First Aid 101: Essential Skills for Everyone
First Aid Basics: What You Need to Know
First aid is the immediate help given to someone who is injured or suddenly ill. Knowing basic first aid could save a life.
This guide covers essential first aid skills for common emergencies.
THE PRIMARY SURVEY (ABC)
Always follow the ABC approach when assessing an injured person:
A - AIRWAY
Is the person's airway clear? Check if they can breathe.
If choking: Perform the Heimlich maneuver or back blows.
B - BREATHING
Is the person breathing? Check for chest movement and listen.
If not breathing: Start CPR immediately (chest compressions + rescue breathing).
C - CIRCULATION
Is there a pulse? Check the neck (carotid artery).
If no pulse: Continue CPR and call 999.
COMMON INJURIES & FIRST AID
CUTS & WOUNDS
Minor Cuts (Small bleeding):
1. Wash with clean water
2. Apply pressure with clean cloth
3. Apply antiseptic cream
4. Cover with plaster or bandage
Severe Bleeding (Heavy bleeding that won't stop):
1. Apply direct pressure with clean cloth
2. Elevate the wound above heart level (if possible)
3. Don't remove the cloth—add more on top
4. Call 999 immediately
BURNS
Minor Burns (Small, superficial):
1. Cool with running water for 10-15 minutes
2. Remove any tight items (rings, bracelets)
3. Apply loose, clean dressing
4. Take paracetamol for pain
Severe Burns (Large area, deep, or on face/joints):
1. Cool with running water for at least 20 minutes
2. Call 999 immediately
3. Don't remove stuck clothing
4. Don't apply ice directly to skin
5. Cover loosely with clean cloth
CHOKING
For Adults:
1. Encourage them to cough (if they can)
2. Perform back blows: 5 sharp hits between shoulder blades
3. Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich): 5 quick upward thrusts above navel
4. Repeat back blows and thrusts until object is dislodged
5. Call 999 if object doesn't come out
For Infants (under 1 year):
1. Hold baby face down on your forearm
2. Support baby's jaw
3. Give 5 back blows between shoulder blades
4. Turn baby face up, supporting head
5. Give 5 chest thrusts with 2 fingers
6. Repeat until object is dislodged
7. Call 999 if needed
UNCONSCIOUSNESS
If someone is unconscious:
1. Check responsiveness (gently tap shoulders, speak loudly)
2. Call 999 immediately
3. Place in recovery position:
- Kneel beside the person
- Tilt head back slightly (open airway)
- Turn body onto side
- Place one leg forward for stability
- Position arm under head for support
4. Monitor breathing until help arrives
5. Be ready to perform CPR if breathing stops
CHEST PAIN / HEART ATTACK
Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Pain radiating to arm, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or nausea
What to do:
1. Call 999 immediately
2. Have person sit down and rest
3. If person is conscious and able, give aspirin (300mg)
4. Loosen tight clothing
5. Be ready to perform CPR
6. Stay calm and reassuring
FRACTURES & SPRAINS
Sprains (Minor):
1. Rest the injured area
2. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes (wrapped in cloth, not directly)
3. Compress with elastic bandage
4. Elevate above heart level
5. Take over-the-counter pain relief
Fractures (Suspected broken bone):
1. Immobilize the area (don't move it)
2. Apply ice wrapped in cloth
3. Elevate if possible
4. Call 999 if severe or affecting limbs
5. Don't give food or drink (in case surgery needed)
SHOCK
Signs of shock:
- Pale, cold, clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Shallow breathing
- Weakness or confusion
What to do:
1. Lay person flat
2. Elevate legs above heart (if no spinal injury suspected)
3. Keep warm with blankets
4. Don't give food or drink
5. Monitor breathing and pulse
6. Call 999 immediately
FIRST AID KIT ESSENTIALS
Every home should have:
- Plasters (various sizes)
- Gauze pads and bandages
- Antiseptic wipes or cream
- Pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Thermometer
- Tweezers (for splinters)
- Scissors
- Elastic bandage
- Ice pack
- Triangular bandage
- CPR face shield (optional)
- Antihistamine cream (for allergies/stings)
WHEN TO CALL 999
Always call emergency services (999) for:
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe bleeding
- Choking (if not resolved quickly)
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Severe burns
- Suspected broken bones
- Poisoning
- Severe allergic reactions
- Any life-threatening emergency
IMPORTANT: IF IN DOUBT, CALL 999
It's always better to be safe than sorry. Emergency services would rather respond to a false alarm than miss a genuine emergency.
CPR TRAINING
We strongly recommend taking a certified CPR course. Hands-on training is invaluable for emergencies.
For certified CPR training in Ireland, contact your local Red Cross or St. John Ambulance.
Questions? Contact us at support@safetyinstore.ie