According to the National Safety Council, "…25% of emergency room visits could be avoided if people knew basic first aid and CPR..." Not surprisingly, learning basic first aid procedures may give a person the confidence to jump in and help someone without hesitation. Furthermore, people who work in particular occupations benefit from the knowledge of first aid. For instance, a teacher who knows basic first aid and CPR would be equipped to help a student in need of help. People who are flight attendants, restaurant workers, bus drivers, and police officers would also benefit from basic first aid courses. In short, knowing the proper first aid treatments can help an injured or ill person during his or her most vulnerable moments.
Burns
Even minor burns can cause lingering pain. Consequently, it's important to treat a burn right away so it will begin to heal. The first aid treatment for common burns is to soothe with cool water. In addition, the burn should be covered with a loose, clean bandage. Severe burns require more treatment.
Choking
When it comes to first aid for choking, it's important to note that if a person is coughing he or she is still getting air. Consequently, the person should be given the chance to clear away the obstruction by coughing. However, if a person is not getting air and gestures toward his or her throat that indicates the need for help. The Heimlich maneuver can be performed on adults who are choking. The procedures are different for helping an infant or a small child who is choking. It's important to study the proper ways to help infants and small children as well as adults who are choking.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Scrapes and cuts to a person's skin are common injuries. The most important step in treating a scrape is to stop it from bleeding. Next, the wound should be cleaned with soap and water. The final step would be the application of antibiotic ointment as well as a clean bandage. A caretaker should check a wound on a regular basis to make sure it is healing properly.
Poisoning
Poisoning occurs when a person ingests or otherwise takes in a harmful substance. A person who has been poisoned may display a number of symptoms including becoming ill, having trouble breathing, or perhaps experiencing pain. Depending on the type of poison involved, there are different methods of treatment. Consequently, calling the poison control center is a necessary step in rendering first aid.
Broken Bones
There are many types of broken bones with different levels of severity. First, a person who is giving first aid should try to keep the victim still. In some cases, a broken bone can poke through the victim's skin. The person who is giving first aid shouldn't try to push the bone back under the skin. It's important for a broken bone to be tended to by a medical professional.
The Elements
Extremely cold or warm weather conditions can sometimes affect people in harmful ways. For instance, extremely cold weather conditions may cause someone to develop hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when a person's body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. If a person has hypothermia, he or she should be moved inside, away from the cold. Furthermore, a person suffering from hypothermia should be given dry clothing to wear. A person who learns the signs of hypothermia is better prepared to recognize it and offer help to someone in need.
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