Everything You Need To Know About First Aid – A Doctor’s Guide

First Aid is the immediate emergency care a sick or injured person gets before the medical authorities arrive. In some cases, first aid can be enough to treat the medical emergency. In others, first aid can be temporary care until the paramedics arrive.

Properly applied first aid can be a matter of life and death. Immediate and proper care can help the patient in getting medical aid before the professionals arrive. Learning the basics can help you and others cope with emergencies. You can help a person breathe, reduce pain, and even minimize the consequences of death.

Let us learn the basics of First Aid you must know and practice.

The First Aid Method of DRSABCD

First aid is as easy as ABC – airway, breathing and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). In any situation, apply the DRSABCD Action Plan.

DRSABCD stands for:

1. DANGER:

The first step is to the check danger that can be inflicted upon you, bystanders, or the patient. Make progress towards removing the danger or taking the person away from danger.

2. RESPONSE:

The second step is to check the patient’s responsiveness. Are they conscious enough to respond to your touch or answer your questions? Based on the assertiveness, you can apply the first aid necessary.

3. SEND FOR HELP:

Once you have assessed whether the patient is responsive or not, the next step is to call for help. Either call yourself or ask bystanders to do the same.

4. AIRWAYS:

The next step is to check whether the patient’s airways are clear and breathing is possible. If you see something stuck or fluid in the mouth, flip the patient over or hook out with your finger.

5. BREATHING:

The next step is to check whether the person is breathing or not. Feel the rise and fall of the chest or place your ear near the mouth of the patient for at least 10 secs to be sure. Keep monitoring their breath until the paramedics arrive.

6. CPR:

If the patient is unconscious and not breathing CPR has to be performed. Rest the patient flat on the back. Put the heel of one hand in the centre of their chest and your other hand on top. Press down firmly and smoothly 30 times.

For mouth to mouth CPR, tilt their head back gently by lifting their chin. Pinch their nostrils closed, place your open mouth firmly over their open mouth and blow firmly into their mouth. 

7. DEFIBRILLATE:

If the patient is unconscious, apply an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available. It should be used directly after performing the CPR. The machine delivers an electrical shock to cancel any irregular heartbeat helps the heart to beat normally.

Objectives of First Aid

The need for first aid can arise anywhere and anytime. The first aider has to stay calm and be confident in what they are doing. The procedure of attending an emergency always remains the same and includes the following:

• Assess the situation – Is it safe for you and others
• Alert and seek help
• Take universal precautions for providing first aid
• Provide first-aid/ Reassurance
• Transport or refer to a healthcare facility, if needed
• Wash your hands, dispose of rubbish, and be careful about the spread of infections.

What is in a First Aid Box?

Apart from learning the basics of first, it is necessary to have a first aid box in homes, schools, cars, etc. The first aid kit should be fully stocked, organized, and available at all times.

First Aid boxes are available at We care Pharmacy, well-organized for any emergency.

Common items found in a first aid kit are:

• Bandages
• Sterile gauze
• Antiseptic wipes and swabs
• Absorbent compresses
• Antibiotic cream
• Burn ointment
• Mask for breathing
• Chemical cold pack
• Eyeshield and eyewash
• The first aid reference guide that includes local phone numbers

In Case of Emergency:

After using the first aid kit, the next step is to call the medical experts immediately. If the patient is in need of serious and immediate help, take him to the nearest hospital.