Basic First Aid Skills Everyone Should Know

Accidents and medical emergencies can happen at any time, and knowing basic first aid skills can mean the difference between life and death. Whether at home, work, or in public spaces, the ability to respond quickly and effectively to injuries or medical conditions can save lives and prevent minor issues from becoming severe.

This guide will cover essential first aid skills that everyone should know, including treating wounds, handling medical emergencies, and responding to life-threatening situations.

1. The Importance of First Aid

First aid is the immediate care provided to an injured or sick person before professional medical help arrives. The goal of first aid is to:

• Preserve life
• Prevent further injury
• Promote recovery

Even if you are not a medical professional, having first aid knowledge can make you a valuable asset in emergency situations.

2. Performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

CPR is a lifesaving technique used when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It helps maintain oxygen flow to the brain and other organs until medical help arrives.

How to Perform CPR on an Adult:

1. Check responsiveness – Shake the person and ask loudly, “Are you okay?”
2. Call emergency services – If there is no response, call for help immediately.
3. Begin chest compressions – Place both hands in the center of the chest and push down hard and fast (about 2 inches deep, at 100–120 compressions per minute).
4. Give rescue breaths (if trained) – After every 30 compressions, give 2 breaths by tilting the person’s head back, pinching the nose, and blowing into their mouth.
5. Continue CPR until help arrives or the person shows signs of life.

For children and infants, use gentler compressions and adjust technique based on size and age.

3. Treating Cuts and Wounds

Minor cuts and scrapes are common injuries that require proper care to prevent infection.

How to Treat a Cut or Wound:

1. Wash your hands before touching the wound to avoid infection.
2. Stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
3. Clean the wound with clean water and mild soap—avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as they can damage tissue.
4. Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
5. Cover with a sterile bandage and change it regularly.

For deep wounds or continuous bleeding, seek medical attention immediately.

4. Handling Burns

Burns can be caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. The severity of burns is classified as:

• First-degree burns – Affect only the outer layer of skin (redness, mild pain).
• Second-degree burns – Affect deeper layers, causing blisters and severe pain.
• Third-degree burns – Destroy skin and underlying tissue, often appearing white or charred.

How to Treat Burns:

1. Cool the burn by running cool (not icy) water over it for at least 10 minutes.
2. Remove tight clothing or jewelry near the burn, but do not remove stuck clothing.
3. Cover with a clean, non-stick bandage to prevent infection.
4. Avoid popping blisters, as this can lead to infection.
5. For severe burns, seek medical attention immediately.

5. Helping a Choking Person

Choking occurs when food or an object blocks the airway. Knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver can save a life.

For Adults and Children Over 1 Year Old:

1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.
2. Make a fist and place it above the navel.
3. Perform quick, upward abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled.
4. If the person becomes unconscious, perform CPR.

For Infants (Under 1 Year Old):

1. Lay the baby face-down on your forearm and support their head.
2. Give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades.
3. Turn the baby over and give 5 chest compressions with two fingers.
4. Repeat until the object is removed or emergency services arrive.

6. Treating Sprains and Strains

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, while a strain affects muscles or tendons. These injuries often happen due to falls, twists, or sports activities.

How to Treat a Sprain or Strain (R.I.C.E Method):

1. Rest – Avoid using the injured area.
2. Ice – Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes every few hours.
3. Compression – Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
4. Elevation – Keep the injured area raised above heart level.

If severe pain or swelling persists, seek medical care.

7. Dealing with Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are common and usually harmless, but they can be alarming.

How to Stop a Nosebleed:

1. Sit down and lean forward (not backward) to prevent swallowing blood.
2. Pinch the soft part of the nose just above the nostrils.
3. Hold for 10–15 minutes until bleeding stops.
4. Apply an ice pack to the bridge of the nose.

If bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes, seek medical attention.

8. Recognizing and Treating Shock

Shock occurs when there is inadequate blood flow to the organs, often due to severe injury, dehydration, or infection.

Signs of Shock:

• Pale, cold, or clammy skin
• Rapid breathing and weak pulse
• Dizziness or fainting
• Confusion or unresponsiveness

How to Help Someone in Shock:

1. Lay the person down and elevate their legs (unless they have a head or back injury).
2. Keep them warm using a blanket or jacket.
3. Loosen tight clothing to improve circulation.
4. Do not give food or drink if unconscious.
5. Seek emergency medical help immediately.

9. Handling Seizures

A seizure occurs due to abnormal brain activity and can cause convulsions or loss of awareness.

What to Do During a Seizure:

1. Keep the person safe by clearing nearby objects.
2. Turn them onto their side to prevent choking.
3. Do not put anything in their mouth.
4. Time the seizure – If it lasts more than 5 minutes, call emergency services.
5. Stay with the person until they recover.

After a seizure, reassure the person and let them rest.

10. Responding to an Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

Severe allergic reactions can cause difficulty breathing and require immediate attention.

How to Help:

1. Identify symptoms – Swelling, difficulty breathing, hives, dizziness.
2. Use an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if available.
3. Call emergency services immediately.
4. Keep the person lying down with legs elevated.
5. Monitor breathing and be ready to perform CPR if necessary.

Allergic reactions can worsen quickly, so do not wait to seek medical help.

Conclusion

Knowing basic first aid skills can make a huge difference in emergency situations. Whether it’s performing CPR, treating wounds, handling burns, or assisting a choking victim, being prepared can help save lives and prevent complications.

Everyone should take the time to learn these essential skills and consider taking a certified first aid course for hands-on practice. Emergencies can happen anywhere, and being equipped with first aid knowledge ensures you’re ready to act when needed.