First Aid

First Aid

First Aid is the assistance given to an injured or sick person in need of urgent medical assistance. First aid applies to a broad range of medical situations and consists both of specific knowledge and skills (for example, what to do for each type of injury or illness) and the ability to assess a situation and make appropriate decisions (such as when to call for emergency medical assistance).

Preparedness is a key element of first aid. While every home, auto, boat, educational institutes, shopping malls and other places should be equipped with a basic emergency kit that includes first aid supplies and a first aid manual, special circumstances may necessitate more advanced or specific degrees of preparation for an emergency. For example, residents of certain geographic areas where natural disasters (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornado, floods, landslides, or tsunamis) may occur should prepare for emergencies by assembling disaster preparedness kits such as earthquake kits, flood kits, and-evacuation kits.

Travelers should also prepare to administer first aid in the region they plan to visit. In many developed countries, this may amount to packing a standard first aid kit and manual with your belongings. Medicines to prevent motion sickness and advanced awareness about the management of traveler's diarrhea  are also helpful to travelers. In the developing world or in remote regions, a travel medicine  kit should include medicines and supplies that may not be available for purchase in small regions.

First aid may be required for medical emergencies such as heart attack,stoke as well as for minor medical conditions like nosebleed and mild allergic reactions. Environmental injuries (sunburn, heat exhaustion, bee or insect stings) and traumatic injuries (strains, sprains, burns and cuts as well as more severe internal injuries) are other situations where first aid skills can be invaluable.

By:

          Tayyaba Babar