In this article, we will discuss the importance of first aid, the DRSABCD Action plan, from where you should take training in first aid and CPR, Infection control when performing CPR, First aid for a person choking, and the person with infected wounds, first aid kit, etc.
Read the article till the very end to get an idea about the basic first aid training!
Why learn first aid?
First aid refers to the primary medical care you provide to someone experiencing an unexpected injury or illness.
It provides you with the tools to prevent situations from becoming more serious.
In some cases, if immediate help is not provided to the patient, their situation will become worse. Therefore, you need to learn primary first aid care to stabilize a patient until emergency medical services arrive. Moreover, You’ll be trained in how to collect information and data regarding the patient’s condition and exactly what occurred. Thus, making you a valuable link in the chain of survival.
The DRSABCD Action plan:
You can remember this DRSABCD action plan by thinking of it as “Doctor’s ABCD”
Each letter denotes a specific action that should be taken during first aid.
| LETTER | REPRESENTATION | WHAT TO DO |
| D | Danger | You need to make sure that you don’t put yourself or others at risk. |
| R | Response | Always tries to look for a response from the patient by asking their name or squeezing their shoulder. |
| S | Send for help | If you are getting no response from the patient, ask another person to call but don’t leave the patient unattended. |
| A | Airway | Make sure to check their mouth and throat to see if it’s clear. However, if there is a foreign material, roll the patient on their side and try to clear the airway. If you don’t see a foreign material, leave them in the position you find them in while gently tilting their head back and lifting their chin to clear the airway. |
| B | Breathing | After 10 seconds, check if the person is breathing abnormally or not breathing at all. If they are breathing normally, you need to place them in the recovery position and don’t leave their side. However, If they are not breathing normally, you need to call an ambulance and start CPR. |
| C | CPR | Start CPR immediately: 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths. You need to continue the same process until the patient starts breathing or until help arrives. |
| D | Defibrillation | Instantly attaches an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to the patient and follows the voice prompts. |
Where to learn first aid and CPR
You can attend a CPR training course or first aid course in Tucson, Arizona by visiting this website.
You can take CPR classes in Tucson to obtain CPR certification.
As there is no age limit to learning CPR, it’s not too late to start your training now. The only limitation is the physical skills of the person performing the CPR.
Bear in mind that CPR is a life skill that should be learned by everyone. Also, remember that doing some CPR in an emergency will help you save lives, which is better than doing nothing.
Infection control when performing CPR
You should always use preventive measures to avoid contact with potentially infectious bodily fluids which include blood or saliva. During first-aid training, you’d be advised to carry a resuscitation mask in your purse, wallet, or first aid kit. Through this the risk of contracting the infection is avoided, thus it is very important to use it.
First aid for a person choking
To help the person from choking, you need to roll them onto their side by making surgery so the spinal cord isn’t disturbed as there is a possibility of spinal injury in accidents resulting in choking. Through the first aid course and training, you’d be able to place an injured person on their side with very little movement to their spine.
What is a first aid kit?
Aside from knowing some basic first aid techniques, households and workplaces must have a first aid kit that is available at all times to avoid any unforeseen critical situations.
Some common items often found in a first aid kit are:
- Bandages, roller bandages, and tape
- Sterile gauze
- Antiseptic wipes and swabs
- Absorbent compresses
- Antibiotic cream
- Burn ointment
- Mask for breathing (rescue breathing/CPR)
- Chemical cold pack
- Eyeshield and eyewash
- First aid reference guide that includes local phone numbers
How to reduce the risk of infected wounds during first aid?
Infections can be caused by an open wound, so you need to follow these suggestions to avoid them:
- Make sure to wash your hands before managing the wound or use an antibacterial hand sanitizer.
- Make sure to put on disposable gloves which can be found in your first aid kit.
- Please don’t cough or breathe over the wound.
- Clean around the wound until you are sure of the severity of the wound.
- Make sure to cover the wound with a sterile dressing while making sure not to touch the dressing’s surface before placing it on the wound.
- Seek medical advice immediately during emergencies.
Final thoughts: Is first aid important?
First aid knowledge is vital for both you as an individual as well as the whole community. It enables you to take action if you encounter an accident or emergency until professional medical help arrives. First aid knowledge and skills can be applied everywhere, be it the workplace, home, or public locations. Therefore, first aid certified people contribute to society by making it much safer.
