Basic First Aid for Cardiac Arrest

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the most important medical procedure of all. If a person is in cardiac
arrest (the heart is no longer pumping blood) and CPR is not performed, that person will die. On the other hand,
performing CPR or using an automated external defibrillator (AED) could save a life.

 Compress hard and fast in the center of the chest, allowing recoil between compressions. Hand this task
over to those who are trained if and when they arrive.
 If you are trained, use chest compressions and rescue breathing.
  An AED should be applied and used. But it is essential not to delay chest compressions, so finding one
should be commanded to someone else while you are doing chest compressions.

Basic First Aid for Bleeding

Regardless of how severe, almost all bleeding can be controlled. Mild bleeding will usually stop on its own. If
severe bleeding is not controlled, it may lead to shock and eventually death.

 Cover the wound with a gauze or a cloth and apply direct pressure to stop the blood flow. Don't remove
the cloth. Add more layers if needed. The cloth will help clots form to stop the flow.
 Basic First Aid for Blisters

Whether or not a blister needs any treatment is debatable. If the blister is small, unbroken and not very
painful, it is probably best to leave it alone. Cover it to prevent continued rubbing and pressure on it that
can cause it to swell more and possibly burst on its own.

If the blister is large or painful—especially if the activity isn’t finished (such as you are in the middle of
a hike)—follow steps to drain and dress a blister. Use a sterilized needle and make small punctures at
the edge of the blister and express the fluid. Then apply antibiotic ointment and cover it to protect it
from further rubbing and pressure.

Basic First Aid for Sprains

The symptoms of a sprain are almost exactly the same as that of a broken bone. When in doubt, first aid for
sprains should be the same as broken bones. Immobilize the limb, apply a cold pack, elevate it, and take anti-
inflammatory drugs. See your doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.
Basic First Aid for Fractures

All extremity injuries need to be treated as broken bones (fractures) until an X-ray can be obtained.
There are all kinds of broken bone myths, such as not being able to walk on a broken leg or whether
there's a difference between a fracture and a break. Take these steps for a suspected fracture:

 Don't try to straighten it.

Basic First Aid for Nosebleeds

Most of us have had a bloody nose at some time in our lives. It simply means bleeding from the inside of
jthe nose due to trauma.
The biggest cause of a nosebleed is digital trauma – otherwise known as picking it.
The first aid for nosebleed includes:
 Lean forward, not back.
 Pinch the nose just below the bridge. Don't pinch the nostrils closed by pinching lower.
  Check after five minutes to see if bleeding has stopped. If not, continue pinching and check after another
10 minutes.
 You can also apply a cold pack to the bridge of the nose while pinching.

Basic First Aid for Burns

The first step to treating a burn is to stop the burning process. Chemicals need to be cleaned off.
Electricity needs to be turned off. Heat needs to be cooled down with running water. Sunburn victims
need to be covered up or go inside. No matter what caused the burns or how bad they are, stopping the
burn comes before treating the burn.

 Take these first aid steps:

 Flush the burned area with cool running water for several minutes. Do not use ice.
 Apply a light gauze bandage.
 Do not apply ointments, butter, or oily remedies to the burn.
 Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief if necessary.
 Do not break any blisters that may have formed.
First Aid Essentials:
 

1
First Aid Manual
Every first aid kit should contain a first aid manual. The manual will help you know how to treat wounds,
sprains, bites, and other common health issues. The guide should be studied before a crisis arises, and
everyone with access to the kit should know the basics of first aid.

2
Tweezers
Tweezers are an important tool to have in any first aid kit regardless of how basic your kit is. Tweezers can
be used to remove debris such as glass, dirt, or splinters from a wound. They can also be used to remove
stingers left behind by bees.

3
Alcohol Swabs
Alcohol swabs are used to clean the infected or wounded area before antibiotic ointment or bandages are
placed on the area. Alcohol swabs may also be used in conjunction with anesthetic swabs and can be used
to sterilize tweezers if needed.

4
Antibiotic Ointment
Antibiotic ointment can be used to treat many types of conditions and will aid in the proper healing of the
wound area. Antibiotic ointment also helps to keep infection out of the wound and should be administered
after the injured area has been thoroughly cleaned.

5
Bandages
Adhesive bandages in multiple sizes should be part of a first aid kit. Consider purchasing a box of assorted-
size bandages and putting a few of each in the kit. Traditional size bandages are needed more often than
the largest and smallest sizes, so it’s a good idea to add a few extra of these, just in case.

6
Gauze Pads
Adhesive bandages aren’t always large enough to cover a wound, which is why it’s crucial to have gauze
pads in a first aid kit. Gauze pads can be fashioned into a bandage or used to absorb blood. Gauze pads
come in many sizes and each kit should include an assortment.

7
Medical Tape
Medical tape is used to secure gauze pads or wraps when they are being used as a bandage. This tape is
designed not to leave residue behind and usually comes in a long roll.
8
Elastic Bandages
Elastic bandages help keep a sprained joint immobile and reduce swelling. Elastic bandages come with
either hook-and-loop or metal fasteners to keep them in place. These flexible bandages can be wrapped
around ankles, knees, wrists, and elbows until you can get to a doctor. These bandages vary in width from
one to six inches.

9
Pain Relievers
Each first aid kit should include a selection of pain relievers. Aspirin-based and non-aspirin pain relievers
should be included in the kit at all times. If there are children in the house, be sure to include pain relievers
meant for them. These will come in handy when treating a deep wound or scrape and can also be used to
relieve minor aches and pains.

10
Instant Cold Pack
To prevent swelling, many health care professionals recommend icing an injury. A one-time, instant-use cold
pack does not become cold until the seal on the packaging is broken and the material inside is
activated. Cold packs of this type are ideal for basic first aid kits because they don’t require refrigeration.