Basic First Aid

The priority is always: safety and 112

Before touching anyone: secure the scene (don't become a second victim). Call or have someone call 112 and follow their instructions. These steps are not a substitute for a course: take one, but know the basics.

Unconscious person who is breathing

1. Check for response: shout loudly, gently shake the shoulders.
2. Open the airway: tilt the head back, lift the chin.
3. Look, listen, and feel for breathing for 10 seconds.
4. If breathing: place them on their side (recovery position), monitor breathing, and call 112.
5. If NOT breathing or breathing abnormally (gasping): start CPR.

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

• Lay the person on a hard surface, kneel beside them.
• Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, the other hand on top, fingers interlocked, arms straight.
• Compress hard and fast: 100-120 compressions per minute, 5-6 cm deep.
• Allow the chest to recoil between compressions.
• If trained and able: 2 rescue breaths every 30 compressions (mouth-to-mouth with a mask or cloth).
• Do not stop until help arrives, the person responds, or you are exhausted. Ideally, alternate with another person every 2 minutes.
• If an AED is nearby: turn it on and follow its instructions; it will decide whether to deliver a shock.

Choking (Heimlich maneuver)

1. If coughing: encourage them to cough; don't strike yet.
2. If not coughing, speaking, or breathing: give 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
3. If that doesn't work: 5 abdominal thrusts — from behind, fist above the navel, grab with the other hand and push inward and upward.
4. Alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or they lose consciousness.
5. If they lose consciousness: lay them down and begin CPR; with each breath, check if the object is visible (only remove it if you can see it).

Bleeding

1. Apply firm, direct pressure with gauze or a clean cloth over the wound.
2. Do not remove a soaked dressing: add more on top and keep pressing.
3. Elevate the limb if there is no fracture.
4. If bleeding doesn't stop and it's on an arm or leg, and there is a risk of death: apply a tourniquet (only in extreme cases), 5 cm above the wound, note the time, do not loosen it.
5. Clean the wound with clean water once bleeding is controlled.

Burns

• Cool with running water (not ice) for 15-20 minutes.
• Remove jewelry and non-stuck clothing.
• Cover with a clean, damp cloth.
• DO NOT apply ice, toothpaste, butter, or home remedies.
• Electrical or chemical burns, or burns on the face, hands, joints, or large areas: call 112.

Fractures and sprains

• Do not move the person if a spinal injury is suspected (fall, accident).
• Immobilize the area as it is, without straightening: use an improvised splint (cardboard, board) tied with cloth.
• Apply wrapped ice (never directly) for 15-20 minutes, elevate the limb.
• Blue fingers, tingling, or coldness: signs the bandage is too tight; loosen it.