3 First Aid Techniques Everyone Should Know

First aid is an initial treatment applied to a person afflicted with an illness or injury. It usually involves a series of simple steps to alleviate symptoms or prevent further damage to the patient. Every able person can be trained to perform a wide variety of first aid techniques that they can use in case someone may need it.

These are the common injuries you could encounter and here are the recommended techniques in applying first aid. This may prove simple but invaluable as it can ease the discomfort experienced in these emergencies. This is, however, in no way a substitute for proper professional help.

1. Minor Burns - burns up to the second layer of the skin (dermis), not larger than 3" in diameter, and not located in the face, extremities or a major joint, can be treated as a minor burn. The 1^st step in treating a minor burn is by decreasing the heat in the area. You can do this by applying cold water in the burned area either by running water over it or soaking. Ice should not be applied on the area because it may lead to frostbite which can lead to another problem. Cover the burn loosely (to avoid putting pressure) with a sterile gauze bandage. This prevents air contact thereby reducing pain and blisters. Don't break the blisters as it may lead to infection. Use over-the-counter painkillers if the patient is not prohibited from taking one. Further treatment for minor burns may not be needed but be on the lookout for signs of infection.

2. Choking - this happens when a foreign object is lodged in the throat or windpipe severely hampering breathing. A person could be choking when he/she is suddenly unable to talk, his/her lips turn to blue or, he/she loses consciousness. Red Cross recommends the "five-and-five" approach in delivering first aid to a choking person. This involves:

a. Deliver 5 blows to the back, right between the person's shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.

b. Perform Heimlich maneuver, this involves five abdominal thrust.

c. Alternate between the previous steps until you dislodged the blockage.

To perform Heimlich maneuver) on another person:

a. Stand directly behind the person.

b. Make your arms wrap around the waist.

c. Make the person lean slightly forward.

d. Form a fist with one hand and position it just above the person's navel. Grasp that fist with your other hand.

e. Press hard towards the abdomen with a quick thrust directed upward- as if you are trying to lift that person up.

f. Repeat the steps five times. If the object isn't dislodged. Repeat the whole "five-and-five" procedure.

Call emergency in case you won't be able to dislodge the blockage by yourself.

3. Minor Sprains - overstretching a ligament can cause spraining. Pain is an indication of how severe the injury is. A person with minor sprain can usually treat it himself/herself. Start by immobilizing the joint. This is to prevent further stress, thus further damage, to that joint. Splints and crutches will help you with this. You can still do some activity to prevent deconditioning but not with your injured part. You need also to ice the area. You can use a cold pack or a compression sleeve to avoid swelling. Applying it immediately will greatly reduce the swelling. Don't ice for too long because it can lead to tissue damage. Another way to reduce swelling is to elevate the injured area. Then, compress the area using bandage or elastic wrap.