The world is full of hazards, from natural disasters to car accidents and even malicious attacks. It can be difficult at times to know what first aid techniques to employ in a given situation. There are, however, some general principles that can be applied to most situations. When faced with a sudden injury or illness, it’s vital to act quickly. The earlier you begin taking care of an injury or illness, the greater chance you have of minimizing the severity of the patient’s condition and keeping them alive until professional help can arrive. The following are some of the most common first aid rescues that might come in handy during your lifetime:

Cardiovascular Emergencies

A person who is experiencing a cardiovascular emergency will likely be pale, sweaty and have a rapid heartbeat. It’s critical that the patient be placed in a position that allows blood to flow to the brain, as this is where the majority of the body’s blood pressure is focused. The patient should be placed with their legs elevated, and the head rested on a pillow to assist in preventing further blood loss. If the patient is conscious, you should verbally check for their current blood pressure.Cardiovascular emergencies can often be treated with the use of an automated defibrillator, although it is important to note that this cannot always be used for cardiac arrests.

Respiratory Emergencies

A patient who is experiencing a respiratory emergency will likely be shallow, have a raspy voice and be breathing at a rapid rate. It’s critical that the patient be placed in the position that allows them to breathe the easiest, as this is the position they will likely be able to maintain until professional help arrives. The patient should be rested on their left side, with their head slightly elevated, and their legs slightly bent.If the patient is conscious, you should verbally check for their current blood pressure.

Traumatic Trauma

A patient who is experiencing traumatic trauma will likely have a large amount of blood on their clothing, be pale, limp and unresponsive. It’s critical that the patient be placed in the position that allows them to maintain a natural blood flow. This can be achieved by placing the patient on their left side, with their legs elevated.If the patient is conscious, you should verbally check for their current blood pressure.

Strangulation

A person who is experiencing a strangulation will likely experience blue or purple skin around their neck, have a raspy voice and be pale. The patient should be rested on their right side, with their head slightly elevated, with their legs slightly bent.If the patient is conscious, you should verbally check for their current blood pressure.

Drowning

A person who is experiencing a drowning will likely be pale and have a raspy voice. The patient should be rested on their right side, with their head slightly elevated, with their legs slightly bent.If the patient is conscious, you should verbally check for their current blood pressure.

Burn

A person who is experiencing a burn will likely be pale, have a raspy voice and be unresponsive. It’s critical that the patient be placed in the position that allows them to maintain a natural blood flow. This can be achieved by placing the patient on their left side, with their legs elevated.If the patient is conscious, you should verbally check for their current blood pressure.

Conclusion

The world is full of hazards, from natural disasters to car accidents and even malicious attacks. It can be difficult at times to know what first aid techniques to employ in a given situation. There are, however, some general principles that can be applied to most situations. When faced with a sudden injury or illness, it’s vital to act quickly. The earlier you begin taking care of an injury or illness, the greater chance you have of minimizing the severity of the patient’s condition and keeping them alive until professional help can arrive. The following are some of the most common first aid rescues that might come in handy during your lifetime: