FIRST AID & COMMON MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Reacting Swiftly to Common Medical Emergencies "A UNCONSCIOUS PERSON"
In times of emergency, the majority of individuals often find themselves overwhelmed with panic due to their lack of preparedness and uncertainty about effectively managing such circumstances. However, when adequately prepared, one gains the ability to assume control over the situation and maintain a focused mindset, enabling them to effectively address the immediate needs at hand.
Common medical emergencies refer to situations in which a person's health or life is at immediate risk and requires urgent medical attention. These emergencies can occur suddenly and often require prompt intervention to prevent further complications or even death.
First aid is the initial and immediate assistance provided to a person who has sustained either a minor or serious illness or injury.
Its primary objective is to preserve life, prevent the condition from deteriorating, and facilitate recovery until professional medical services become available.
First aid encompasses a wide range of techniques and procedures that can be applied in various situations to provide initial care and assistance to an injured or ill person before professional medical help arrives.
"Unconscious person"
If you come across a person who is unconscious, the first thing you should do is ensure your own safety and then try to assess the situation. Here are the steps to follow:
Check for any immediate danger: Look around and assess the environment to make sure it is safe for you and the unconscious person. If there are any potential hazards, such as a fire or traffic, remove the person to a safe area if possible.
Check the person's responsiveness: Approach the person and try to gently stimulate them by asking loudly, "Are you okay?" or tapping their shoulder. Look for any signs of responsiveness, such as movement, moaning, or opening their eyes.
Call for emergency medical help: If the person does not respond, immediately call for emergency medical assistance. In most countries, the emergency number is 112, but it may vary depending on your location. Inform the operator about the situation, providing details about the person's condition and your location.
Open the person's airway: Carefully position the unconscious person on their back, ensuring their head and neck are in a neutral position. Tilt their head slightly backward and lift their chin to open the airway. This helps ensure proper breathing.
Check for breathing: Look, listen, and feel for the person's breath for no longer than ten seconds. Place your ear close to their mouth and nose, watch for chest movement, and feel for airflow. If they are not breathing or only gasping, begin performing CPR.
Start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): If the person is not breathing or only gasping, it is important to start CPR. This involves giving chest compression and rescue breaths. If you're not trained in CPR, the emergency operator can guide you through the process until medical help arrives.
Important is that every situation is unique, and it is crucial to seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible. If you're unsure about what to do, don't hesitate to reach out to the emergency services for guidance.