Importance of First Aid Knowledge | First Aid tips and First Aid Kit making

No matter how much we try to avoid it, accidents occur. Even being a bystander, an accident is not something you would want to witness. It can be anywhere like on the roads, in school, the workplace, etc. If you see such a scene near you, you cannot simply stand there. That will make the scene worse. You need to call for an ambulance, but even before that, you have to take up some primary medical action to lessen the impact of the accident. Sometimes, the accident may not even be major, but even minor occurrences need to be taken care of. This is why basic first aid knowledge is important. This article will explain to you the importance of first aid. We are also taking this opportunity to impart a few basic first aid lessons.

 

First Aid

First aid is the basic medical assistance provided to a victim of an accident or so before professional medical help arrives. These simple techniques that require basic equipment can be performed by any layman. But make sure, if you are not someone aware of medicine, do not try to cure someone. Your actions may have a negative impact on the ill or injured. Learn basic first aid and you should be good to help someone during medical emergencies.

Importance of First Aid

The importance of first aid is difficult to overestimate. The major benefits of it are

1. Affords people with the ability to provide help during various emergency situations

If someone around you is injured, ill, ingests hazardous substances, suffers health-related issues like a heart attack, or if a natural disaster occurs, your knowledge of first aid will be invaluable. You will not be just another bystander. Your support can help not just the victim, but also the professional emergency responders and medical practitioners.

2. Ensures that the right method of medical assistance is provided

There is no time to wait during medical emergencies. A person may collapse in less than six minutes when there is a lack of oxygen in the brain. During such times, you just cannot wait for medical help to arrive. In such cases, every second matters. Misinformation and negligence can lead to the victim breathing his last in front of your eyes. Basic first aid knowledge can help you help the victim stay put longer, at least till professional medical helpers arrive. Your knowledge will help you take immediate action and you will know what to do and when.

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3. Benefits the individual as well

If the medical emergency attacks you directly, or someone you live with, work with, or love, you would panic. But if you have basic first aid knowledge, you know you can be safe. First aid can help survive an emergency at the right time and place.

First aid benefits everyone. We do not say that first aid will cure an illness and injury, it will definitely make it bearable for a longer time. The importance of first aid goes far and wide. Daycare centers and nannies must be able to take care of children during emergencies. It is also very important to have a first aid kit with you at all times. A first aid kit is not found at almost all places like schools, colleges, offices, public transport, etc.

We will guide you through some basic first aid tips and also on how to make a first aid kit at home.

First Aid Tips

Find the emergency do’s and don’ts for various common illnesses and injuries. These are very important to know.

1. Fever

Paracetamol is the most popular medicine for fever, although it can differ by person. It is recommended that you keep track of the temperature of the patient while traveling and getting a fever. Check that the patient is warm enough. Make sure to provide basic medication and consult a doctor over a call if you cannot visit them.

2. Burns

When someone has burnt a part of their body, the first move is to place them under cold water in the place of the burn for a few minutes before adding lotions or anti-branding such as Burnol. It is advisable to hold it open when the burn begins to wrinkle and dry. Before you apply any antiseptic or anti-burn cream you must dry the burn with a piece of sterilized gauze. Don’t clean it off at the burn. If a burn healing ointment is lacking, the burn should be sealed using egg white or honey before you see the doctor.

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3. Wounds

A  bleeding wound must be cleaned first and then covered with an antiseptic solution, such as Dettol or Savlon. Neatly wipe the wound with a clean and sterilized gauze pad. Use sterilized bandages or gauze tape if the wound is to be sealed. Before you apply an antiseptic cream to the wound you need to make sure it is clean and dry. Betnovate and Soframycin are the creams widely used but consult with your doctor before you pack them in your first-aid kit.

4. Nasal blockage

This usually occurs when someone suffers from a cold. The only remedy is to make them drink hot or warm water and inhale the steam. Application of vapor rub like Vicks also helps.

5. Sprains

Sprains have to be attended to immediately. If someone has twisted their ankle or writs causing a sprain, massage that area nicely with an ice pack. Te a bandage around the injury to keep it secure. If you feel there is a crack in the bone, try to hold it in place by tying a splint on either side of the injured area. Hold the injury in place and visit the doctor immediately.

First-aid should strictly be supported that is given only till a doctor arrives. Moreover, the first-aid provider should make sure he or she is safe while giving first-aid. For example, if you are helping a fire victim, make sure that you are not in the line of fire. Also, call for help. Do not attempt to do everything alone.

First Aid Kit Essentials

Although first aid kits are available everywhere, it is best to carry one. You can buy a ready-made kit from the store or make one yourself. If you are making one, there are certain things that you need to remember.

An ideal first aid kit must contain

• A pair of gloves
• Scissors
• Sterile cotton
• Bandages & gauze pieces
• Antiseptic
• A ruler to use as a splint for fractures
• Muscle relieving cream or spray
• Crepe bandages
• A tourniquet to control profuse bleeding
• Band-aids for minor cuts
• An antibiotic cream like tobramycin or betadine
• Ice packs

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Always remember to

Check the expiry date: One of the most important things you need to keep in mind is that medicines have a shelf life and must be disposed of carefully once it goes past the expiry date.

Store in a dark, cool, and dry place: The shelf life of medicines decreases if kept in a humid place. Hence, avoid keeping your first-aid kit in bathrooms or places that are humid or moist. Medicines also need to be kept away from direct sunlight.

Use appropriate containers: You must ensure that all your first-aid kit supplies are kept in large, waterproof, and non-breakable containers.

Organize by function: Segregate each supply according to its usage. Keep wound-tending supplies in one re-sealable bag and medicines that treat ailments in another.

Share the knowledge: Train everybody in your family on how to use a first-aid kit as it is very essential that everyone in the family knows how to give basic first aid.

Hope you have understood the importance of first aid. Make sure to aid someone only as much as needed. Do not try something that you are not aware of. Connect with us on our youtube channel for more content.