How Basic First Aid Skills Can Save Lives In Emergencies

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Imagine this: you’re out to dinner with a friend when suddenly she begins choking on her food. Or maybe your mom slips, falls, and breaks her leg. Perhaps your child or grandchild swallows something small, and it gets lodged in their airway. These scenarios are scary, and most of us hope we’ll never face them, but the truth is, emergencies happen when we least expect them. The question is, would you know what to do?

Administering first aid can feel overwhelming. Many people hesitate, worried they’ll make things worse or unsure of the “right” steps. But the truth is, taking action, any action, can make all the difference. First aid knowledge not only gives us the skills to help but also the confidence to step in during a crisis. That confidence could mean the difference between life and death for someone we care about.

First aid isn’t just for medical professionals; it’s for parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, and anyone who might one day be in the right place at the right time. The good news is that it’s easier than you think to learn the basics. Here are five simple steps you can follow the next time you’re faced with an emergency (and scroll down for a helpful video that walks you through Hands Only CPR).

1
Make Sure The Scene Is Safe
Ensure your safety, the injured person’s safety, and bystander safety before providing care so that further harm can be prevented.
2
Call For Help
If you’re not able to call for help yourself, ask a bystander to call 911 for you. When calling 911, be sure to describe your location, the situation at hand, and any and all details related to the injured person.
3
Access The Situation
Introduce yourself to the injured person, begin to check for responsiveness, and evaluate injuries.
4
Provide First Aid Care (VIDEO)
For those who are unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR. For responsive people, calmly ask questions about their symptoms/conditions and provide reassurance.
The new standard for CPR does require giving breaths. It is called Hands-Only CPR. We should all take the time to learn CPR through a qualified organization such as the American Heart Association or Red Cross. However, for a quick overview, watch this video.
5
Transfer The Care
When the first responders arrive, communicate with them the details of the situation, injuries, and what care has already been given.