In the previous article we published, we gave you an overview of two basic programs available as part of our Toronto first aid course options. The article covered the content and extent of knowledge those training courses provide.
In this article we will be giving you an overview of several first aid scenarios and a best practice guide on how to act during them. It is also crucial to emphasize that knowing what to do, and being actually trained on it are two very, very different things. This article will give you an idea of how to act and what aid to provide in what situation, but under no circumstance should this online guide be taken as training or, especially, certification.
Only a person trained and certified should give CPR and first aid to an injured person. In other words, you should really know what you are doing. The certification is also very important. There are countries where giving CPR without being certified for it may lead to legal liabilities.
There is lots of value, however, in knowing what may occur and how to react even if you are not trained or certified, hence this overview. Let’s proceed.
Cardiac Arrest First Aid
This happens without warning as a result of injury or internal failure. When a person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing, or stops breathing normally, what you need to do is call 911 or get someone to dial the emergency number in case you are unable. If you are trained in CPR, you need to administer it immediately, alternately using an Automated External Defibrillation device if one is available. Keep administering the technique until the person regains breathing or until someone with more training arrives to take over.
Drowning Emergency First Aid
When a person is drowning, the first thing you need to do is get a life guard to notice and respond. If you can’t get help, remove them from the water yourself as fast as possible, carrying them face up so they have access to air. Once on dry land, check for breathing and pulse. If there is a pulse but no breathing, turning the person on the side or at a 70% angle may help their lungs expel any water that may have entered the breathing tract. If there is no pulse, start CPR.
Severe Loss of Blood First Aid
When a person is bleeding as a result of physical injury, the first thing you should do is remove debris from the wound. Don’t try to remove deeply embedded large objects or try to clean the wound at this stage – you need to stop the bleeding first. Try pressing a bandage or cloth over the wound and pushing firmly to control the bleeding. Next, maintain the pressure by binding the wound tightly with a bandage, cloth or adhesive tape. All along, make sure the person is lying down to decrease blood pressure.
This covers only the three most common scenarios you may encounter but should give you an idea of what to do when you encounter such a situation.
If you want to learn more on how exactly to respond to those and other scenarios, enroll on our Toronto first aid course for detailed first aid training and certification. Stay safe and smart this summer!
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