First aid is that given to the victim of an accident or sudden illness.
Help , from the Latin auxilĭum , is a concept that is used to name the help , protection or help that is provided to someone. This is assistance that is provided or requested in a risk situation. First , on the other hand, is that which precedes others of its kind in time, place, situation, class or hierarchy.
First aid , then, is the immediate procedures and techniques provided to people who have been victims of an accident or sudden illness . These aids precede other more complex and exhaustive ones, which are usually carried out in specialized places (such as a hospital or clinic).
The importance of first aid
This type of assistance, therefore, usually takes place at the scene of the accident or where the victim suffers sudden symptoms. Given the characteristics of the situation, this first aid can save a person's life.
For example: a pedestrian is hit by a car, suffering a cut to the head. An occasional witness approaches the person, who is lying on the street, and provides first aid, bandaging his head to stop the bleeding and immobilizing his neck. After this assistance, an ambulance arrives at the scene and takes the subject to the hospital.
First aid is so important in any area of life that, for example, in Spain it is common for secondary school students to receive various classes to learn first aid. But not only that, it is also common that in the various workplaces, employees, within the training in occupational risk prevention, also obtain information about the aforementioned aid.
A first aid kit includes bandages, cotton, and disinfectants, among other products.
Aspects to take into account
When referring to first aid, we have to keep in mind that there are a series of principles that are established as bases when it comes to achieving a favorable result for the person who has been injured or injured, for various reasons. :
• In cases of traffic accidents, three fundamental steps or maxims must be followed: first, protect; second, alert and third, help.
• When there are several victims who need to be helped, it is necessary not to move them until the health authorities arrive, unless their lives are in danger. In the same way, they must be calmed, kept warm and not left alone at any time.
• The head of the person who has suffered the accident should be at the same height as the rest of the body, except in cases where they have problems breathing.
• If the victim feels nauseous and wants to vomit, he or she must be placed on his or her side.
• You should always take the pulse of people who have suffered damage and check that they do not present symptoms such as bluish lips, cold skin and sweating. Yes, they all have them, until the ambulance arrives, they must be kept warm at all times.
Action protocols for first aid
There are action protocols for first aid and courses that allow people to be trained in these issues. The ideal way to provide first aid is to have some basic knowledge of nursing .
A first aid kit should have alcohol, cotton, adhesive cloth, gauze, bandages and neutral soap, among other components.