9 First Aid Basics You’ll Be Glad You Knew in a Real Emergency
What does First Aid do?
It simply saves lives. You and I could do it, if we knew it.
In this blog let’s dive into the learning 9 First Aid Steps that could be useful to us in times of emergencies.
First Aid Saves Time and Lives
Emergencies can hit hard and fast. One wrong move (or hesitation) can turn a minor injury into a serious one. Whether it’s a child with a cut or a neighbor collapsing in the midst of a conversation, knowing these 9 first aid basics can make all the difference.
1. Control Bleeding with Pressure and Elevation
Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. Elevate the injury above heart level when possible. Don’t remove the cloth if it soaks, add more layers.
Get urgent care if bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes or if the wound is gaping or dirty.
2. Cool Burns Immediately
Run cool water over the burn for 10–15 minutes. Never use ice, butter, or toothpaste. Cover with a sterile, non-stick bandage.
Head to urgent care for blistering burns or burns on sensitive areas like hands, face, or joints.
3. Use the R.I.C.E. Method for Sprains
- Rest the area
- Ice in 15-minute intervals
- Compress with a soft wrap
- Elevate to reduce swelling
Visit urgent care for swelling that persists or if movement is limited.
4. Treat Nosebleeds Correctly
Lean forward (not back). Pinch nostrils shut and breathe through the mouth. Hold for at least 10 minutes before releasing.
Visit urgent care if the bleed lasts over 20 minutes or is caused by trauma.
5. Recognize the Signs of a Concussion
6. Respond to Choking Fast
Adults & kids: Perform the Heimlich with upward abdominal thrusts.
Infants: Alternate back blows and chest thrusts (not abdominal).
Always seek follow-up care after any choking incident, even if resolved.
7. Dislodge Splinters Safely
Use sanitized tweezers to grip and remove. Wash the area with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover loosely.
See urgent care for deep, embedded, or infected splinters.
8. Manage Allergic Reactions Promptly
Also Read: A Parent’s Guide to Managing Childhood Allergies
We treat allergic reactions quickly come in at the first sign of escalation.
9. Keep a Ready-to-Use First Aid Kit
- Sterile gauze & tape
- Adhesive bandages
- Tweezers
- Cold packs
- Nitrile gloves
- Scissors
- Alcohol wipes
- Thermometer
- Pain relievers
- Burn ointment
Know When It’s Time for Urgent Car
Not all emergencies require the ER. If it’s not life-threatening but needs prompt attention, urgent care is faster, more affordable, and more accessible.
At Life Saver Urgent Care in Torrance California, we offer affordable and effective remedial treatment for:
We Accept all types of Insurance
We suggest that you make a quick call to check with us on your insurance, participation and eligibility.
You don’t get to choose when emergencies happen, but you can choose to be ready.
These 9 steps are basic but powerful.
The more you practice and remember, the calmer and more effective you’ll be.
Learn it and one day you can save some lives!
