The two main rules of first aid are to first assess the situation and then call for help. These form the foundational steps to providing any type of assistance.
Understanding the Two Primary Rules
Here's a breakdown of why these rules are paramount:
1. Assess the Situation
- Why it's crucial: Before taking any action, it's vital to understand what happened and identify any immediate dangers. This protects both you and the injured person.
- How to do it:
- Look for Hazards: Identify potential dangers like traffic, fire, or unstable structures.
- Identify the Cause: Try to determine what led to the injury or emergency.
- Check Number of Victims: Assess if there are multiple casualties requiring attention.
2. Call for Help
- Why it's crucial: Professional medical help is often necessary for serious injuries or illnesses. Calling for help ensures the injured receive the appropriate medical care.
- How to do it:
- Dial Emergency Services: Call your local emergency number (e.g., 911 in the US, 999 in the UK, 112 in Europe).
- Provide Key Information: Clearly state your location, the nature of the emergency, and the number of people needing help.
- Follow Dispatch Instructions: Stay on the line and follow the dispatcher's directions.
By following these two main rules, you create a safer environment for both you and the injured person, and you ensure that they will receive the professional medical help they need.
