First Aid & CPR: A Step-by-Step Guide to Saving Lives

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Knowing first aid and CPR can make the difference between life and death, whether at work, home, or public. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential steps for administering first aid and CPR so you can confidently act in a crisis.

🩹 Step 1: Assess the Situation

Before taking action, check your surroundings to ensure it’s safe to approach the injured or unconscious person.

🔹 Look for hazards (fire, traffic, electrical wires).
🔹 Check if the person is responsive by tapping their shoulder and asking loudly, "Are you okay?"
🔹 If there’s no response, call 911 immediately or instruct someone else to call.

📌 Quick Tip: If the person is breathing but unresponsive, place them in the recovery position (on their side) to keep their airway clear.

🚑 Step 2: Perform CPR for Cardiac Arrest

If the person is not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR immediately.

🔄 CPR Steps (Adults & Children 8+)

1️⃣ Position Hands – Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, with the other hand on top.
2️⃣ Start Compressions – Push hard and fast at 2 inches deep, at 100-120 compressions per minute (same rhythm as the song Stayin’ Alive 🎶).
3️⃣ Rescue Breaths (If Trained) – After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths by tilting the head back, pinching the nose, and breathing into the mouth until the chest rises.
4️⃣ Continue Until Help Arrives – Keep performing CPR until the person regains consciousness or EMS takes over.

📌 Quick Tip: If you're not CPR-certified, stick to hands-on CPR (just chest compressions).

🩸 Step 3: First Aid for Common Emergencies

🚨 Choking (Heimlich Maneuver)

🔹 For adults & children over 1 year old: Stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist, and perform quick, inward thrusts above the navel.
🔹 For infants under 1 year old: Place the baby face-down along your forearm and give five back blows, followed by five chest thrusts.

🚨 Severe Bleeding

🔹 Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth.
🔹 Keep the wound elevated above the heart.
🔹 If the bleeding doesn’t stop, apply a tourniquet (only as a last resort).

🚨 Burns

🔹 First-degree (mild redness) – Cool the burn with running water for 10-15 minutes.
🔹 Second-degree (blisters) – Keep it clean and cover it with a non-stick dressing.
🔹 Third-degree (blackened skin) – Do NOT apply water or ointments. Call 911 immediately.

🚨 Fractures & Sprains

🔹 Immobilize the area using a splint or soft support.
🔹 Apply ice to reduce swelling.
🔹 Do NOT try to straighten the bone—seek medical help.

⚡ Step 4: Using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

An AED can restart the heart in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Here’s how to use one:

1️⃣ Turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
2️⃣ Attach the pads (one on the upper right chest, one on the lower left).
3️⃣ Stand clear while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm.
4️⃣ If advised, press the shock button.
5️⃣ Resume CPR immediately.

📌 Quick Tip: Public places like airports, malls, and gyms have AEDs available. Look for the AED sign in an emergency.

📋 Step 5: When to Seek Professional Medical Help

Even if first aid is successful, medical evaluation is necessary for:

✅ Severe wounds, burns, or fractures
✅ Unconsciousness or confusion
✅ Breathing difficulties
✅ Signs of a stroke or heart attack

💡 FAST Test for Strokes:
✔ Face drooping
✔ Arm weakness
✔ Speech difficulty
✔ Time to call 911

🎯 Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Save Lives

First aid and CPR training can turn bystanders into lifesavers. Consider taking a certified CPR and first aid course through:

✔ American Red Cross (www.redcross.org)
✔ American Heart Association (www.heart.org)