8 Essential First Aid Tips That Can Save Lives (Part 1) | INNORKOM

Mastering basic first aid techniques is crucial, not only for your own well-being but also for your family’s safety. In emergency situations, knowing the right steps can make the difference between life and death. Here are some essential first aid tips that could save a life in critical moments:

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – The Golden 4 Minutes

Step 1: Assess the Situation and Begin Chest Compressions
If you witness someone collapsing, gently tap their shoulder and shout to see if they respond. If there is no reaction, call emergency services (120) immediately. Check for breathing: if the chest is not rising and falling, start CPR within 4 minutes to improve survival chances, which can be as high as 50%.

To perform chest compressions:

• Position your hands at the center of the chest (between the nipples).
• Interlock your fingers and use the palms of your hands to apply downward pressure.
• Press vertically downwards, about 5 to 6 cm deep, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
• After every 30 compressions, perform 2 rescue breaths.

Step 2: Artificial Respiration
To open the airway, use one hand to press down on the forehead and the other to lift the chin. Check for any foreign objects in the mouth and clear them if necessary. Pinch the person’s nose, seal your mouth over theirs, and deliver two quick breaths until the chest rises.
Important Note: Avoid pressing the "Ren Zhong" point (located between the upper lip and nose), as this is not effective for resuscitation.

2. Heimlich Maneuver – First Aid for Choking

For Adults and Children Over 1 Year Old:

• Stand behind the patient and make sure they are slightly leaning forward.
• Place your arms under their armpits and make a fist with your left hand.
• Position your fist just above the navel and use your right hand to grip your fist.
• Deliver quick, inward and upward abdominal thrusts. This helps force the object out of the airway.
• Continue until the foreign object is expelled.

Self-Help Technique:
If you're alone and choking:

• Find a sturdy object, such as the back of a chair.
• Bend over it and press your abdomen against it repeatedly to dislodge the object.
• Alternatively, create a fist with one hand and place the thumb side just above your navel. Press quickly and forcefully until the object is expelled.

For Infants Under 1 Year Old:

• Lay the baby face down on your forearm. Support the head and neck with one hand.
• Use the heel of your other hand to deliver 5 back slaps between the baby’s shoulder blades.

• If this does not work, turn the baby over and perform 5 chest compressions using two fingers in the center of the chest.
• Repeat the process until the obstruction is cleared.

3. Burns – Immediate First Aid for Skin Burns

• Immediately rinse the affected area with cool running water for at least 30 minutes.
• If running water is not available, submerge the burn in cold water or use cool, damp towels.
• After cooling the burn, cover the wound with a clean cloth or sterile gauze and seek medical attention.

Important Notes:

• Never apply ice directly to the burn, as it can cause further damage.
• The water temperature for rinsing should not be lower than 5°C (41°F).
• Avoid bursting blisters as they protect the underlying skin from infection.
• Do not apply home remedies like toothpaste, butter, or ointments, as these can worsen the burn.

4. Nosebleeds – How to Stop a Bleeding Nose

To stop a nosebleed:

• Pinch the soft part of the nose (both nostrils) for 4 to 8 minutes.
• Tilt the head slightly forward to prevent blood from flowing down the back of the throat.
• You can also apply a cold compress or wet towel to the forehead and neck to constrict blood vessels.

Important Note: Do not tilt the head backward, as it can cause blood to flow down the throat, increasing the risk of choking or swallowing blood.

Knowing basic first aid techniques is essential for anyone who wants to be prepared in case of an emergency. At Guangzhou INNORKOM Medical Limited, we offer CPR First Aid Training Models designed to simulate real-life emergency scenarios. Our models are perfect for healthcare institutions, schools, and companies looking to train employees or students in life-saving CPR techniques. These training devices provide realistic feedback and ensure that users can practice CPR chest compressions and rescue breathing with precision.

These life-saving methods can help prevent injury, reduce the severity of trauma, and even save lives. Stay tuned for more first aid tips in our next article.