First Aid Basics: CPR, Burn Treatment, Choking, Bleeding Control

First aid is essential knowledge for every individual. It is crucial to know how to respond effectively when someone has an accident, injury, sudden illness episode, or medical emergency until professional help arrives. By learning first aid procedures, you can potentially save lives and prevent further complications. Here's what you need to know about CPR, burn treatment, choking, and bleeding control:

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is a life-saving technique used by trained individuals to preserve brain function during cardiac arrest, which occurs when blood flow through coronary arteries stops due to circulatory system failure. A typical CPR cycle consists of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths if an automated external defibrillator (AED) isn't available within three minutes. Key aspects of performing CPR include:

Ensure safety: Before starting CPR, check for hazards like sharp objects, nearby power lines, or other risks that could harm either yourself or the victim.
Call for assistance: If possible, call your local emergency response number immediately after dialing the phone. If alone with the person, perform CPR while still calling for help.
Begin chest compression: Place one hand on top of the other on the center of the victim's chest. Keep your arms straight and press hard and fast on their chest to give about 5 cm (2 inches) deep compressions.
Deliver ventilations: After 30 chest compressions, open the victim's airway, tilt their head back slightly, pinch the nose shut, give two slow breaths into the person's mouth, and watch for chest rising.
Continue CPR: Repeat steps 3 and 4 until advanced care providers arrive and take over, or until the person starts breathing normally again.

Burn Treatment

Burn injuries can range from minor scalds to major trauma requiring extensive medical attention. Although severe burns typically require hospitalization and specialized care, basic first aid measures can mitigate pain and reduce infection risk. Follow these guidelines:

Cool burn area: Hold injured area under cool running water for at least ten minutes or cover it with a clean cloth soaked in cool water.
Remove jewelry: Gently remove any constrictive items, such as rings and bracelets, as swelling may trap them against skin.
Apply antiseptic cream: Smear antibiotic ointment or anti-septic cream over the wound before covering it with sterile nonstick pads or a clean piece of cloth.
Cover burns: Drape a dry, clean sheet or blanket loosely over the burned area.
Seek professional help: For larger burns, blisters, or signs of shock, seek immediate medical care.

Choking

Choking occurs when something blocks the windpipe, making it difficult or impossible to breathe. There are different types of choking caused by different blockages. While there is a form called complete airway obstruction where you cannot breathe out and cannot make noise, partial airway obstructions can cause gagging, coughing, and difficulty speaking. Properly apply abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver) to dislodge the blockage:

Stand behind the person and lean over them.
Wrap your arms around their waist, placing one fist between their navel and rib cage.
Grasp this arm with your other hand and pull sharply inward and upward.
Repeat up to five times until the blockage is removed or the person collapses.

Bleeding Control

If someone has suffered a wound resulting in significant bleeding, follow these steps to help them until proper medical care arrives:

Assess for life threats: Check for conditions like altered mental status, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, pale color, cold clammy skin, and large wounds.
Stop blood loss: Locate the source of bleeding and apply direct pressure using gauze or a cloth. Maintain steady pressure without elevating the limb.
Raise the extremity: If bleeding is coming from an extremity, keep the body upright to promote venous return.
Immobilize fractures: If the wound also involves a suspected fracture, stabilize the affected bone with a splint to prevent movement causing more damage.
Call for help: Alert healthcare professionals or emergency services for further evaluation and treatment.