It is not enough to have complete first aid boxes in our different houses but to know how to use them rightly when the need arises.
The knowledge of first aid practices is vital for everyone. This is because an emergency never gives warning before happening; it's usually an unexpected occurrence that can happen at any time and anywhere.It could happen to your loved ones or to a stranger, however implementation of first aid treatment can be all we need to save a life at that point before the arrival of a doctor to properly take care of the victim .
While first aid treatment is not actually the ultimate solution, it can be a lifesaver. As simple as stopping bleeding as soon as possible can save a dying soul, and also the practice of CPR can restore life to an unconscious victim before proper medical attention is given. You see, the knowledge of first aid is for all; as little as the knowledge can be, it is vital, as it can to some extent save a life.
You don't need to be a professional before administering first aid treatment to a patient; everyone is welcome to take action when needed as long as you are equipped with the right knowledge of first aid treatment.You may have heard the story of this Nigerian Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, who died either last year or two years ago in a tragic boat accident. Rumor carried it that he was still alive when he was rescued initially, but imagine being inside water for a long time; maybe if someone around him knew how to carry out CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), his life may have been restored and his family saved from the pain they have been going through—that is, if the rumor was true anyways.
Having said that, the question is, do I really know the basic first aid treatment? If I should be beside someone who needs a medical emergency, would I be able to assist such a person? As for carrying out CPR, I would say I only attended the training once in my church 6 years ago through the Red Cross Society. It was a practical training anyways, but ever since then, I haven't been in a situation to implement it with a real victim. I would say the teachings are being faint in my memory, but I can do better by revisiting my notes so I can be updated in case the need arises someday.
However, I can help manage a bleeding wound to a large extent. This was part of the training I was given 6 years ago during the seminar, and I have practiced it on different occasions. Having children around who don't take precautions of things around them—most times their actions lead to unexpected deep cuts, and bleeding follows. It once happened to my son; the bleeding was terrible, and I immediately implemented what I learned.
I didn't even have a complete first aid box in my home, but I reached out to a small clean towel in my drawer, used it, and pressed on the deep cut, and then held it firmly to stop the bleeding. Since it was his arm, I was able to raise it above his heart, and it did help to control the bleeding further. I held it firmly until I saw that the bleeding stopped and then found a way to wrap the clean towel around the wound, making him lie down and not move around the house until we took him to the hospital for proper medical attention.
In conclusion, the knowledge of first aid treatment is very important for everyone; it's a handy skill capable of being a lifesaver. I think it's must-have knowledge for all, and the right time to learn it is not during an emergency but now!
This post is in response to the #HiveLearners community contest on the topic titled, First Aid
Images were taken from canva
