First Aid Basics

When providing medical care for a victim, you need to be very aware of any potential danger in the vicinity. Ultimately you need to protect yourself, so personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection is a necessity.

An emergency situation is very likely to be in a dangerous location. Look out for trip hazards, electrical faults, fires, fuels and chemicals. Unless it is apparent upon approaching the victim, you will not know the extent of their injuries for some time.

Remember also, that by interfering with a victim, you will become liable for their state from that point onwards - only help out in the relevant areas of your first aid training. If you are completely clueless, do not interfere because you could easily worsen the situation.

Probably the biggest indicator of the victims need for medical help comes down to whether they are awake at the scene. Gently talking to the victim, explain who you are and always explain what it is you will be doing. Ask them to respond to your verbal communication, but if this fails, gently rub your knuckles of a closed first against their body to see if they stir. Refrain from moving their upper body because of the potential for neck and spinal injuries.

If your patient does not respond, call the emergency services immediately. Doing this from different countries varies; American Emergency Services 911, UK 999, Europe 112. However, dialing any of these numbers from any country will patch you through to the correct national service.

When calling an ambulance be very precise with your location. All landlines will provide the operator with a fixed address; however mobile/cell phones may not.

Remember to check for their ABC's! (Airway, Breathing and Circulation)

Airway

Checking the victim's airway depends on whether the victim is conscious or unconscious. If they are conscious, ask them to speak to you. If they can achieve this with no problems, then their airway is clear. If they cannot speak, then there is clearly a potential that they have a blocked airway.

If the victim is unconscious, then further inspection is needed to identify the problem. Listen closely to the victim's mouth for breathing, and check for warm air being exhaled onto the back of your hand. Also, check for the rise and fall of the person's chest, as this would show you that their lungs are filing.

Breathing

If you do not feel or see breathing, then it is time to start CPR immediately. On the other hand, if the victim is breathing, place them in the recovery position if it is safe to do so.

Circulation

Circulation is the final ABC of first aid. Look at the victim's color and feel their temperature to see if they have signs of circulation. If you believe that the person does not have a circulation, and is still not responsive, then it is time to start first aid.

If the victim is bleeding, take the necessary steps to control the blood loss. If you are in a home or workplace, ask a colleague to find for you their first aid kit. If this is unavailable, clothing items or towels can be used.

Finally, whilst waiting for the ambulance to arrive, do your best to ascertain as much medical information and history of the patient. If you have someone with you, ask them to clear some space for the paramedics, and to meet them at the edge of the property.

Aaron has been a freelance writer the past 8 years. Since leaving University he has taken it upon himself to write for various companies to help with their marketing campaigns. Today, this article is on behalf of Hygiene Supplies Direct, suppliers of First Aid Kits, Plasters and Burns Kits

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