A few easy steps could save someone’s life. This guide covers the essentials everyone should know

Do you know how to treat a burn from a splash of hot oil? A spider bite? Or, maybe you’ve slipped and twisted your ankle. Knowing simple first aid basics could save your life. Let’s delve into these tips that we should all know to stay safe and healthy.

Quick Read:

Minor injuries can happen every day, usually in the blink of an eye, and most can be easily treated at home.
Invest in a first aid kit and keep it stocked with the necessary items.
Make sure all medications are locked away, well out of reach from children.

Helpful first aid tips to know

Officially, first aid means, “Emergency care or treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be obtained.”

Of course, it’s challenging for everyone to know exactly what to do in case of an emergency (unless you’re a doctor or trained for this!), but knowing the basics is a great first step.

First, invest in a properly stocked first aid kit and keep it within easy reach of yourself but away from children. Make sure the kit has all the necessary items. You could even take a first aid class or watch CPR tutorials online – the more you know, the better equipped you are for most emergencies.

Cuts and scrapes

For scrapes and cuts, first wash your hands. The aim is to prevent bacteria from infecting the wound. If you don’t have water at hand, use hand sanitiser, which usually has some quantity of alcohol that can sterilise wounds. To stop the bleeding, press a gauze pad or clean towel on the wound and apply pressure.

Go to the doctor or clinic if the cut is long, deep, or has sharp edges, and if it was from an animal bite. In that case, you may need a tetanus shot. Don’t delay seeing a doctor, especially if the bleeding doesn’t stop, you experience a high fever, the skin around the wound is swollen and develops red streaks, and pus starts to seep from the wound.

Sprains and strains

The key is to reduce swelling, so apply ice to the sprain for at least 20 minutes. Some people use heat, but that could cause the swelling to get worse. Next, wrap the strain with an elastic bandage or splint. Stay upright and take an over-the-counter medication for pain relief. If the sprain is serious, please go to the doctor or clinic sooner than later.

Burns

Run cool water over the burn for at least 20 minutes. Then, gently remove any clothing or jewellery around the burn area, but if it’s stuck, leave for now. You don’t want to cause more pain and risk an infection to the skin. If it’s a third-degree burn, get immediate medical assistance. Take a pain tablet for relief but get to the clinic as soon as possible for expert medical care.

A breathing emergency

First, check if the person’s chest is moving or you can hear breathing. Call an ambulance immediately. Gently lay the person flat on their back and check their mouth for anything that may be blocking the airway.

If you know what to do, start the CPR process (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Place one hand on top of the other on the person’s chest, right in the middle. Push down firmly and quickly, timing it to two pushes per second. This technique is meant to help pump blood to their brain and organs. Keep going with 30 compressions and two breaths until the ambulance arrives or they start breathing.

Insect stings

First, try to gently remove the stinger if it’s still in the skin. This is to prevent more venom from entering the body. Scrape off the stinger with a blunt knife or the edge of a credit card. Once it’s out, wash the area with soap and water. To bring down the swelling, apply an ice pack or a cold cloth. For relief from discomfort, dab on some calamine lotion or use an insect bite remedy from the first aid kit. If the itching continues, a spray or cream with hydrocortisone or an antihistamine can help soothe the skin. If the sting is worsening and causing pain, please go to the doctor or clinic for help.