First Aid Basics You Can Master Today

If you ever wonder what to do when someone gets hurt, the answer is simpler than you think. First aid isn’t magic; it’s a set of clear steps that anyone can follow. Knowing those steps can keep injuries from getting worse and give you confidence in an emergency.

Build a Simple First‑Aid Kit

The best kit starts with the basics. Grab adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, elastic wrap, antiseptic wipes, and a pair of tweezers. Add pain relievers like ibuprofen, a digital thermometer, and a small flashlight. Keep scissors that can cut tape but not clothing, and toss in a copy of this guide or any printed first‑aid checklist.

Store the kit in a sturdy, water‑proof container and place it where everyone knows – usually near the kitchen or bathroom. Check the contents every three months; replace used items and discard anything past its date.

Quick Actions for Common Injuries

Cuts and scrapes: Wash your hands, rinse the wound with clean water, apply antiseptic, then cover it with a sterile bandage. If the cut is deep or bleeding won’t stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure, call emergency services.

Burns: Cool the burn under cool (not ice‑cold) running water for at least 20 minutes. Cover with a clean, non‑stick dressing and avoid popping blisters. Seek medical help for anything larger than a palm or if the skin looks white or charred.

Choking: If the person can cough, encourage them to keep coughing. When they can’t speak or breathe, give up to five back blows followed by abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver). Keep calling 911 until the blockage clears.

Sprains and strains: Follow the R.I.C.E. method – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Apply ice for 15‑20 minutes every hour for the first day, then switch to a warm compress after 48 hours if swelling goes down.

Heart attacks or strokes: Act fast. Look for chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness on one side of the body. Call emergency services immediately; time matters more than any home remedy.

Remember to stay calm. Your voice and steady actions help keep the injured person relaxed, which can reduce shock and bleeding.

Practicing these steps with family members makes them second nature. Set a reminder to run through a quick drill once a month – it only takes 10 minutes and could save a life later.