First Aid for Adults
Elena Arnold
It's important to know the basics of first aid. Whenever someone is in trouble you can help.
Here are some possible emergencies.
Burns
Burns are common injuries. There are 3 degrees of burns with first being the least severe and third mandating a trip to the hospital.
To deal burns:
- remove the source of the burn
- cool the burn with cold running water
- cover it loosely with sterile dressing
- call 9-1-1 if the burn is severe
Cuts, Scrapes and External Bleeding
Bleeding can usually be stopped by applying pressure to the area.
- cover the wound with a sterile dressing
- apply pressure until bleeding stops
- cover the dressing with bandage
Choking
Choking is caused by something obstructing the airway passages in the victim.
- give 5 back blows
- give 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver)
- continue until the object is forced out, person can breathe, or the person becomes unconscious