Can I truly save a life? If yes, then how exactly can I do that confidently? Before the end of this article, you will discover many simplified but powerful first aid tips that can;
✓ Boost your confidence when handling an accident victim.
✓ Eliminate every bit of fear of landing yourself into trouble just because you want to help.
✓ Make you become active and helpful rather than just a shocked spectator at accident scene.
✓ Help you draw your limits as a first aider without putting laws into your hands and most importantly
✓ SAVE a life!
First and foremost, what is accident?
Accident can simply be referred to any unexpected event caused majorly by carelessness or a chance of happenstance which often results to damage of properties and worse still claim precious lives.
Accident maybe prevented. However, certain disastrous events transcend the limit of prevention. In other words, no matter how careful or expertise one maybe, such accident will eventually occur! Of course this is pathetic because expensive lives and properties are at stake.
How do we offer help to accident victims? Rush them to hospital! This is sounds right and very needful. However, in real life, certain limitations often pose serious barrier to taking action within the shortest time. Such could be the distance to the hospital, no vehicle in sight, fear of falling into trouble in a bid to help, some repulsive hospital protocols (like "no hospital card, no treatment") and what have you. Hence, there is rising need for action prior to doctor's arrival. This action is termed first aid.
Who is a first aider?
Anyone with the right knowledge of what exactly to do to assist an accident victim survive until a doctor arrives is a good first aider. So you can be one if and only if you follow the guidelines below.
For the purpose of this article, we will be considering the first aid guide and precautions of some notable accident injuries.
✓✓ ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT.
Road accident is one of the most common accident on daily basis. This accident on the road to cars, cyclist or predestrans. It often results in death to some people and serious injuries to others.
FIRST AID GUIDE AND PRECAUTIONS
** Before approaching the accident scene, it's wise to ensure your safety. Make sure that there is no oncoming vehicle and that the scene is free from additional accident.
** When you get to the scene turn off the vehicle's ignition if you can and remove any object that can potentially cause more danger like fuel and sharp objects.
** Use the safety triangle to signify the event.
** Carefully help victims out of the vehicle(s). You can't just forcefully dray out victims as that can result to more injuries and be careful not to injure yourself in the process. Identify and specially attend to any life threatening injuries.
** Help the victims to contact their next of kin.
** Instead of shouting out loud, calm the victims to relief their shock. Tell them that everything will be alright.
** Anyone losing breathe should be made to seat up and fan him consciously.
** Call for emergency service immediately giving them the accurate condition of the accident and where it occured.
** Make every effort to take victims to the nearest hospital for further medical treatment and advice.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
Electric shock or electrocution occur due to direct body contact with electric voltage. This can be fatal as the human body is a conductor of electricity.
FIRST AID GUIDE AND PRECAUTIONS
** Turn off electric source and ensure the victim's body is taken out of contact with the electric source using any object of low conductivity like dry wood, rubber, plastics or book.
** If burnt occured, cool it for 10 to 15 minutes under cold water or wet clothes.
** Do not remove the burnt clothe or skin.
** If the victim is not breathing well, lay him down on any firm flat surface.
** Call for medical services.
FRACTURE
Fracture is otherwise know as broken bones which occur due to serious stress or strain on the bones by any mechanical compression.
FIRSTAID GUIDE AND PRECAUTIONS
** Stop every reckless movement to prevent further injuries on the affected area.
** Control the bleeding. Use clean piece of clothes or sterile bandage to eliminate the gushing blood.
** If the victim experience difficulty in breathing, simply ensure they lay down with head slightly lower than the trunk.
ANIMAL BITES
Different animals can cause mild to severe threat to human life when they bite us. Notable among them are dogs, snakes, monkeys, rats, scorpion and bat. Animal bites can also inflict serious infection like rabies, tetanus, blood infection, Lassa fever and lot more.
FIRST AID GUIDE AND PRECAUTIONS
** Bitten spot should be washed with soap under running water.
** Tie a clean clothe slightly above the bitten area to prevent the animals poison from moving to other parts of the body.
** Apply a bandage and finally
** Seek medical attention.
CONCLUSION
First aid when rightly administered can save lives. The aforementioned guidelines are few among those powerful practices that can keep an accident victim surviving until a medical doctor arrives. Explore more to gain more tips that can help you become a better first aider.
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