Advice that could save your life

We’d all want to believe that if necessary, we could step in and save a life, but would you be able to do so if you lacked the necessary skills?

We have no idea what a day will bring as we go about our daily lives. We’re not sure if we’ll see a crash, a collapse, or someone choke. Although you may have some good judgment and great reactions, you may fail if you lack sufficient abilities. 

We are often told just how important it is to know some basic first aid, but how many of us truly take that seriously? 

Not enough!

There are some life savings skills that everyone should have at least one of.

Slowing a bleed

There are times where you will be in a race against time to slow bleeding. You’ve probably seen the movies too. It is stressful but eventually, they stop the bleeding. If only it was so simple in real life!

Most minor cuts and scrapes won’t need you to stem the flow, but for more significant cuts, you might have to make a quick decision. And other times, it will be evident that you need to take action. 

Since we don’t all carry around sterile gauze in our bags, we have to make do. You can use scarves, T-shirts, or pretty much anything semi-clean to control the bleed. 

Apply firm pressure and wait for the paramedics or the first responders. 

Allergies

People with allergies are some of the most vigilant in the population. Alongside those with chronic illness, they know that they need to be more careful. Yet, from time to time, there will be an ingredient or an incident that triggers some of the most severe allergic reactions. 

While it is a must for the allergy sufferer, it is lucky for bystanders that they will have an epi-pen somewhere on their personage or in a bag. This will administer a potentially life-saving dose of epinephrine while the emergency services get to them. Usually, there are instructions on the outside of the EpiPen, but it’s always a good idea to know how they work. 

But do you know how to use an EpiPen? Check out this guide: 1 How to use an EpiPen® (epinephrine injection, USP) Auto-Injector 2 3. 

CPR is a crucial life saving skill

CPR can be one of the most vital skills you have, and there is a range of different CPR certifications for you to choose from. The steps of CPR are relatively standard, but if you don’t take classes, you can’t be sure that you aren’t pressing too hard or too soft on the compressions or what position the person should be in. 

Often, there is someone who could potentially save our lives in our working environment, but out in the real world? We have to hope that we are where the emergency services can get to us or that people around us have taken the courses to help save us.

As a final and very welcome addition to your life-saving abilities, it is always worth taking training for helping choking babies, toddlers, children, and adults. Each method is different, but all of them can save a life.