aid kit, be sure to include the following essentials:
| Item | Description / Use |
|---|---|
| Adhesive Bandages | Cover small cuts and scrapes, and is available in various sizes for different wounds. |
| Gauze Pads | Soak blood from larger wounds; protect injuries. |
| Medical Tape | Holds bandages and gauze in place; gentle on skin; comes in different widths. |
| Antiseptic Wipes | Cleans wounds to kill germs, prevents infection and causes a stinging sensation. |
| Cold Packs | Instant cold to reduce swelling and pain; use with a soft cloth; apply for 15 minutes. |
| Protective Gloves | Prevent germ spread between helper and injured; use once and discard. |
| Tweezers | Remove splinters, glass, or ticks; make sure to clean before and after use. |
| Safety Scissors | Rounded tips for safe cutting of clothes, bandages, or tape. |
| Digital Thermometer | Quickly measures body temperature; alerts to fever if above 38°C. |
| Emergency Blanket | Traps body heat; keeps warm during cold or shock; also blocks wind and rain. |
| Pain Relievers | Medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever relief. |
| Antibiotic Ointment | Prevents infection, keeps wounds moist for faster healing. |
| Burn Gel | Cools and soothes minor burns after cooling with water; do not use them on severe burns. |
| Saline Solution | Rinses debris from eyes or wounds gently without stinging. |
| Emergency Contact Card | Lists important numbers and medical info; update regularly. |
| First Aid Guide | Step-by-step instructions for common emergencies; review beforehand. |
Key Takeaway
In all, the importance of having first aid and emergency knowledge should not be taken lightly, as knowing these basic steps can be the crucial difference between life and death for an individual. By taking prompt action, be it at home, in the workplace, or any public area, it can help save lives, prevent a person's condition from worsening and ensure a quick recovery.
Along with first aid preparedness, it is equally important to stay financially protected during medical emergencies. A comprehensive health insurance policy from trusted platforms like Coverfox can help cover unexpected hospitalisation costs, emergency treatments, and long-term care needs, ensuring that both immediate first aid and future medical expenses are taken care of.
Also Read:
Common Medical Checkup by Health Insurance Plan
Normal Blood Pressure Range for Different Age Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic information about first aid?
First aid and emergency help are the prompt assistance given to an individual in case of sudden illness or injury to help save lives and reduce complications until medical care is provided.
What are the first aid measures in case of a medical emergency?
During an emergency, first aid requires securing the environment, calling for professional help, and performing appropriate techniques such as the ABC method for resuscitation or defibrillating the heart in case of bleeding.
How can I learn first aid and CPR?
First aid and CPR can be learnt through training courses from recognised organisations, like the Red Cross. Even certain local community health centres or platforms can organise sessions for the same, either online or offline.
How can I prevent injuries while giving first aid?
To prevent injuries, it is necessary to avoid moving the person as much as possible, scan the area for any further danger, use gloves while handling any injury and call for medical help for further assistance.
How do I know when to seek professional help?
If the person has a serious injury, heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, chest pain, unconsciousness, or a seizure, call emergency services immediately. Also seek help if the condition doesn’t improve or worsens despite first aid.
