First aid emergencies can happen at any time, which means you must prepare beforehand for such situations. This involves undergoing first aid trainingto learn basic healthcare skills. It will help you use your learnings in any emergency.
So, what are the first aid skills that you should know as an adult? Let’s check below.
10 First Aid Skills You Should Know
You do not have to undergo years of first aid training to help people in emergencies. Knowledge of a few essential skills is enough for certain situations. We recommend you learn the first aid skills listed below:
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is the most important first aid skill. Learning chest compressions is important because it helps treat individuals with cardiac arrests. The process involves providing artificial ventilation to help an unconscious person. Likely, the person may not be breathing at that moment.
Giving CPR can help regulate blood circulation and brain responses. It aids the victim in regaining consciousness and the ability to breathe. Interested individuals can do a BLS CPR certification to learn this skill. It will help them respond to emergencies.
- Seizures
You should not know how to hold someone when they are having a seizure. Failing to do so can lead to some serious injuries. Learning this skill can help you understand how to cushion your head and remove any harmful objects nearby. Placing them in a recovery position after the seizures end aids in breathing. However, do not try to move the person or give them food or water during this time.
- Burns and Scalds
There are three degrees of burns:
- First-degree burns only affect the outer layer of the human skin.
- Second-degree burns extend beyond the outer layer of the skin.
- Third-degree burns are severe and may affect both the skin and tissues.
Getting certified in first aid training enables you to know how to treat the burn victim. For instance, you need to apply topical remedies for first- and second-degree burns. You must rush the victim to a hospital immediately if it’s a third-degree burn.
- Sprains
Sprains are among the most common injuries and can be easily treated with first-aid training. The training courses can help you know how to wrap a bandage around the injured joint. Then, you must also elevate the affected area until a healthcare professional arrives at the scene.
In some situations, you can also use the RICE methodology, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Failing to use this methodology may cause long-term damage, and the tissue may be affected in worse situations.
- Shock
A person goes into shock when their brain does not receive enough blood, which can occur due to an allergic reaction, accident, or illness. First aid training teaches you to check for symptoms of dizziness, shock, or disorientation in the victim.
You also learn how to let them lie with their feet elevated. Moreover, you should not give them anything to drink at that moment.
- Choking
Choking occurs when someone cannot breathe because of obstructed airways. At first, people might try coughing or spitting to clear it. But if that doesn’t work, giving firm back blows can help dislodge the object.
You also learn how to give abdominal thrusts during first aid training. This involves placing your arms behind their waist and clenching your fist above their belly button to pull the person inwards and outwards, relieving them from choking.
- Bleeding
When it comes to bleeding, it’s crucial to stop it as soon as possible. Such situations can happen due to an artery or vein rupture. First aid training can teach you how to elevate the wound above the victim’s heart. You can also learn how to apply pressure with a clean compress. It involves using a fabric item like a t-shirt or sock on the wound.
- Fractures
Fractures are similar to sprains and can happen to anybody. First aid training can help you understand the signs of a fracture. The common ones include pain, swelling, and deformity. The training sessions also teach you how to immobilize the affected area. You can do this easily using splints.
You will also know how to keep the victim still and calm until professional help arrives.
- Heat Stroke
Heat stroke or exhaustion is common during the summer season. But how do you know about its common symptoms? The answer lies in efficient first aid training. This enables you to identify symptoms like heavy sweating, pale skin, and rapid pulse rates.
First aid training covers how to cool down the victim. You can do this by moving them to a shaded area and applying cool clothes. You can also offer them sips of water for further relief.
- Hypothermia
First aid training courses can prove to be beneficial in treating patients with hypothermia. You can easily recognize the symptoms. These include slurred speech, shivering, and exhaustion.
The courses also teach you how to keep the person warm using blankets, body heat, and beverages.
First aid trainingcan assist people in various emergencies. These skills can be learned through certification courses or mock drills. The best part is that individuals of all ages and experience levels can undergo this training, which involves scenario-based exercises to understand real-life situations.
Acquiring such knowledge and skills can enable you to save someone’s life instantly. All you need to do is approach an organization that offers such training. Therefore, take the initiative and embark on the journey towards becoming an emergency responder.
