Common Life-Saving skills everyone should know


Life is unpredictable, and emergencies can happen at any time. Whether you're at home, at work, or out in public, having basic life-saving skills can mean the difference between life and death. These skills don't require years of training, yet they are invaluable in emergencies. Below are some of the most essential life-saving skills everyone should know.

1. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

CPR is one of the most critical life-saving techniques. It is used when someone’s heart has stopped or they have stopped breathing, usually due to cardiac arrest, drowning, or choking. Properly performed CPR can maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs until professional medical help arrives.

Steps:

  • Check responsiveness: Tap the person and ask if they're okay.
  • Call for help: If unresponsive, call emergency services.
  • Chest compressions: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest (around 100-120 compressions per minute).
  • Rescue breaths: After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths (optional if you're trained).

Why it matters: According to the American Heart Association, effective CPR provided immediately after cardiac arrest can double or even triple a victim's chance of survival.


2. Heimlich Maneuver

Choking is a common cause of accidental death, especially among children and elderly people. The Heimlich maneuver is a simple but effective way to clear a blocked airway.

Steps:

  • Stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist.
  • Make a fist and place it slightly above the navel.
  • Perform quick, upward thrusts to expel the object.

Why it matters: Promptly performing the Heimlich maneuver can save someone who is choking before they lose consciousness or suffer brain damage due to lack of oxygen.


3. Stop Bleeding (Basic First Aid)

Severe bleeding can lead to shock or death within minutes if not controlled. Knowing how to stop bleeding can save lives, especially in situations like car accidents, cuts, or workplace injuries.

Steps:

  • Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth.
  • Elevate the injured area above the heart, if possible.
  • If bleeding doesn't stop, use a tourniquet (if available) or tightly wrap cloth above the wound site.

Why it matters: Properly controlling bleeding can prevent blood loss that could otherwise be fatal before emergency services arrive.


4. Use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

An AED is a portable device that checks the heart's rhythm and can send an electric shock to try and restore a normal rhythm in someone experiencing cardiac arrest. AEDs are commonly found in public places like airports, schools, and malls.

Steps:

  • Turn on the AED and follow voice instructions.
  • Place the pads on the chest as directed.
  • Allow the AED to analyze the heart’s rhythm.
  • If a shock is advised, ensure no one is touching the person and press the shock button.

Why it matters: The quick use of an AED can greatly improve survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.


5. Recognizing a stroke (FAST Method)

Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, but recognizing the symptoms and acting fast can save lives and reduce long-term damage.

FAST stands for:

  • F - Face drooping: Is one side of the face numb or drooping?
  • A - Arm weakness: Can the person lift both arms, or is one arm weak?
  • S - Speech difficulty: Is their speech slurred or strange?
  • T - Time to call for help: If you observe these symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

Why it matters: Getting medical attention within the first few hours of a stroke can prevent severe brain damage.


6. Treating Burns

Burns can occur from household accidents like touching a hot surface, spilling boiling water, or chemical exposure. Knowing how to treat burns immediately can reduce the severity of the injury.

Steps:

  • Cool the burn: Run the affected area under cool (not cold) water for 10-15 minutes.
  • Protect the burn: Use a clean, non-stick bandage to cover the burn.
  • Seek medical help for more serious burns, such as third-degree burns or burns that cover a large area.

Why it matters: Proper burn care can reduce the risk of infection and minimize scarring.


7. Recognizing signs of a Heart Attack

A heart attack can strike suddenly, but early intervention can save lives. Knowing the warning signs can help you act quickly.

Symptoms:

  • Chest pain or discomfort (often described as pressure or squeezing).
  • Pain in the arm, back, neck, or jaw.
  • Shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness.

What to do:

  • Call emergency services immediately.
  • Help the person to sit in a comfortable position.
  • If they are conscious and not allergic, give them aspirin (if available) to help thin the blood.

Why it matters: Time is critical during a heart attack. The sooner the person receives medical attention, the better their chances of recovery.


8. Handling Hypothermia

In cold weather conditions, hypothermia (a drop in body temperature) can be life-threatening if not addressed quickly. Knowing how to spot and treat hypothermia is crucial, especially for outdoor adventurers.

Symptoms:

  • Shivering, confusion, drowsiness.
  • Slow, shallow breathing, and weak pulse.

What to do:

  • Get the person to a warm, dry place.
  • Remove wet clothing and wrap them in blankets.
  • Offer warm, non-alcoholic beverages if they are conscious.

Why it matters: Left untreated, hypothermia can lead to the shutdown of vital organs.


9. Handling Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur due to food, insect stings, or medications. In these cases, every second counts.

Symptoms:

  • Swelling of the face or throat.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Rapid pulse and dizziness.

What to do:

  • Use an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if available.
  • Call emergency services immediately.
  • Lay the person down and elevate their legs to prevent shock.

Why it matters: Anaphylaxis can quickly progress to life-threatening complications. Epinephrine can help buy time until medical professionals arrive.


Conclusion

Knowing these life-saving skills can empower you to act confidently and effectively in an emergency. While you may hope never to use them, having the knowledge and training to respond to choking, cardiac arrest, or severe injury can save a life when every second matters. Consider taking a certified first aid and CPR course to enhance these skills, as hands-on practice will give you the confidence to act when it counts the most.