Basic First Aid Skills Everyone Should Know

Being able to perform basic first aid is a beneficial skill that everyone should learn. Whether you’re out in the wilderness and your hiking partner breaks an ankle, or you’re eating dinner and your child chokes, knowing what to do in case of such an emergency can save lives.

Performing first aid on a person is not without risk, however, and you should be aware of the potential dangers as well as the ethical and legal ramifications of first aid. The information below is not intended to replace first-hand experience, nor does it deal with the issues mentioned above.

First aid classes are usually offered for minimal charge at community colleges, health centers, Red Cross centers, and through your local fire station. Contact these organizations to see if they are holding classes near you.

Types of First Aid Skills
Below is a list of some common first aid skills you should know. A first aid class will teach you how to perform these basic skills.

CPR
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It should be performed on people who are not breathing and have no heartbeat. CPR differs for infants, children and adults. CPR can also be performed on animals.

Choking
If a person is truly chocking, they will not be able to breath, speak, or cough. If the person is coughing, let them. This is the best way to remove anything lodged in the breathing pipes. If the person is not able to cough, speak, or breathe, the Heimlich Maneuver should be performed.

Broken Bones
Unless you are far away from a hospital, a broken bone is usually not a life threatening emergency. If you are far from a doctor or emergency facilities, however, it’s useful to know how to splint a broken bone.

Bleeding
A bleeding wound can often be treated by applying direct pressure to the area. The wound should also be elevated above the heart. If these steps don’t work, however, a tourniquet can be applied. Applying a tourniquet is a last resort measure, and needs to be applied properly.

Other Types of First Aid Skills
Other common first aid skills that are beneficial to know include: how-to treat a person in shock, how-to treat a person having a seizure, how-to treat burns, eye injuries, poisoning, heat stroke, hypothermia, and more.

It is also a good idea to have a complete first-aid kit in your home, vehicle, and outdoor gear. Many of these first aid kits come with cards that show you how-to perform basic first aid skills. For more information and training, please visit your local fire station, health center, community college, or Red Cross chapter.