By reading and remembering this basic first aid advice you might be able to deal with any minor injuries or health problems that come along. This could be as simple as patching up a cut or scrape and could save you time trying to get to see a doctor or nurse. Some basic knowledge could also put you in a position to help sustain a life in a more serious situation before the emergency services arrive. If you are interested in learning more you could sign up for a course that will improve on what you already know.
Dealing with a minor cut, scrape or graze could not be simpler. One of the most important things is to remember to keep the cut and everything around it as clean as possible to prevent infection. Wash your own hands thoroughly before starting and then wash the cut under running water. Make sure you then dry the area thoroughly before covering with a plaster or sterile dressing.
If the bleeding is more serious you will need to apply pressure to the wound with a sterile dressing. If the patient is in shock you should lay them down and then raise the bleeding part above their head if possible in order to slow the bleeding. Bandage the wound tightly before calling for an ambulance if nobody has already done so. Should an object be lodged into the cut do not remove it.
If you or somebody else is suffering from a nose bleed the head should be tilted forwards and breathing should be done through the mouth. The soft part of the nose should be pinched for ten minutes. After this time the nose can be released to check if it is still bleeding. If it is, go back to pinching the nose. Keep repeating until the flow has stopped.
An asthma attack is usually recognizable by the sufferer finding it difficult to breath or they might be wheezing and coughing. If they have an inhaler they should use this first of all. They should not be laid down, instead the best position is often to sit back to front on a chair leaning over the back rest. If the inhaler does not work after a few tries you should call for an ambulance.
Sunburn can potentially be very dangerous, especially in young children. The first step should be to remove the patient from the sun and then cover them with light clothing or a towel. Sponge the skin with cool water or put them in a cool bath or shower for ten minutes. Keep them well hydrated. Minor burns can be soothed with after sun lotion while more severe burns should be seen by a doctor.
There are many more serious problems that you could help with providing you have the training. A training course could show you how to recognize heart attacks and strokes and the best way to look after the patient until help arrives. A course will show you how to look after a person who is unconscious or not breathing or both.
Learning some basic first aid could give you some very important information. It could help you to prevent more serious situations or it could help you to save the lives of those around you. It is particularly useful to know how to perform these kind of actions if you care for vulnerable people or children.
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