Did you call the Emergency Number? Ok, now calm down and do these 11 key First Aid steps

By Cristiano Antonino On May 11, 2023

If you are an ordinary citizen, knowing how to handle the First Aid emergencies that you may occasionally encounter can make the difference between life and death for a person

But even in the event of survival, early intervention profoundly marks the chances of recovery from many pathologies.

Just think of heart attack, stroke, ischemia and more.

Knowing how to handle public health emergencies and first aid care benefits first responders, who then have a better chance of success

But beyond that, they offer you the security to take action and inform you on what to do to save your life and the lives of others in emergency situations.

Some emergencies require swift action, especially those involving the loss of life and property.

According to many schools of thought, the first action of the “relief chain” is undoubtedly to call the ambulance.

In reality, resorting to the Emergency Number is much more: in addition to promptly activating rescue professionals, it puts you in contact with operators trained to indicate the actions to be performed remotely, and this is absolutely essential.

And done that? Here are some indications, with a caveat: they tell a panorama, but the indication of the Operations Center is by far and without exception prevalent.

First aid in emergencies

Public health systems play an important role in preparing communities to respond and recover from different types of emergencies.

Here are the key steps to deal with emergencies, and even more in maxi-emergencies.

1 Keep calm

In the face of an emergency, you must remain calm.

Your body will be in a state of flight or fight.

Like any other animal, humans naturally react when they feel threatened or generally feel anxious.

During this period, the individual is unable to think critically.

Panic in the face of an emergency will only make the situation worse: the individual experiences high levels of emotion that drive their decision making.

Not even an elderly rescuer is mentally prepared for a violent earthquake or flood, so become aware that what you are feeling is absolutely natural and that you just have to manage it by becoming aware of it.

2 To be informed

Panic comes into play when the individual feels that the situation is out of control.

Qualified people have confidence in their ability to act and save lives, and this affects the management of initial stress and panic.

It is therefore useful to have some useful supplies to give first aid in an emergency.

First aid treatment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and other lifesaving skills are available online.

And certainly there are rescue organizations that organize meetings, seminars and courses in the area where you live: follow one, you will be satisfied.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RESCUE TRAINING: VISIT THE SQUICCIARINI RESCUE BOOTH AND FIND OUT HOW TO BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES

3 Stay focused

When managing public health threats, it is essential to focus on a single task at a time.

When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to drift away.

It’s important to learn to take on only one job at a time and stay focused on what you’re doing right now.

Remember, you can only save one life at a time.

Situations where a bloodied and wounded guy leads twenty people to safety only exist in 80s movies: focus on one patient at a time, make sure they’re safe.

Be aware that health professionals also prioritize interventions.

4 Breathe

In the face of an emergency, the body is prepared and charged with adrenaline.

Breathing quickens, as does heartbeat.

Taking a deep breath will help you stay calm.

Is it grandma’s advice? Grandmothers are wise, get over it.

5 Train yourself to adapt

You can train yourself on how to adapt to unexpected situations rather than resisting them.

People who readily adapt to unplanned events are less likely to panic when faced with emergencies.

It wouldn’t be out of place if, even just as a game, you did a little emergency exercise with the little ones in your house.

6 Be brave

Emergencies require you to break the norm and take charge.

The rescuer should be authoritative enough to create and maintain order.

While waiting for him to arrive, it’s up to you to fill that role.

7 Save yourself and others

Check the danger that could cause other health emergencies and move to a safe environment.

Such threats include unsafe buildings/collapsing structures, explosives and other potential hazards.

For example, when a building is on fire, it is only logical to relocate the victims first to a safe location to avoid further tragedies.

Also, remember that you should only move injured persons when necessary.

Never move persons with spinal and back injuries.

When transferring an injured person, you must drag them in a straight line.

Avoid turning or twisting the person as much as possible.

You can move the person by pulling their shirt at the top of their shoulders with the victim’s head safely cradled in your forearms.

You can also drag the person by their feet in a straight line.

The neck and spine should always remain straight as you move the person.

8 CAB (chest compressions, airway and breathing) life support

The procedure applies to victims with breathing difficulties.

Check the pulse and, if not present, report it to the emergency medical services: this is very important information, for those in the Operations Center and therefore for those in the ambulance.

Check the victim’s breathing.

If there are no signs of breathing, start the artificial respiration process immediately.

At the end of this article you will find in-depth information on the subject, even if the most important advice is to follow a short ad hoc course that will teach you the real notions.

CARDIOPROTECTION AND CARDIOPULMONARY REANIMATION? VISIT THE EMD112 BOOTH AT THE EMERGENCY EXPO NOW TO FIND OUT MORE

9 Check for bleeding

If the victim is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or piece of gauze.

Also, use protective gloves to avoid direct contact with blood.

Notify the Operations Center if the victim is bleeding badly or blood is leaking from the wound.

The same should also apply if you suspect internal bleeding.

The bleeding should stop within 10 minutes of applying strong direct pressure.

You should only use a tourniquet as a last resort, and you will find articles on this topic below.

For deep, jagged or open wounds, always report to first responders.

A doctor will also deal with injuries to the face and chest and foreign objects that remain inside.

10 Check for signs of shock, broken bones, and fractures

Shock occurs when there is insufficient blood flow through the body.

It results from trauma, severe burns, excessive blood loss, poisoning, heat stroke, and an allergic reaction.

The victim may die or suffer permanent organ damage when the oxygen supply is restricted for prolonged periods.

Some of the signs you need to look out for in shocked victims include:

Agitation, anxiety and related changes in victims
Fainting and dizziness
Bluish tint to nails and lips
Ashen or pale skin
Moist skin
Weakness and tiredness
Dilated pupils
Vomiting or nausea
Rapid breathing and pulse

If the victim is in shock, lift the legs slightly.

Unless it causes further injury or pain.

Avoid moving the person unnecessarily and keep them still.

If the victim shows no signs of life, such as breathing, coughing, and pulse, the rescuer should begin CPR immediately.

Loosen any tight clothing the person may be wearing and keep them warm by covering them with a warm blanket.

Do not let a shocked victim eat or drink anything.

If the victim is vomiting, place them on their side to avoid choking.

The same goes for victims with blood coming out of their mouths.

Also, do not place victims with signs of spinal injury in this position.

11 Warns about other pathologies of the victim

Check to see if the victim has any other medical conditions or is on any medications.

If he is conscious, ask directly.

This is absolutely relevant information for incoming rescuers, who can then use the most suitable drugs (think allergies!) or intervene appropriately taking this valuable information into account.

First aid and major emergencies, think in an “open” way

A flood does not only generate problems related to flooding, an earthquake does not only generate trauma.

These public health emergencies can cause countless injuries of the most varied nature: an elderly person can be dry, but have a heart attack from stress, for example.

So observe carefully and without prejudice.

Help keep calm and put rescuers in the best conditions to intervene.

Once they arrive, everything will become easier.

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