What would you do if you saw someone having a cardiac arrest? How would you treat your burnt hand, a blister or cuts, and scrapes? Knowing the basics of first aid techniques can help you get through a crisis, at least until the professionals arrive.

Best First Aid Techniques to Know

In case of minor injuries that may be treated at home, you need to have the right first aid supplies and know the best first aid techniques. In case of a major crisis, some precautionary methods and basic first aid techniques may be applied before the paramedics or medical emergency team arrives. To familiarize you with the best first aid techniques, we have listed down some basics depending upon the crisis.

1) First Aid for Cardiac Arrest

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is the most crucial medical procedure. CPR is performed when an individual has a cardiac arrest whereby their heart stops pumping blood to the rest of the body. It is the best first aid technique for cardiac arrest.  Anyone can suffer from a cardiac arrest; therefore, CPR techniques should be common knowledge.

The basics of CPR are:

  • Make sure the patient is lying down straight.
  • Kneel beside the patient and keep your arms straight.
  • Interlock your fingers over the patient’s chest
  • Give the patient chest compressions.
  • You can also open the patient’s mouth and give them rescue breaths.

You can also refer to a medical center for CPR classes.

2) First Aid for Bleeding

Bleeding can occur due to any injury even as minute as a cut. Bleeding, however, can be controlled through some techniques. Soft bleeding usually halts on its own; however, severe bleeding needs to be controlled. The key to do this is to apply pressure on the wound. You can use a piece of cloth or a gauze sheet to apply direct pressure on the injury to avoid any further bleeding.

3) First Aid for Burns

The depth and the size of the burn reflect how severe it is. Serious burns need to be shown to a doctor immediately. However, normal burns can also be treated at home through the following first aid steps:

  • Wash the burnt area with cold water.
  • Apply gauze bandages if necessary.
  • Avoid touching the wounded area.
  • Use ointments and medicines only on your doctor’s consultation.

4) First Aid for Blisters

Small blisters that aren’t causing any pain do not require any treatment and it’s better to leave them alone. However, you may take precautionary methods such as covering it to avoid swelling.

A large and painful blister must be treated immediately. A sterilized needle can be used to make tiny punctures around the blister to drain the fluid. Antibiotic cream should then be applied to it to avoid an infection or pressure.

5) First Aid for Sprains

Fractures and sprains are difficult to differentiate between due to their similar symptoms. Unless an X-ray is conducted, there is no way to tell the difference. Therefore, in both cases, the first aid treatment will remain the same. The limb must be immobilized. A cold/ice pack must be applied and the limb must be kept elevated. Anti-inflammatory drugs can also be taken to reduce pain. A doctor should be consulted for further prognosis.

 Conclusion

 Knowing common first aid techniques is essential for your own safety and those of other’s. Remember to always call the paramedics even after you perform first aid to ensure that there is nothing wrong.