Why First Aid Knowledge Saves Lives

In a medical emergency, professional help may be minutes away — but those minutes matter enormously. Basic first aid knowledge empowers ordinary people to stabilise a situation, prevent it from worsening, and sometimes make the difference between life and death. Here are ten essential skills every adult should be familiar with.

1. Call for Help First

Before doing anything else in a serious emergency, call your local emergency number (such as 115, 999, or 112 depending on your country). Give your location clearly, describe what has happened, and follow the dispatcher's instructions.

2. Perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

If someone is unconscious and not breathing normally:

  1. Place the heel of your hand on the centre of their chest.
  2. Press down firmly — about 5–6 cm deep — at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
  3. If trained, give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
  4. Continue until help arrives or the person begins breathing.

Tip: The song "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees is the right tempo for chest compressions.

3. Use the Recovery Position

If someone is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side in the recovery position to keep their airway open and prevent choking on vomit or fluid.

4. Control Bleeding

For cuts or wounds that are bleeding heavily:

  • Apply firm, direct pressure using a clean cloth or bandage.
  • Maintain pressure continuously — do not lift to check every few seconds.
  • Elevate the injured limb above heart level if possible.
  • Do not remove an embedded object — bandage around it.

5. Treat a Burn

For minor burns, cool the area under running water for at least 10 minutes. Do not use ice, butter, or toothpaste. Cover loosely with a sterile dressing. For severe burns or burns to the face, hands, or genitals, seek emergency care immediately.

6. Recognise a Stroke (FAST Method)

Every second counts in a stroke. Use the FAST test:

  • Face — Is one side drooping?
  • Arms — Can they raise both arms equally?
  • Speech — Is their speech slurred or confused?
  • Time — Call emergency services immediately.

7. Help Someone Who Is Choking

For a conscious adult who is choking:

  1. Encourage them to cough forcefully.
  2. Give up to 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades.
  3. If unsuccessful, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre).
  4. Alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts. Call emergency services if the object doesn't dislodge.

8. Manage a Suspected Fracture

Do not try to straighten the limb. Immobilise it in the position found using a splint or padding. Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling, and seek medical attention promptly.

9. Respond to Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction)

Symptoms include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and a sudden rash after exposure to an allergen. If the person has an EpiPen (adrenaline auto-injector), help them use it. Call emergency services immediately, even if symptoms appear to improve.

10. Treat Heat Exhaustion

Move the person to a cool, shaded area. Give them water to sip, apply cool damp cloths, and have them lie down with their legs elevated. If they stop sweating, become confused, or lose consciousness, this may be heat stroke — a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical help.

Take a Certified First Aid Course

Reading about these skills is a valuable starting point, but hands-on training is essential for real competence. Look for accredited first aid courses in your area — many are available in short one-day formats. Being prepared is the most caring thing you can do for yourself and those around you.