First Aid: Do’s and Don’ts for Beginners

Emergencies can occur at any time. However, it's important to provide immediate first aid to ensure the individuals' safety. Usually, not many people are trained and equipped with the knowledge of first aid and can worsen the problem.

Here are some dos and don’ts of first aid for beginners.

Dos

Do Clean Wounds with Antiseptic

If you're in a situation where an individual has an open wound, you need to tend to it immediately. Open wounds and cuts can lead to infections and loss of blood. Remember, before bandaging the wound or cut, it's essential to clean the site properly.

An unclean cut can become a breeding ground for bacterial infections and worsen the wound. Use an antiseptic to effectively clean and sanitize the affected area. Use a swab with antiseptic on it, and then lightly clean the cut. Don't rub or scrape the wound; just wipe it with a gentle hand.

Stop Bleeding

An injured individual that’s bleeding needs to be looked after immediately. Intensive bleeding can be extremely harmful and lead to major loss of blood. Before an ambulance arrives, it’s essential to stop the blood to get the situation under control.

The most effective way to stop blood as a novice is by applying pressure on the wound or cut. Continuous pressure will cause the blood flow to slow down and eventually stop it. Remember, you need to act out immediately if the victim is bleeding. You can’t waste time since it can lead to loss of life.

If the bleeding persists, call medical assistance immediately.

Don’ts

Don’t Touch Wounds with Unclean Hands

We’re all familiar with how horrible infections can be. Fresh cuts and wounds are an open invitation to infections if not treated properly. As an inexperienced individual, you need to be extremely careful with the first aid you provide. Any wrong move can jeopardize a person's health.

The most essential factor to consider when tending to an injured person is ensuring the cuts and wounds are clean and free from infection. That's the main reason we use antiseptics to keep the wounds safe.

Before you treat any wounds or cuts, wash your hands properly or sanitize them. Be sure to not touch any wounds with unclean hands.

Don’t Try To Help a Choking Person with Your Fingers

 A person choking needs to be treated carefully and its better if someone experienced could help the choking person. If you see anyone choking, pat their back to dislodge the blockage in the airway. Moreover, encourage them to cough out the blockage.

Don’t Try To Move Injured Individuals

External injuries are easier to spot; however, you can’t make out internal injuries when a person is injured. In such circumstances, it’s safer to not move the injured individuals, especially if you suspect they have neck or spinal injuries.

Spinal and neck injuries are extremely dangerous and manhandling can lead to severe damage.

It’s essential to be familiar with first aid training; you never know when you might need it.

At PPE newmarket, we offer extensive workplace first aid training and other health and safety training courses. Our first aid training is a Red Cross Certified and WSIB approved training course that offers practical and theory first aid training Newmarket. Our training includes a 2-day and 1-day course that offers 3-year certification on successful completion.

Get in touch with us or call us at 905-767-SAFE (7233).