by Charles Asbury

Created on: December 02, 2008

First Aid at Home or the Work Place

After being a Firefighter for near 22 years, I know how important basic First Aid can be when saving a life. Everyone one should be trained in basic First Aid and CPR. Your husband, wife, and kids deserve the best treatment if an accident should occur in your house. If you watch t.v., then you know that the actors portray first aid measures as no brainers. But sometimes, when first aid is needed, just getting your brain to function is a challenge. Don't you think, that having basic knowledge of first aid might help if and when you're found in that situation. Maybe you've taken a first aid class. If so, you have a distinct advantage over the rest. If you haven't taken a first aid course, you really should, it could save a life. Here are some of the possible scenarios you could come face to face with at home or even in your work environment. Included are some of the measures that you can take when these emergencies arise:

Asphyxiation(breathing stopped): Get the victim to fresh air right away. Start ABC's of life support. Always send for help as soon as possible(ASAP).

Animal Bites: wash wounds with soap and water. If possible, catch the animal, so that it can be tested for rabies. Then take the victim straight to the Emergency Room.

Bleeding: Press hard with a clean compress directly over the wound until bleeding stops. If bleeding is severe, continue pressure and send for help. For minor cuts, wash with soap under warm running water, and then apply a clean dressing. For a nosebleed, keep the person quiet, still and sitting down. Have then leaning forward while pinching the nose. If bleeding doesn't stop, then take them to the Emergency Room.

Burns: For mild to moderate burns, immerse area in cold water or apply a cold wet compress. For severe burns(loss of skin), cover area with a clean cloth. Keep the victim warm to prevent shock and get him to the E.R. If the burn was chemically inflicted, then rinse with water for five minutes, apply clean dressing and transport to the E.R.

Chocking: Always have someone call 911 right away. Then give the person enough time to cough the item out. As long as the person is chocking, then they are still getting some air and might possibly cough the object out. If coughing stops, and the victim isn't breathing anymore, then give him four sharp blows to the back, between the shoulder blades. If this proves ineffective, then get behind the victim, and place the thumb side of your fist just below the

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