Learn about first aid in emergency situations

Raising awareness about first aid is extremely important, especially in emergencies, whether it’s a medical emergency at home, in the workplace, or in public places.

Knowing how to provide immediate care to a patient can make a significant difference in saving lives and reducing further harm.

The Importance of First Aid:
First aid plays a vital role in emergencies and is important for several reasons:

• Saving lives: Some first aid procedures, like CPR, controlling bleeding, or managing choking, can save a person's life until professional medical help arrives.
• Preventing further injuries: Quick first aid actions, such as stabilizing fractures, applying pressure to wounds, or cooling burns, can reduce the risk of additional harm and complications.
• Reducing long-term effects: Providing appropriate first aid at the right time can lead to better long-term outcomes for the injured person.
  For example, properly cooling burns early can prevent severe allergic reactions and reduce the risk of serious complications.

First Aid for Bleeding:
First aid for bleeding depends on the severity—whether it’s severe, moderate, or mild.

Below are the steps to stop the bleeding:

• Apply pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or bandage.
• If the bleeding is in the arm or leg, raise the limb above heart level. This helps slow the bleeding.
• If the bleeding is severe and doesn’t stop with direct pressure, use a tight band (tourniquet) placed around the injured limb to restrict blood flow.
• If the bleeding is from a head injury, do not apply pressure to the wound—this could worsen the bleeding.
• If the bleeding is coming from the nose, pinch the nostrils and lean forward for 10 minutes.
• Cover the wound with a bandage to maintain cleanliness and protect against infection.
• If the bleeding starts again, apply more pressure or reapply the tourniquet around the injured limb.
• If the bleeding is severe and doesn't stop, seek immediate medical assistance or go to the nearest hospital.

First Aid for Loss of Consciousness (Shock):
Loss of consciousness (shock) occurs when the body’s organs do not receive an adequate amount of blood. 
Its symptoms appear as: loss of consciousness, pale skin, rapid breathing, weak pulse, dizziness.

Here are the steps for first aid for shock:

• Lay the patient on their back. If they have a head, neck, or back injury, place them on their side.
• Raise the patient’s legs slightly above heart level—this helps increase blood flow to the brain and heart.
• Remove any tight clothing around the neck, chest, or waist—this will help improve blood circulation.
• Cover the person with a blanket or coat to keep them warm.
• Do not give the person anything to eat or drink.
• If the person is semi-conscious, ask if they are in any pain.
• If the person is unconscious, check their breathing and pulse. If weak or absent, begin CPR.
• Keep the person calm—this helps reduce pressure on the body.

First Aid for Burns:
First aid for burns depends on the severity of the burn. Below are the steps for administering first aid based on the type of burn:

By knowing basic first aid skills, you can help save a life in an emergency. However, it is also important to seek medical help and go to the hospital to receive more advanced first aid using specialized equipment.