An ambulance in England takes an average of 8 minutes and 44 seconds to respond to a life threatening emergency. In rural areas that figure regularly exceeds 20 minutes. In a cardiac arrest, brain damage begins within 4 minutes. The gap between when an emergency happens and when professional help arrives is yours to fill.
Skill 1: CPR
Check for danger then check for response. Call 999. Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. If not breathing normally begin chest compressions. Place the heel of your hand on the centre of the chest and compress to a depth of 5-6cm at a rate of 100-120 per minute. The beat of Stayin Alive by the Bee Gees is the correct tempo. Continue until professional help arrives.
Skill 2: Controlling Severe Bleeding
Apply direct firm pressure to the wound with the cleanest material available. Maintain constant pressure without lifting or checking. If blood soaks through add more material on top — do not remove what is already there. For catastrophic limb bleeding apply a tourniquet 5-7cm above the wound and tighten until bleeding stops. Note the time and tell paramedics exactly when it was applied.
Skill 3: The Recovery Position
An unconscious but breathing person risks choking. Kneel beside them, place their nearest arm at a right angle, bring their far arm across their chest and hold the back of their hand against their cheek. Pull on their bent knee to roll them toward you onto their side. Tilt the head back gently to keep the airway open and monitor breathing until help arrives.
Skill 4: Treating a Choking Adult
If someone can cough encourage them to keep coughing. If coughing is ineffective give up to 5 firm blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. If back blows do not work perform abdominal thrusts — stand behind the person, make a fist just above the navel and pull sharply inward and upward up to 5 times. Alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the blockage clears.
Skill 5: Treating Burns
Remove from the heat source immediately. Cool the burn under cool running water for a minimum of 20 minutes. Remove jewellery and clothing from around the burn but never remove anything stuck to the skin. Cover loosely with cling film. Never use butter, toothpaste, or ice. Seek medical attention for any burn larger than the casualty’s hand or any burn on the face, hands, or feet.
Where to Learn More
St John Ambulance offers one day first aid courses across the UK from approximately £60-£80. The British Red Cross offers online and in person courses nationwide. A first aid course is one afternoon. The skill lasts a lifetime.
