Essay On First Aid

Knowing what to do in an emergency medical situation can mean the difference between life and death. Being trained in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) skills can be invaluable when someone is in serious medical distress. This training is empowering as it allows people to save the lives of others, to act confidently when using the skills learned, and to be able to properly use an AED device should the situation require it (Berry, 2015). It is important to realize that you do not have to be a doctor, nurse or other trained medical professional to perform these lifesaving skills. Anyone interested can learn CPR, and become trained in first aid, as there are several reputable organizations

It is the emergency care given immediately to an injured person to minimize injury and future disability (Merriam Webster). The purpose of first aid is to prevent further injury, preserve life and to promote recovery (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety). One set of goals of first aid is called the "Three P's": preserve life – stop the person from dying; prevent further injury – stop the person from being injured even more, and promote recovery – try to help the person heal his injuries (Ansh Sethi, 2014). In serious cases, first aid may be necessary to keep the victim alive until medical personnel arrive. There are many different types of situations which may require first aid. It often consists of a one-time, short-term treatment and requires little technology or training to administer (Wikipedia, 2017). Examples of first aid can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating a minor burn; applying bandages and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; draining blisters; removing debris from the eyes; massage; and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). As many as 140,000 people die each year in situations where first aid could have helped save their lives, which is as many as die from cancer. Situations where first aid could potentially make a difference include suffocations

If a person stops breathing, or their heart stops beating effectively, the purpose of this lifesaving technique is to keep oxygenated blood flowing around the body to keep vital organs alive (Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which a person’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone — untrained bystanders and medical personnel alike — begin CPR with chest compressions. If you're not trained in CPR, then provide hands-only CPR. It is far better to do something than to do nothing at all even if you are fearful that your knowledge or abilities are not one hundred percent complete. (Mayo Clinic, 2017). Acting versus inaction could be impact whether a person lives or dies. According to national statistics, less than thirty percent of people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR Statistics). CPR itself will not restart someone’s heart, but may keep them alive until a defibrillator arrives (Science Forums, 2012). The American Heart Association teaches rescuers to practice C-A-B: chest compressions first, then airway and breathing. By starting chest compressions first, the patient only has