First Aid is simply the first treatment given to an individual injured, ill, or involved in an accident, whether minor or significant, before being transferred or taken to a medical facility.
First Aid is an essential skill, and it is best if every individual is equipped with it as it helps preserve life, prevent a condition from worsening, and to promote recovery.
First Aid involves five essential steps usually given by the acronym Dr. ABC (pronounced: Doctor A B C). These represent procedures used by first aiders when providing First Aid:
- D for Danger: assess the situation and move the individual from harm’s way such as away from the road in a road traffic accident victim, and remove dangerous objects around.
- R for Response: gauge the response of the individual. Check for the presence of a peripheral pulse such as the radial pulse.
- A for Airway: Open airway– might require you to remove their clothing, e.g., ties, etc.
- B for Breathing: Ensure the airway is patent. Chin lift, jaw thrust or head tilt can be done.
- C for CPR: Perform Cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) with breaths. According to American Heart Association (AHA), the recommended for an Adult is 30 chest compressions with two rescue mouth-to- mouth breaths.
It is essential to know that CPR is not always necessary in First Aid except in an individual with loss of consciousness.