Accidents can happen anywhere, whether you are at home or on the road. Studies show that many people could avoid permanent disability or death after an accident with prompt care and first aid. Unfortunately, even the fastest response team can take a few minutes to reach the scene of an accident, and those precious minutes can be critical in preventing fatalities or lifelong conditions.
Unfortunately, an alarmingly high percentage of the population in the United States does not know proper first aid and has admitted to being less than confident about providing basic first aid. Only an estimated 54% of Americans know how to perform CPR, and over 25% don’t know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver or use an epinephrine pen.
Here are some first aid essentials that every person should know to be prepared for any emergency:
Learn Hands-Only CPR
CPR can save a life in many situations, such as drowning or cardiac arrest. Even knowing the basics of hands-only CPR can be sufficient to save a life by doubling or tripling their chances of survival. Learning hands-only CPR is not that difficult, and it is often taught in schools and youth centers.
Learn How To Stop Bleeding
The next thing you need to know when it comes to first aid is how to stop bleeding. Most accidents such as car crashes, falling, or getting hurt can result in cuts and gashes that cause serious bleeding. Excessive bleeding is a life-threatening emergency and can result in dizziness, disorientation, or loss of consciousness. The simplest way to stop the bleeding is to apply firm and direct pressure to the wound. If it’s a nosebleed, you should pinch the soft part of the nose and have the person lean forward and NOT backward to stop the flow.
Learn How To Recognize Symptoms Of Common Conditions
Another essential factor for learning the basics of first aid is learning how to recognize symptoms of common health conditions such as an asthma attack, heart attack, allergic reaction, dehydration, heatstroke, sprains, and more.
Understanding these common conditions will help you provide better first aid and ensure the safety of the person you are trying to help. Conditions such as dehydration caused by diarrhea can be fatal if not treated promptly. Similarly, not learning to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction or a cardiac arrest can be fatal.
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Disclaimer: The content and information provided in this blog and any linked material on this website are not intended as or should not be construed as professional medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers or your physician for any questions and concerns regarding specific medical conditions or before making a decision regarding your personal healthcare.