7 Life-Saving Skills Worth Learning
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Life can sometimes present unforeseen circumstances, which can be better managed if you’re well-prepared. One such possible situation is a medical emergency, making it vital to know some basic life-saving skills, such as first aid, for yourself and others. According to research, about only 18% of people are up-to-date in CPR training, leaving room for more improvement. If you’re wondering what life-saving skills you need to equip yourself for your health and medical emergencies, below are seven such techniques that can make all the difference.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is a life-saving skill that requires that you know what to do during cardiac emergencies. The only way to deliver as expected is to practice on mannequins as often as possible or renew training annually. It is a skill that begins with assessing the victim of a cardiac emergency. If they aren’t breathing, the first thing to do is to begin with measured chest compressions while administering rescue breaths through the mouth. The reason annual re-training is vital is because the lack of practice can result in getting it wrong with compression depth and rate. Even your hand placement can make a difference in the victim’s survival. Due to these intricacies, it would be best to sign up for a CPR certification course that focuses on hands-on practice and refresher courses to refine your technique. It takes confidence to perform CPR effectively, and you can be a pro when you take it seriously.
Choking response
Anyone can experience choking, but data indicates that it happens a lot more in younger children than adults. It is a potentially life-threatening situation that requires quick thinking and action to restore proper respiration to the lungs. The acclaimed Heimlich maneuver has saved millions of children worldwide with its abdominal thrust technique. This maneuver is used to dislodge a foreign object from the airway and to help the victim breathe easier. The technique is administered by standing behind the choking victim and making upward abdominal thrusts with your fist. You will have to ensure that the victim has a clear path to cough up whatever is lodged in their throat. Some choking victims may even throw up, but you can avoid further inconveniences by keeping the path clear from onlookers, tables, or anything of value. The technique is different among infants and pregnant women, so the traditional Heimlich technique may not work well in that scenario. Experts say constant practice on mannequins can make a significant difference in saving someone’s life when the situation demands it.
Fire safety and evacuation techniques
According to data, the US records 358,300 home fires annually, with children and senior citizens being among the highest casualty cases. Aside from knowing the basic fire prevention measures at home, knowing safety measures and evacuation techniques will be useful. For example, crawling low during a fire outbreak reduces harmful smoke inhalation. The scientific explanation for this is that heat and smoke rise; therefore, staying closer to the floor reduces the risk of fume inhalation. You can also dampen a clean napkin to cover your nose and mouth to reduce excessive smoke inhalation in a fire. Another fire safety measure is to learn how to use fire extinguishers to save yourself and others in the event of an outbreak. It will be best to stay informed about changing fire safety measures as that helps you to respond appropriately in such emergencies.
Basic wound care
An Atlantic.com health report states that the average person will endure 9,672 minor injuries from childhood into adulthood. Minor injuries may seem like nothing until they get infected and cause major health issues. Cuts, scrapes, and punctures require thorough cleaning with mild soap and water to clear the area of opportunistic microorganisms on the skin’s surface. The next step is to apply a mild antiseptic over the wound, followed by a sterile dressing or bandage. You can take first aid certification online courses to get better at caring for basic wounds and other types of injuries that require immediate attention. Some basic wounds may require professional medical attention, especially when they are deep and heavily contaminated. Remember to keep your first aid supplies clean and stored in a cool, dry place to prevent humidity and heat damage. Always check for the expiry dates of your supplies and change them as soon as they are due.
Seizure response
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3.4 million people have active epileptic cases in the US. Out of this number, more than half experience seizures at least twice a year. Seizures are alarming and unpredictable; therefore, staying calm in such situations is necessary. Experts say creating a safe, immediate environment during an active seizure is vital. That can only be done when you witness an episode and are in the position to remove dangerous objects from the person. The most important thing is to cushion their head and roll them onto their side to facilitate breathing during a seizure. Sometimes, it may be necessary to place a soft, clean napkin between the person’s upper and lower jaws to prevent accidental biting of the tongue and inner cheeks. According to medical experts, repeat seizures in a period lasting more than five minutes are cause for concern. It will be safer to call an ambulance or drive them to the nearest emergency center for medical attention.
Allergic reaction management
The Allergy and Asthma Network says over 50 million people in the United States have allergies, with more than half experiencing anaphylaxis at least once every quarter. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction characterized by rapid heart rate, breathing difficulties, and swelling. The best thing to do when you see these symptoms is to administer an epinephrine auto-injector if available. In the absence of an auto-injector, emergency medical services must be your next line of action to save a life. If you, and not another person, suffer a severe allergic reaction, it will be life-saving to identify the immediate signs. Prompt and effective intervention can produce positive outcomes from a dire health situation that could have gone south. Sharing information about your allergies with trusted friends, family, and colleagues can also be a life-saving measure. That way, they can take action when the need arises.
Treating burns
One of the first things to do after sustaining a burn is to run cool water over the affected part. This step should be carried out for about ten minutes to allow the cooler temperature to stop further injuries to the skin. A lot of accidental home burns happen in the kitchen, where access to cool water is not a problem. After running cool water over the area, protect the affected part with a clean, non-stick cloth or bandage to reduce the risk of infection. Not everyone knows how to categorize burns into first, second, or third, but observation of the burned body part will inform you how severe it is. The worst thing to do in such situations is to apply ice directly to the burned body part. Ice sticks to the skin and can cause further harm when used on burns. Additionally, avoid using adhesive bandages because they can rip off the already compromised burnt skin.
Medical emergencies can arise at any time and can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to do. However, the more you learn the life-saving measures listed above, the better you will be at managing situations that require prompt attention.
