5 Types of Basic First Aid

In an emergency, first aid provides an injured person with the necessary care, perhaps before paramedics arrive to offer medical treatment. Anyone who has received first aid training can provide this basic care — it may even result in a saved life. Since different emergencies require quite different action, what are the types of first aid you should know?

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Those trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help a victim of cardiac arrest to start breathing again. CPR involves first checking the person’s airway is clear, then using rescue breathing and chest compressions to maintain blood circulation.

2. Bleeding

It’s important to stop a wound from bleeding to prevent the loss of too much blood. You’ll need to be able to identify the type of bleeding to determine its severity and know when the person needs medical attention.

3. Burns

To treat a burn, you need to remove its source (whether that’s heat, a chemical, or electricity) and then cool the affected area with running water for several minutes. Aloe vera and over-the-counter medication are useful for minor burns, whereas major burns require immediate medical attention.

4. Choking

An obstruction leading to choking can cut off a person’s air supply and lead to unconsciousness or even death. It’s important to recognize if someone is choking and needs help. Plus, you need to know what procedure is appropriate to use. For instance, when a person is unable to cough or talk but is still conscious, you should use the Heimlich maneuver; however, the appropriate first aid is different for someone who is unconscious.

5. Broken Bones

You should always treat any injury to a limb, hand, or foot as if it were a broken bone to prevent further damage. If it’s not an open fracture, the person is conscious, there is no heavy bleeding, and the skin appears normal, add a cold pack to the injury. You should also create a splint with padding for a limb injury, without trying to straighten the limb, before you head to the hospital. Broken bones related to the spine, head, pelvis, hip, and thigh are more severe and require emergency treatment. You’ll need to wait for an ambulance, as only a trained medical professional should move the injured person.

It’s crucial that your employees know at least the basic types of first aid to keep the workplace safe. Receive training for your team from MHSA. Check out our calendar to find dates that suit you for courses in emergency and standard first aid.