Knowing what to do in a medical emergency can mean the difference between somebody surviving and losing their life. If you educate yourself and learn some basic first-aid techniques, then you could save the life of a friend, family member, or even a stranger.
There are several things you should know when it comes to first aid, going on a course, is, of course, the ideal situation for somebody looking to prepare themselves as best they can. However, simply being aware of different procedures and basic emergency responses can significantly help you in a medical emergency.
Safety First
The first thing you need to be aware of is that as much as you want to help someone in need, you will have to accept that you are not a medical professional and your job will be to ensure that you and people in your immediate vicinity are safe. Safety is your number one priority, so in a situation of danger, making sure that you are safe should come before anything else. Ringing the emergency services is the first step to take in an emergency such as a fire, vehicle collision or any other situation that requires a professional emergency response.
Performing CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is one of the most commonly taught first-aid procedures. Nonetheless, far too many people are unsure how to perform this procedure correctly, a method, if completed correctly, can dramatically increase the survival rate of an individual. Knowing how to perform CPR correctly correctly to an individual who is not breathing, will ensure that the person has a constant supply of oxygen to the heart and brain, and can help them survive until medical professionals arrive.
Using An AED
In cases of cardiac arrest, where an individual’s pulse has stopped, using an AED, otherwise known as a defibrillator, can be the difference between life and death. So, when should an AED be used & when not to use an AED? This depends on several factors, including the environment of the patient, whether the individual has gone into cardiac arrest, as well as their medical history. If you have access to an AED, make sure you educate yourself on how to use it, keeping in mind the differences between adults and children.
Keep Calm
If you or someone else is involved in a medical emergency, the most important thing is to stay calm. If you panic, then you risk going into shock , which can be fatal for you. Keeping calm and avoiding stress will allow you to be rational and make the best decisions possible. If you are involved in an incident with multiple victims, evaluate the scene and prioritize those who are in need of immediate attention. A rule of thumb is to deal with children and the elderly first as these will be the most vulnerable. Make sure that victims who are not breathing are given CPR as soon as possible, and try not to panic even if everyone else is. Minor cuts and injuries do not need your immediate medical attention and remember to only take on as much as you can or feel comfortable or able to do. Not panicking and calling the emergency services are the two things that you need to prioritize when confronted with an emergency. Once the emergency is over you can think about doing things like calling family members or getting a Friedman & Simon construction accident lawyer involved, but first and foremost, you need to ensure everyone is safe and the right people are informed.
