For obvious reasons, people tend to pay more attention to dangers that might actually result in injury or death. Natural disasters, car accidents, and shootings are all events that can take a serious toll on anyone. However, first aid can also be useful for less urgent but just as dangerous situations. For example, if someone has a sudden allergic reaction or is feeling sick from eating something that might actually be poisonous, basic first aid can help slow the process before getting medical attention. Other examples include accidentally spilling something on your skin that could cause a rash, or contracting an infection from gardening or cleaning without using proper personal protective equipment.The following are just a few examples of first aid situations that can be addressed with basic knowledge from this article:
Allergies
The most common and obvious first aid situation related to allergies is someone who has been exposed to a trigger and has developed a reaction. This can be anything from sneezing and watery eyes to difficulty breathing and swelling of the airway. The most important thing for this person is to take care of the reaction as quickly as possible. However, if you're not sure if you're dealing with an actual allergic reaction, there are a few things you can look for:- Is it sudden? If someone has a known trigger but has never experienced a reaction, they are unlikely to have an allergic reaction unless they are exposed to it again.- The skin is the most common site for an allergic reaction, but it can also occur in the lungs, intestines, and other organs.- The most common and severe type of allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical help.
Medical Emergencies
While most of these situations can be prevented, if someone does get hurt or sick, having some basic first aid knowledge can greatly increase the chance of survival. These include:- Bleeding: If someone is bleeding, you can apply pressure to the wound itself or a clean, sterile gauze pad.- Burns: If someone has a burn, you can use a cool, clean, damp compress to slow the damage.- Choking: If someone is choking, you can use the "5 to 1" rule: 5 fingers around the back of the neck, 1 finger on the chin. If someone is choking and they aren't breathing, this will force the airways open.
Environmental and Chemical Emergencies
Anyone who works in or around the home or garden has likely experienced some type of emergency related to chemicals. If you have used a cleaning product with a strong smell or fertilizer that wasn't properly mixed, you might have a chemical emergency on your hands. There are some basic first aid tips for dealing with these types of situations:- If someone has been exposed to a poison or toxic substance, get them to a place where they can breathe fresh air.- If someone has been exposed to carbon monoxide, get them to a place where they can breathe fresh air.- If someone has been exposed to an electrical hazard, get them away from the source as quickly as possible.- If someone has been exposed to a chemical fire, put it out and get them away from the smoke and fumes. If they are allergic to smoke, they may need medication to treat their reaction.
Auto Accident
If a car accident has caused injury, first aid will focus on preventing further injury and keeping the person comfortable until help arrives. If the accident isn't too severe, you can use a seat belt as a makeshift sling to keep the injured person's arm or leg elevated. If they are bleeding, apply pressure to the wound itself or a sterile, clean compress. If they are having trouble breathing, put a piece of cloth or cotton between their teeth to create a makeshift face mask.
Strangulation
Strangulation is a very serious situation that requires immediate intervention. If you are trying to save a person who is being strangled, you can use a makeshift garrote to break the person's neck. If you are trying to break the hold, you can try to pry the victim's fingers away from their neck with something like a coat hanger.
Conclusion
While we hope we never have to use our knowledge in the first aid department, it's always good to have it on hand. In most cases, these situations are not life-threatening, so you can take your time to apply the correct technique. You can also use common household items in these situations to reduce the risk of infection. With just a little bit of knowledge and practice, you can be a first aid expert and be ready for anything from a paper cut to a heart attack.