Dos and Don'ts of CPR and First Aid: What You Need to Know in an Emergency
Green World Group
A global leader in health & safety consulting and training services. We deliver high-quality HSE Services to our clients
When faced with an emergency, the proper knowledge and swift action can mean the difference between life and death. While mobile devices offer quick access to information, nothing replaces the hands-on training and confidence gained from in-person instruction. First aid courses equip you with essential first aid and CPR skills, ensuring you're prepared to help in critical moments. Here are some important dos and don'ts to keep in mind.
DO ask for permission before administering aid.
Good Samaritan laws in many countries protect bystanders who voluntarily offer life-saving assistance. To benefit from these protections, you must ask for permission before helping. If the victim is unconscious or unresponsive, consent is implied, allowing you to proceed with the necessary aid.
DON'T start aid immediately—activate emergency services first
It usually takes 7-14 minutes for emergency medical services to arrive. Before providing aid, ensure that professionals are on their way by calling emergency services. This crucial step ensures that advanced medical help is on its way.
DON'T bend your elbows during CPR—keep them straight
Bending your elbows while performing CPR can quickly tire you out because it relies heavily on your arm muscles. Instead, keep your arms straight and use your back and shoulder muscles to leverage your body weight. This method ensures effective chest compressions and helps you maintain the necessary pace and depth.
DON'T rock back and forth while performing chest compressions
Rocking back and forth during chest compressions can make you more tired and reduce the effectiveness of each compression. Focus on delivering steady, consistent compressions directly downward. CPR training will help you practice and learn techniques to conserve energy while maintaining proper compression depth and rhythm.
DO roll an unconscious patient onto their side—except in case of suspected spinal injury.
A patient who is unconscious can be prevented from choking if they are placed on their side, which is called the recovery position. However, if you suspect a neck or spinal injury, avoid moving the patient to prevent further harm. In these cases, focus on keeping the airway open and wait for professional medical assistance.
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DON'T remove blood-soaked gauze—add more layers instead
Do not remove blood-soaked gauze when dealing with a bleeding wound, as this can disrupt any formed clots. Continue to apply pressure and add more layers of gauze if necessary to control the bleeding.
DO attempt to replace a knocked-out tooth—protect the root.
If a tooth is knocked out and the patient is breathing and responsive, try to place the tooth back in its socket. Handle the tooth by its crown, not by its root.?Rinse the tooth gently with water if it is dirty. Do not store the tooth in water, as it can damage the root. If reinsertion isn't possible, place the tooth in the patient's mouth between the cheek and gums or in a glass of milk. Seek emergency dental care within 30 minutes to increase the chance of saving the tooth.
Conclusion:
Proper first aid and CPR training is essential for effective emergency response. Organizations like Green World Group offer comprehensive first-aid training programs to equip you with the skills and confidence to respond immediately and effectively in emergencies. Hands-on training with experienced instructors ensures you are prepared to act swiftly and correctly, making a critical difference when it matters most. Sign up for a course today and be ready to save lives.
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