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Anyone, at any time can be placed in an emergency. Learning some basic first aid techniques can help you cope and could mean the difference between life and death. It is a good idea to take a first aid course so that you can recognise an emergency and administer basic first aid until an ambulance arrives.
Q. What are the most important first aid techniques that I can learn?
First aid is as easy as ABC – Airway, Breathing and Compressions. For your personal safety and to help you assess the seriousness of the situation, we suggest you put a DR first; that is, DR ABC. This acronym means:
- D stands for Danger – always be aware of danger and ensure you do not put yourself in danger when going to the assistance of another person.
- R stands for Response – is the person conscious? Do they respond when you squeeze their shoulder and shout their name?
- A stands for Airway – clear the airway of any obstruction (for example, the tongue rolled back and blocking the airway, vomit or food) and keep it clear by placing the person on their side with their chin tilted back. This can be enough to save a person's life.
- B stands for Breaths – give 2 breaths if no signs of life (for example, not breathing normally, not responsive, or not moving). Tilt the head right back, pinch the nose and put your mouth over the person’s mouth. Breathe in until you see their chest rise. If signs of life are still absent after 2 breaths, start compressions.
- C stands for Compression – place the heel of one hand in the centre of their chest and your other hand on top. Press down firmly and smoothly (compressing to 1/3rd of their chest depth) 30 times. Administer 2 breaths. Keep going until medical assistance arrives.
Q. Where is the best place to learn CPR resuscitation skills?
You can undertake a CPR training course with non-profit organisations such as St John Ambulance, Australian Red Cross and Life Saving Victoria.
Q. How old do you need to be to learn CPR?
Grade five and six students can certainly learn CPR techniques and so can grandparents. It is a skill for life, which should be a skill for everyone in the community.
Q. Would I be at risk of catching AIDS, hepatitis or other diseases if I had to perform CPR on an infected person?
A loved one is the person who is most likely to need your CPR skills. In such cases, transmission of infection would be a lesser issue compared with the priority to save that person's life. We would recommend that everyone with training in resuscitation carry a resuscitation mask in their purse, wallet or first aid box. This would help take the worry out of helping someone in a life-threatening situation. These masks are available from the first aid providers mentioned above and pharmacies.
Q. I've heard that moving someone after an accident can cause injury to their spine. But what if they are choking?
Patients with spinal injuries and airway problems are difficult to manage. The principle is ABC – Airway, Breathing and Compressions. You have to manage the choking or clear the blocked airway while minimising any movement of the spine. It is not easy, but a patient may die from a blocked airway.
Q. What is required in a first aid kit?
As well as knowing some basic first aid techniques, it is important that households and workplaces have a first aid kit that is well organised, fully stocked and readily available at all times. It’s a good idea to have a range of kits handy, such as in the home, car or office.
A basic first aid kit will contain:
- 1 x 50 pack adhesive dressing strips
- 2 x triangular bandages
- 1 x small conforming elastic bandage (5cm wide)
- 1 x medium conforming elastic bandage (7.5cm wide)
- 2 x medium crepe bandage (7.5cm wide)
- 2 x eye pads
- 2 x small wound dressing (no.13)
- 2 x medium wound dressing (no.14)
- 2 x medium combine dressing pads (9 x 20cm)
- 2 x large combine dressing pads (20 x 20cm)
- 3 x medium gauze dressing (7.5 x 7.5cm)
- 2 x small Melolin dressing (5 x 5cm)
- Adhesive tape (2.5cm wide – preferably Micropore)
- 4 x Sterowipes (alcohol swabs) or iodine sachets
- 4 x saline Steritubes (minimum 10ml)
- 1 x sterile eyewash bottle
- 1 x pair scissors
- 1 x pair tweezers
- 1 x 12 pack safety pins
- 2 x disposable gloves (medium and large)
- 1 x resuscitation mask or face shield
- First aid booklet
- Note pad and pencil.
If you are on a farm or in a workplace, additional items may be required. First aid kits are available for purchase from phamacists, Ambulance Victoria and St John Ambulance Australia (Victoria).
Q. What are you supposed to do when someone overdoses on drugs? Should they just sleep it off?
Drugs are very unpredictable. A doctor or ambulance paramedic should see a person who overdoses on any drug. Many overdose patients die alone and there have been some cases where the patient's friend or family has thought the patient was sleeping it off, but the patient has died. Many drugs (prescription or illicit) have dangerous side effects, particularly if they are mixed together. The rule is to always call triple zero (000) for emergency medical assistance in the case of overdose.
Where to get help
- Always call an ambulance in an emergency Tel. triple zero (000)
- Your doctor
- The emergency department of your nearest hospital
- National Relay Emergency Call Service (for text-based information over the phone) Tel.’106’
- First aid courses and kits – St John Ambulance Victoria Tel. (03) 9696 0000
- Australian Red Cross Tel. 1300 367 428
Things to remember
- Knowing some basic first aid techniques could mean the difference between life and death.
- Consider doing a first aid course, so you know how to help if someone is injured or becomes ill.
- CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn.
- Keep a range of first aid kits handy including at home, in the car and at work.
You might also be interested in:
Bleeding.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Choking.
Drug overdose.
Emergencies - when to call an ambulance.
First aid kits.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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