First aid a must learn for everybody

First aid is often described as the immediate care given to someone before professional help is available. And I believe that it's one of the most important skills any human being should learn. Whether at home, in the school, or at work, everybody should know how to administer first aid before raising alarm for help.

Emergencies are unpredictable, and the ability to act quickly and correctly can determine whether someone survives or recovers without complications. I first learned how to use first aid at the house because of my aunt, who was a nurse. She would teach us simple ways we can take care of each other in case of any emergencies and she is not around or help is far. I know some basic steps; there is still much room for improvement.

For example, I know that CPR is a critical lifesaving technique that one can use when a person stops breathing or loses a heartbeat. I know that pressing down firmly and rhythmically on the chest keeps the blood and oxygen flowing. I know most of these steps in theory; I haven't gotten the opportunity to practice them. Not only that, but I know that without hands-on practices, one can easily panic and get it wrong.

I hope I don't get it wrong one day if the keep arises. When I was little, I remember always running up and down following my cousin to climb trees, and one day I fell. Lucky for me, I didn't break any bones, but I had bruises. My mom says she wishes I would break my leg so I will stop acting like a boy and behave like a girl. That's where I learn how to use methylated spirits to clean wounds, but they sting and irritate skin.

Before I clean anybody's wound, I have to stay calm and collected first before dressing it. Like the day I held someone that was shot in the stomach. I first look for a clean cloth and put it where the blood was flowing and apply pressure to stop the bleeding, although I add alcohol, and I try to raise him in order for the blood not to flow to the heart.

That simple action helped him stay alive till we rushed him to the hospital, although he later died not because we didn't try our best but before we could get the police report finished, and the hospital now referred us to another one. On our way, he died.

I also know that if someone is choking and you give them a back blow or what is called the Heimlich maneuver, it will help bring out whatever is choking them, and if someone has a burn like hot water or hot oil, instead of putting ointment on it first, put it on cool running water.

Well, I just know this basic thing: I can't say that I am perfect or confident because sometimes panic can make one forget, especially a nonprofessional like me.

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