Karachi, September 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):First aid can be the difference between someone’s life and death, and basic knowledge of first aid procedures can help you and your loved ones get through a medical crisis. First aid procedures are a series of actions aimed at stabilising a sick or injured individual until they receive initial treatment from a trained medical team. The importance of first aid is fundamental, be it in case of a minor wound or a cardiac arrest.
Instances that require First Aid
1. Bleeding: Irrespective of its severity, all instances of bleeding must be controlled and monitored constantly. Possible first aid procedures to help in such cases include rinsing the wound with water (subject to the wound’s condition), wrapping the wound with a cloth or a bandage, and applying pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.
2. Burns: Burns are one of the more common household injuries and immediate identification and necessary first aid procedure can limit its severity. First aid measures include cooling the burn with cool (but not icy) or lukewarm water for 20 minutes and keeping warm till the patient is brought to the Emergency.
3. CPR: In the case of a cardiac arrest, timing is crucial. An essential first aid procedure in such an instance is CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). Performing chest compressions and rescue breathing until medical officers arrive can be the difference between life and death.
4. Choking: Windpipe hindrance is a primary cause of choking, and first aid procedures for choking vary depending on the severity. The most obvious first aid procedure in the case of adults involves performing the Heimlich Maneuver.
5. Sprains: Primarily caused in connective tissues or ligaments, sprains can be caused by sudden wrenching or twisting a joint. First aid procedures in such cases comprise limiting the activity that can worsen the injury, cold compresses over the injured area, compression and keeping the injured area elevated. Sporting activities and exercise should be limited as a precaution until complete medical diagnosis to determine the cause of the sprain.
Be Prepared
Medical emergencies can arise at any given point in time. Ideally, only certified persons should perform first aid in providing immediate care in emergencies; however, given the pandemic, not everyone has access to primary healthcare. Therefore, every one of us must have basic first aid training, ensuring timely problem recognition and providing immediate care until we reach a healthcare facility for further treatment.
Another aspect of emergency preparedness includes regular maintenance of a first aid kit at home, familiarising yourself with its contents, and alerting the local medical services in your locality in case of an emergency. It is also essential to be aware of policies at work related to medical emergencies.
Must Haves in your first-aid kit (courtesy NHS).
Plasters in a variety of different sizes and shapes
Small, medium, and large sterile gauze dressings
At least two sterile eye dressings
Triangular bandages
Crêpe rolled bandages
Safety pins
Disposable sterile gloves
Tweezers
Scissors
Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
Sticky tape
Thermometer (preferably digital)
Skin rash creams, such as hydrocortisone or calendula
Cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings
Antiseptic cream
Painkillers such as paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be given to children under 16), or ibuprofen
Antihistamine cream or tablets
Distilled water for cleaning wounds
Eyewash and eye bath
In case of an emergency, call our Emergency Department: 021-3486-1090.
Other Emergency Contacts: Karachi
Aman: UAN: +92 (21) 111-111-823 Aman Ambulance: 1021
Chippa Ambulance: 1020
Edhi: 115
Edhi Ambulance Control: 021 204800-205656
Police Helpline: 15
For more information, contact:
Marketing and Communications,
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-111-911-911
Email: akuh.information@aku.edu
Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/