10 Essential First Aid Skills: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding First Aid Basics

Accidents and emergencies are unpredictable, making basic first aid knowledge a life-saving skill. These simple yet critical techniques can help stabilize someone’s condition until professional medical assistance arrives. Our general medicine experts at Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai have explained essential first-aid steps for common emergencies and how you can act promptly to prevent situations from worsening in this guide.

First aid is the immediate care provided to an injured or ill individual before professional medical help arrives. It can be as simple as cleaning a wound or as complex as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The goal is to preserve life, prevent the condition from deteriorating, and promote recovery.

First Aid for Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating, often without warning. In such cases, CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be life-saving.

Steps to Perform CPR

1. Ensure the person is lying flat on their back.
2. Place the heel of one hand on the center of their chest, with the other hand on top.
3. Push hard and fast at a depth of about 2 inches, allowing the chest to rise between compressions.
4. Continue until emergency responders take over or the person regains consciousness.

Tip: AEDs, often found in public spaces, come with instructions and are easy to use, even for untrained individuals.

Stopping Severe Bleeding

Uncontrolled bleeding can lead to shock or death if not managed quickly.

How to Control Bleeding

• Protect Yourself: Use gloves if available.
• Apply Pressure: Cover the wound with a clean cloth and press firmly.
• Elevate: Raise the injured area above the heart level, if possible.
• Avoid Removing Layers: If blood soaks through the cloth, add more layers instead of removing the initial ones.

Seek immediate medical attention if the wound is deep, the bleeding doesn't stop, or there are signs of arterial bleeding (bright red and spurting).

Managing Head Injuries

Concussions and head traumas require immediate care. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, and dilated pupils.

What to Do?

• Keep the person still to avoid worsening the injury.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Seek medical evaluation, even for mild symptoms, to prevent long-term complications.

First Aid During Seizures

Witnessing a seizure can be alarming, but staying calm is crucial.

Steps to Aid

1. Cushion the person's head to prevent injury.
2. Clear the surrounding area of dangerous objects.
3. Once the seizure ends, turn them onto their side (recovery position).
4. Do not restrain their movements or offer food and water until fully alert.

Treating Burns and Scalds

Burns can range from mild to severe.

First Aid for Burns

• First-Degree Burns: Run cool water over the area and apply aloe vera gel.
• Second-Degree Burns: Cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing and avoid popping blisters.
• Third-Degree Burns: Do not apply ointments. Seek immediate medical care.

Handling Fractures and Sprains

Broken bones and sprains require immobilization.

Steps to Set a Splint

1. Use a sturdy object (e.g., stick or rolled-up newspaper) as a splint.
2. Tie the splint above and below the fracture.
3. Avoid moving the injured person unnecessarily.

For sprains, follow the R.I.C.E. method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

Choking Emergencies

Choking occurs when the airway is blocked, preventing breathing.

Heimlich Maneuver for Adults

1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
2. Make a fist and place it just above their belly button.
3. Thrust your fist inward and upward in quick movements.

For infants: Use back blows and chest thrusts instead.

If you're choking and alone, press your abdomen against a hard surface (like a chair) and push upward forcefully.

Dealing with Shock

Shock occurs when the brain doesn't receive enough blood, often due to injury, illness, or allergic reactions.

What to Do?

• Lay the person flat and elevate their legs slightly.
• Keep them warm with a blanket.
• Avoid giving anything to eat or drink.
• Seek medical attention immediately.

Sprains and Strains

These injuries often occur during physical activities.

R.I.C.E. Method

1. Rest: Limit movement.
2. Ice: Apply a cold pack for 20-minute intervals.
3. Compression: Use an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
4. Elevation: Keep the injured part raised above the heart level.

Related: Tips for Parents on First Aid Basics for Kids

Why First Aid Training Matters

Formal first aid training equips you with confidence and skills to handle emergencies. Many organizations offer certified courses, which include hands-on practice for scenarios like choking, burns, and CPR. 

Remember, even without formal training, attempting to assist is often better than doing nothing.