Emergency situations can occur at any time
In an emergency you should also seek medical help by dialling 112 (in Spain).
But the knowledge of first aid when properly applied can mean the difference between temporary or permanent injury, rapid recovery or long term disability or the difference between life and death.
The aim of First Aid is to prevent the condition deteriorating, protect from further harm, aid recovery and preserve life.
There are many types of accidents or injuries that you may encounter either at home, in the workplace or whilst out and about that would benefit from your knowledge of first aid.
Many deaths resulting from accidents could be prevented if first aid is given at the scene, before emergency services arrive.
The number of people who die in accidents and of heart attacks account for a high proportion of the total numbers of deaths each year.
Accidents in the home include burns, choking, poisoning, falls resulting in bleeding or fractures and electrocution.
Accidents in other places include road accidents and drownings.
What to do?
Burns
Cool the burn with cold water and then cover it with a dressing of non fluffy material such as cling film or a plastic bag, a damp tea towel is also beneficial as it will keep the area cool reducing the risk of the burn continuing to burn deeper into the affected area of skin.
Do not put creams on the burn as this traps in the heat allowing the burn to continue to damage.
Choking
An obstruction can be mild (the person will be able to speak, cry, cough or breathe) or it can be severe (the person will not be able to do any of the above) and without help will become unconscious.
If the obstruction is mild, encourage coughing and try to remove the obstruction.
If severe, in adults, give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades using the flat of your hand.
Then 5 abdominal thrusts, stand behind the person and put your arms around them, one fist below the rib cage. Link hands and pull sharply inwards and upwards.
This procedure can be used for children
For infants who are distressed and unable to cry, cough or breathe, lay them face down along your forearm, with their head low and support the back and head. Give up to 5 back blows with the heel of your hand, check the infant’s mouth, using one finger to remove any obvious obstruction. Do not give a finger sweep as this may push the obstruction in further.
If the obstruction is still present turn the infant onto their back and give up to 5 chest thrusts but using to fingertips to push inwards and upwards( towards the head) against the breastbone.
Poisoning
If the person is unconscious, put them in the recovery position.
If conscious, do not give them anything to drink unless a health professional advises .you to
Even if there is no symptoms please contact the emergency services or consult the poisons unit at the local hospital.
Electricity
Turn the electricity supply off!
If the person is breathing place in the recovery position, if not carry out resuscitation procedure and call for an ambulance. Seek medical help unless the shock is very minor.
Drowning
Once the person is on land, you should carry out the resuscitation procedure if the person is not breathing. If unconscious, put the person in the recovery position.
Bleeding
Apply and maintain pressure directly onto the wound. Use a clean dressing to bandage the wound firmly. Raise the wound (if there are no fractures) to decrease the flow of blood.
Wrap any severed part, such as a finger, in a plastic bag, cling film and keep it cool. If possible place it in ice but do not put into direct contact with the ice.
Fractures
If the person is unconscious has difficultly breathing or is bleeding severely these should be dealt with first.
Do not move the person and gently support the injured part by the hand until help arrives.
Heart Attack
If the person’s breathing and heartbeat stop, call for an ambulance and start the resuscitation procedure immediately.
If you manage to restart the heart and or breathing place in the recovery position.
With just a little basic first aid knowledge you could help save someone’s life in an emergency situation.
If someone is injured or in an accident, you should:
- Dial for an ambulance
- Put your safety first by dealing with any possible dangers and
- If safe, carry out basic first aid, such as checking the person’s airway is clear, controlling any bleeding, or providing Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation.
The recovery position
Putting someone who is unconscious in the recovery position will ensure that they maintain an open airway and cannot swallow their tongue. It also ensures that any vomit or fluid will not cause choking.
Place the person on their side, ensuring that they are supported by one leg and one arm; open the airway by tilting the head and lifting the chin.
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
There are three stages to CPR, Airway, breathing & Circulation (ABC)
Airway
To open the airway, lift the chin with one hand, while pushing down the forehead, with the other hand tilt the head back. Once the airway is open, look for chest movement and listen and feel for breathing by placing an ear close to the person’s mouth.
Breathing
If, after opening the airway, the person does not begin to breathe spontaneously, artificial respiration should be started.
- Tilt the head back, lift up the chin and pinch the nostrils together,
- Seal your mouth over the person’s mouth and , looking at the chest, take a deep breath,
- Breathe slowly but firmly into the person’s mouth, checking that their chest rises and
- Repeat until the person starts breathing, or assistance arrives.
Circulation
If there are no signs of heartbeat or pulse (circulation) you should start external chest compressions. To do this:
- Locate the person’s sternum (breastbone), where the rib cage divides,
- Place the heel of your hand in the middle of the person’s chest (just above the sternum) and put the heel of your other hand on top of this first,
- Interlock your fingers and using the heel of your hand, press downwards firmly and quickly, approximately 4-5 centimetres, while keeping your elbows straight, and
- After each compression, release the pressure on the chest without taking your hands off the breastbone.
The rate of compressions should be about two compressions every second or approximately 100 compressions per minute. Do 30 compressions and then give 2 breaths. Repeat until help arrives or the person’s heart starts to beat again.
Children and infants
An infant is defined as a child under one year old and a child is between one year and puberty.
- Give 5 initial breaths before starting chest compressions
- Compress the chest approximately one-third of its depth
You should use the tips of two fingers for infants and the heel of one or both of your hands for children.
Nicki Wakeman - Almeria Angels
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