Accidents do happen and no matter how far-fetched the idea is; they simply can strike at any moment. Besides, accidents are not just man-made, it can also be a natural-occurring phenomenon that can pose threats to the lives of the people who are experiencing it.
Since there are only limited ways in gauging when accidents can occur, it is important to know the basic first aid practices that can save a person’s life. In general, the principle of first aid procedures follow the DRSABCD steps. DRSABCD stands for danger, response, send for help, airway, breathing, CPR and defibrillator. This approach helps increase the chances of survival of the patient as well as ensure the safety of the rescuers.
When arriving into the scene, the first step to do is to identify possible dangers within the area. If the accident area includes a car-crash situation that is yet to be managed. Quickly yet carefully move the victim in a much safer area. The safety of the victim, bystanders including the rescuer is always a priority.
Once safety is ensured check if the victim is conscious or aware. If the victim is not responsive to questions or even touch, the rescuers must get ready to administer the necessary first aid procedure. It is important that someone call for help while the victim is being assessed. This way, the waiting period for professional help would be cut shorter.
As part of the assessment, the rescuer must check if the victim is breathing or not. If the rescuer sees chest movement but there is a blockage on the airway of the victim, it should be cleared right away. Also, if the victim is breathing but is unconscious, turn him or her to the side while making sure that his or her head, neck and spine are aligned. Monitor the victim’s breathing until he or she is turned over to a medical personnel.
If the victim is unconscious and shows no signs of breathing as well, the rescuer must assume the need for CPR. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is the series of compressions over the victim’s chest to manually keep the blood flowing. Due to its importance, the American Heart Association encourages the general public to learn how to administer CPR, even the hands-only CPR method to decrease the death rate for sudden cardiac arrest. The rescuer must give out 100 compressions in a minute with at least 2 inches’ depth. This rate and depth is approved by the AHA so as to provide quality compressions to effectively supply the vital organs with blood until professional help arrives. The hands-only CPR method is widely promoted to encourage more bystanders to take action in the face if a sudden cardiac arrest situation. However, some emphasizes that the ratio of 30:2 for compressions and breathing respectively is still more effective. Either way, it is important that bystanders do CPR whether hands-only or with breathing to minimize the damaging effects of lack haltered blood supply.
If an AED is readily available, this can help restore the rhythm of the heart through series of jolts. Although CPR can help maintain the beating the heart, only AEDs can help bring back its natural rhythm so it would properly work once again.
It is always better to be ready than sorry during an accident. There is no way of knowing who will be affected in these situations. Learning CPR and other basic first aid practices can be vital.
