First Aid 101 for Family Caregivers
Knowing some basic first aid tips and techniques can equip you to react in an emergency situation and help loved ones.
First Aid 101: What You Need to Know
What is First Aid?
First Aid is helping someone who is suffering from a sudden illness or injury. It can be a complete treatment such as applying ointment and bandages to a cut, or helping the individual with a more serious injury before they can get medical attention.
First Aid Tips: Proper first aid techniques can prevent a situation from escalating until a first responder arrives.
- Be prepared: Have and know where the first aid kits are in your home, car and work.
- If an injury is serious, have someone call 911 while you help care for the victim.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of various illnesses including strokes and heart attacks.
Get First Aid Certified Today
The National Safety Council offers online training and a list of local classes.
First Aid Basics
Bleeding
- Stop the bleeding as quickly as possible by applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth
- Use a tourniquet if blood loss seems to life threatening. A belt or bandana can be used to pinch off the flow of blood.
- If the wound is very large, have the person lie down and elevate the part of the body that is bleeding.
Having a Heart Attack
- Call 911
- Give the person an aspirin to help with potential heart damage.
- Perform CPR if the person stops breathing
Burned
- If the burn is mild, treat it by running it under cool water for 10 minutes. Then cover loosely with gauze.
- Never apply ice or ointment to the area.
- Call 911 if the burn is third-degree burns.
Choking
- A person who is choking cannot speak and will often clutch their hands to their throats.
- Try to make them cough by hitting your fist between their shoulder blades.
- Perform the Heimlich maneuver on them.
First Aid Kit Checklist
Every home and workplace should have a First Aid Kit that is a well know location, accessible to everyone.
Anatomy of A First Aid Kit—What To Include In Yours
- Absorbent compress dressings
- Various sized bandages
- Adhesive cloth tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Aspirin
- Breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
- Instant cold compress
- Non-latex gloves
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Scissors
- Roller bandages
- Sterile gauze pads
- Oral thermometer
- Tweezers
- First aid instruction booklet
Check and Update Your Kit
- Check and replace flashlight batteries frequently
- Update emergency phone numbers
- Check the kit for refills regularly
- Check expiration dates on medications
Knowing proper first aid can help prevent bigger injuries and can help comfort an injured victim. Get certified today so you are prepared to help loved ones in a time of need. See: Anatomy of a First Aid Kit (American Red Cross)
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