Basic information on first aid

What is first aid? 

Emergencies can take us by surprise at any time, so it is worth having a basic knowledge of first aid.   

First aid is the immediate care of an injured person in need of assistance. It should be administered as soon as possible after an accident or injury. The help we give before the ambulance arrives is vital. It can save the health or life of the victim.  

If we know the principles of first aid, we are more likely to take immediate action to save the life and health of those affected. It is important to remain calm and think rationally when giving first aid. This will help us to provide the best possible care.  

Polish law allows for imprisonment of up to three years in the event that we fail to provide first aid. Of course, there are cases where our health and life is also at risk, in which case we are not obliged to provide first aid.  

The provision of first aid has several components: 

• Protecting the life of the victim; 
• Protecting the life of the observer and the rescuer;  
• Site safety check;  
• Providing pain relief; 
• Prevention of deterioration of the victim's condition. 

Basic principles of first aid  

First aid should begin by securing the scene. This will prevent the possible arrival of further casualties.  

1. cry for help  

The key is to get people around us interested in the situation. They can help us to take action. By the time professional help arrives, any additional help will have made a difference.  

2. explore the territory  

Make sure it will be safe for you to give assistance. Check for any potential problems such as exposed wires, stains, toxic fumes. Remember that your safety is as important as the safety of the casualty.  

3 Assessment of the situation  

If the casualty is conscious, find out what is wrong and what has happened. Ask supplementary questions about allergies, medication, illnesses. Such information will be extremely important if the victim's condition deteriorates or he becomes unconscious. If possible, write it down or memorise it and pass it on to the medics.  

At this stage, you should decide to call for professional medical help. 

If the injured person has injured themselves, apply a dressing, cleaning the injured area beforehand.  

If the affected person has lost consciousness, call for help immediately by calling the 999 or 112. 

4. assessment of the vital functions of the injured person  

First check the victim's airway, that he is conscious and breathing. To check for consciousness, gently shake the casualty and give short commands or ask short questions. We can assess the airway by checking that the casualty's tongue has not collapsed to the back of the throat.  

The next step is to assess breathing. Check that the casualty's chest is rising. Lean over his or her face and see if you can feel his or her breath on your cheek. At this point you should decide whether to move the casualty. In cases where the victim has head, neck, back injuries - moving him/her may significantly worsen his/her condition or even cause death. Therefore, such a move should only be decided upon if leaving the casualty at the scene of the incident involves a risk to their health and life.  

5. providing direct assistance 

When we administer first aid, we should, if possible, designate a person responsible for calling the relevant services. In the event that it is only us and the victim on the scene, further action will depend on the type of incident. If immediate assistance is required, if the casualty is not breathing, first stabilise them and then call for help.  

First aid in case of unconsciousness 

When the casualty is unconscious, not breathing, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation should be started immediately.  

Importantthat CPR should only be performed if you know how to do it properly. Performing CPR incorrectly can be dangerous for the victim. We can break his ribs or puncture his lung.  

If you find an airway obstruction but perceive a foreign object in her throat, you should perform the Heimlich hold. This involves applying pressure to the diaphragm, which will push the object out of the trachea.  

Remember to regularly check the vital functions of the casualty and not to give any tablets or fluids to an unconscious person.  

First aid in case of bleeding 

When the casualty is conscious and bleeding and you need a moment to find a dressing, you can ask them to hold the bleeding area with their hand. You can use gauze, a bandage or a simple T-shirt to dress the wound. To secure the wound with a dressing, apply pressure to the bleeding area with the dressing and then wrap it with a bandage. It is important not to reduce the pressure of the dressing. If the blood does not stop flowing, add another layer of bandage and apply more pressure to the wound. If possible, we should assist with latex gloves, which will protect us from potential infection.  

First aid course  

Knowledge of first aid comes in handy in our everyday lives. At any time, an accident may occur where our help is needed. That is why it is worth investing in a first aid course. In such a course, you can gain comprehensive knowledge of first aid and obtain a certificate of completion. You can do such a course at the Operator Training Centre. With us, you will not only gain theoretical knowledge, but also practical knowledge. We invite you to take a look at the OSO's offer.