In a medical emergency, the proper first aid response can reduce complications associated with an injury and even save the injured individual’s life. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow when administering first aid. 

Do Ask for Permission Before Providing Aid

To ensure you’re covered by Good Samaritan laws that supply legal protection to individuals who administer life-saving assistance, you need to ask for the injured person’s consent. If the person is unable to reply, consent is implied. 

Do Call for Emergency Services

Before you start helping the injured person, call emergency services. It can take precious minutes for emergency medical services to arrive, making it imperative that you call them immediately. Once emergency services are activated, you can provide first aid. 

Do Position an Unconscious Individual on Their Side

If someone is unconscious, roll them onto their side unless you think they have a neck or spine injury. This prevents the individual from choking on blood or vomit that can accumulate in their airway. 

Don’t Forget Proper CPR Techniques

When administering CPS, it’s important to use techniques that conserve energy and maintain proper form.

Avoid bending your arms; this forces you to only use your arm muscles. Instead, keep your arms straight so that you can engage your back and shoulders for more force and endurance. 

As you perform chest compressions, don’t rock back and forth, as this prevents your compressions from going straight up and down. 

Don’t Remove Blood-Soaked Gauze

If blood has soaked through a layer of gauze, don’t remove it. Removing the gauze can disrupt a blood clot. Instead, apply additional gauze on top of the wound using consistent pressure. 

Get the Equipment You Need to Administer Effective First Aid

Coast Biomedical Equipment has all the patient equipment and first aid supplies you need to provide life-saving care. We even offer an equipment trade-in program that provides a top dollar for your old or unneeded equipment. You can get cash or credit to use towards new equipment.