Emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared can make a big difference. You don't need to be a medical expert to help someone in need.

Knowing a few key first aid skills can save lives. These simple actions can keep someone safe until professional help arrives.

Here are six important first aid skills that everyone should learn and practice.

1. How to Perform CPR

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is used when someone's heart has stopped beating. It helps keep blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs. CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths, though doing compressions alone is also helpful if you're not trained in giving breaths.

This skill is crucial in many emergency situations. To learn it properly, you can earn an online CPR certification, which teaches the right techniques and helps you stay updated with current guidelines.

2. How to Stop Bleeding

It is critical to control bleeding as soon as possible. Use a fresh towel or bandage and apply pressure to the cut if the person is bleeding profusely. If the cloth gets wet with blood, don't take it off.

Instead, place another cloth on top and keep pressing. Raising the injured part of the body can also help slow the bleeding. Always apply steady pressure until the bleeding stops or medical help arrives.

3. How to Treat Burns

Burns can happen from hot objects, fire, or even chemicals. For small burns, cool the area by running cool (not cold) water over it for about ten minutes. Never use ice, as it can damage the skin further.

After cooling the burn, cover it with a clean, dry cloth or a sterile bandage to protect it. For larger or more serious burns, avoid touching the area and seek emergency help right away. 

4. How to Help a Choking Person

Choking is a life-threatening emergency that needs fast action. If a person is coughing forcefully or able to speak, encourage them to keep coughing.

If they can't breathe, talk, or cough at all, stand behind them and give quick upward thrusts to the abdomen to try and remove the object.

This is known as the Heimlich maneuver. For infants, use gentle back blows and chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. 

5. How to Handle a Broken Bone

When someone has a broken bone, keep the injured part still and avoid moving it. Trying to straighten or move the limb can cause more harm. If you can, apply a splint to keep the bone in place, but only if you're trained to do so.

Using a cold pack wrapped in a cloth can help reduce swelling and ease pain. It's also important to watch for signs of shock, such as pale skin, sweating, or confusion, and get medical help right away.

6. How to Identify Signs of a Stroke

Recognizing a stroke early is very important. A person may show signs like one side of their face drooping, weakness in one arm, or slurred speech. If you notice these symptoms, it is a medical emergency.

Call emergency services immediately. The sooner a person gets help, the better their chances are of avoiding serious brain damage or death.

Explore these Essential First Aid Skills

First aid skills are not just for health professionals. Everyone should learn these essential skills to be ready for emergencies. Knowing these skills can save lives.

These simple actions can make you a valuable helper in a crisis and could be the reason someone survives an emergency.

If you'd like to learn more, check out more articles on our blog.