Rescuers with expertise use the universal precautions as they offer first aid to victims of different types of medical emergencies. The precautions are referred to as universal because they are supposed to minimize the risks that the rescuers may get exposed to in the process. This means that protective items are key in the process of administering the medical care. Some of the protective equipment include gloves and eye protective devices.
Safety Is a Key Component in First Aid
It can be quite challenging to stay safe because you may not be aware on when you will be safe or when you will be exposed to danger. However, for anyone who has undergone training, you will be forced to rush to offer help in case of an emergency. However, you should not at the same time neglect your own safety. Thus, you must ensure that your senses are alert. You must ensure maximum safety to avoid any contamination.
Application of your Knowledge
If you are certified to provide first aid, you need to know if the victim is still awake or not. One of the signs that will show you that the victim is in bad situation is when you realize that he cannot wake up or responds to any of your techniques. This is the time you must call for emergency service provider immediately. To ensure efficiency, you must have the contacts of the emergency help.
Application of the ABC Technique
The ABC technique on first aid stands for A for Airway, B for breathing and C for circulation. The airway of the victim depends on whether he or she is conscious or not. If the victim is conscious let him speak. This will help you determine whether there is clogging in his airways. In order to feel the airways of a victim who is not awake, you need to place your ear near the mouth and listen for any form of breathing. You can also look as to whether the chest is rising or the abdomen is falling.
If there are no signs of breathing, you should perform CPR immediately. Some of the causes of unconsciousness include diabetes, drug intoxication, illness, infection, overdose or seizures. When the victim starts to show some signs of breathing, then you should know that there is effective circulation in the body. You can also look at the color of the skin and feel the body temperature. In case the victim has circulation, but not responding, you should conduct CPR again. If the victim is bleeding, put the necessary measure to stop it immediately as you wait for the ambulance or other emergency service provider to arrive.
Where to Learn More?
To learn more about effective CPR techniques and to learn how to save a life enrol in a CPR course with a credible American or Canadian workplace approved provider. Ensure that you get hands-on training and learn the techniques on how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).