5 Essential Rules to Follow in First Aid
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First aid refers to the immediate interventions provided after an accident or medical emergency. These interventions can save lives and prevent the condition from worsening until professional medical help arrives. However, there are several important rules to consider when administering first aid. Incorrect interventions may worsen the situation and cause further harm to the person in need. Therefore, it is crucial to perform first aid correctly and consciously.

In this article, we will explore the 5 essential rules to follow in first aid and emphasize why each one is so important.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to do when you encounter an emergency situation is to stay calm. Panicking can worsen both your and the injured person’s condition. When calm, you are better able to assess the situation and take the necessary steps to intervene correctly.

  • Assess the Situation: Quickly check the condition of the person in need of help. If there are any dangers (e.g., a car accident, fire, electrical hazard), you must first eliminate these hazards. Then, check the person’s consciousness and overall health condition.
  • Use Time Effectively: In emergencies, time is of the essence. After assessing the situation, act quickly to provide necessary help.

2. Ensure Safety

When helping an injured or ill person, it is important to prioritize your safety. If the surrounding environment is dangerous (e.g., traffic, fire, electrical hazards), it is crucial to move the person to a safe place.

  • Check the Environment: Ensure the area where the person is located is safe. If there is a danger, remove them from the hazardous environment. For example, in a traffic accident, you should move the person out of the car to prevent further injury.
  • Protect Yourself: If there is blood or fluid involved, use gloves or other protective gear to minimize the risk of infection.

3. Perform the Correct Intervention

Each medical condition is different, and each requires a specific intervention. However, given the potential complications that may arise from incorrect actions, performing the correct intervention is crucial.

  • Know Basic First Aid Techniques: Learning CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), bleeding control, and fracture treatment techniques will help you administer the correct intervention.
  • Avoid Incorrect Interventions: For example, before performing CPR on someone who has stopped breathing, make sure their airway is open. Also, in the case of fractures, avoid manipulating the bone without professional guidance.

4. Call for Help

After administering first aid, seeking professional help is always necessary. In critical situations, getting medical professionals involved can prevent life-threatening complications. Calling an ambulance or heading to the nearest healthcare facility is often essential.

  • Call Emergency Services: If the situation is serious, immediately call emergency services and explain the situation clearly. Provide information about the location and health condition of the person in need.
  • Continue the Intervention While Waiting for Help: While waiting for help to arrive, continue administering first aid and keep monitoring the person's condition.

5. Monitor and Track the Person’s Condition

After administering first aid, the person’s condition should be regularly monitored. This helps you track their recovery and intervene promptly if any changes occur.

  • Carefully Monitor the Person: Regularly check the pulse, breathing, and consciousness of the injured person. If they lose consciousness, continue CPR or provide artificial respiration if necessary. You may need to position the person on their side to avoid choking.
  • Observe for Complications: Monitor their body temperature, pulse rate, and breathing to detect any potential complications early on.

Conclusion

First aid plays a crucial role in life-saving situations. Proper intervention and prompt action can make a significant difference in a person’s health outcome. Remember that, when the right steps are taken, it is possible to prevent a disaster. Learning first aid rules and applying them correctly is essential for both your safety and the safety of those around you.