BASIC FIRST AID EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

Image by zhong chen from Pixabay

In the course of our day-to-day activities, medical emergencies can arise at any time – at work, in kitchens, on crowded buses, or even at roadside markets. Panicking during these situations can lead to mistakes or worse, instituting harmful practices that have been passed down through generations. Administering basic first aid in these emergencies can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a life-threatening outcome for the person involved. Let’s learn what to do before help arrives, and most importantly, what not to do, in order to increase the chances of survival and optimise outcome.

1. Fainting

Don’t: Force water into the person’s mouth or slap them; these can cause injury or aspiration.

Instead:

1. Lie them flat on their back.
2. Raise their legs above heart level to restore blood flow to the brain.
3. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck and waist.
4. Monitor for responsiveness. If they don’t regain consciousness within one minute, call emergency services immediately.

 

2. Bleeding – Stop the Flow

Don’t: Use unverified home remedies like ash, engine oil, or raw egg as these practices increase infection risk.

Instead:

1. Apply firm, direct pressure over the wound with preferably a clean cloth or gauze to act like a plug to encourage clotting.
2. Raise the injured limb above heart level when possible to slow blood flow.
3. Add more layers on top if blood soaks through but don’t remove the original padding.
4. Keep pressing until bleeding stops or help arrives.

 

3. Burns

Don’t: Apply toothpaste, butter, or raw egg. These trap heat, worsening the burn. Irritating the tissue, and invite infection.

Instead:

1. Gently place the burn area under running cool (not ice-cold) water for about 5-10 minutes.
2. Cover with a clean, non-stick dressing or cling film to protect against contamination.
3. Seek medical care if it’s a deep burn, covers sensitive areas (e.g. face, hands, genitals), or blistering is extensive.

 

4. Choking

Don’t: Blindly probe the mouth or give water as this can worsen the blockage.

Instead:

1. Alternate between 5 back blows (heel of hand between shoulder blades) and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged. This is known as the Heimlich maneuver.
2. If alone and choking, call emergency services first, then perform self-administered abdominal thrusts against a chair back.
3. If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR immediately and continue until help arrives.

 

5. Seizures – Stay Calm!

Don’t: Insert objects into the person’s mouth or restrain their limbs—this risks injury and is unnecessary.

Instead:

1. Clear the area of any hard or sharp objects.
2. Time the seizure—if it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call for help immediately.
3. Gently roll the person onto their side into the recovery position to maintain an open airway.
4. Stay with them, speak calmly, and reassure until they regain full awareness.

 

How to Call for Help

• In Nigeria, various states have their own emergency numbers.
• Familiarise yourself with your state’s emergency number.
• Have a neighbour or shopkeeper’s phone number ready at all time.
• When calling, be ready with your location details – using landmarks, a brief description of the emergency, and your callback number so as to hasten response services.

 

During situations of emergencies, no medical degree is required—just clear knowledge, and confidence to act. Try these steps in a mock drill at home or place of work. When emergencies strike on our streets and in our homes, everyday people like you can be the first responders who save lives.

Most importantly, Learn them and ensure to teach to others.