As we discussed last post, we will continue with the 3 points of basic first aid:

• First – protection. Further damage can occur through mechanical impact, smoke, fire, explosion or electrical hazard. First aid helpers should protect themselves first and foremost, then concentrate on the victim. The location of the accident – if it was an accident – should be clearly signaled to avoid further casualties. Only move the victim if it is absolutely necessary to preserve his life. Moving an injured person can cause serious harm.

• Second – Competent first aid care. Check if the casualty is conscious, breathing, and has a pulse. Lie the casualty down sideways, if that can’t cause further damage. Ask the casualty for any symptoms, if the victim is conscious. This information may be extremely useful if he falls unconscious. In the case of wounds, do NOT remove any large objects from wounds. Treating wounds requires extensive professional training. Search for severe external bleeding and try to stop it. Although treating bleeding requires additional first aid training, any compression of the wound is better than letting the blood flow. Numerous techniques can -and should- be learned by everyone in a first aid help course. Certified first aiders can control bleeding, open the airways, perform CPR and chest compressions and many, many other life saving measures.

• Third – alert the emergency services. Call the emergency services and inform them clearly about the exact location, about what happened, how many persons are involved, and what first aid was provided so far. Try to provide as much relevant information as possible. The address alone sometimes doesn’t suffice. The emergency services have to know exactly where you are within a building.

These are just a few of the suggestions for basic first aid first response on a scene.  It is advisible to seek further first aid training whenever it is offered – the life you save could be your own or your loved ones!

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