FIRST AID

A person who stops breathing can die in four to six minutes, so there may not be time to wait for the pros.  If there's no possibility of a back or neck injury, shake the victim and shout to find out if the person is conscious.  If there is no response, check for breathing by looking at chest movement and putting an ear to the victim's mouth and nose.

If the victim is not breathing:

• Lay the person on his or her back and loosen clothes around the neck.

• Make sure nothing is blocking the mouth or throat, then tilt the victim's head slightly and hold the mouth open with your thumb on the victim's chin.

• Pinch the victim's nose and cover his mouth with yours.

• Blow into the lungs once every five seconds till the victim's chest rises and falls and breathing from the mouth is detected.

BLEEDING

Heavy bleeding can be life-threatening, so while waiting for help:

• Place a cloth or hand over the wound and push to stop bleeding.

• For deep cuts, apply that direct pressure and elevate the wound.

• For severe cuts, use direct pressure and elevation and push on pressure points on the inside of the upper arm and the crease of the groin area.

A tourniquet is a last resort - use only if bleeding won't stop and the victim is dying.

Remember: Use all three methods together as necessary.

SHOCK

Serious injury or illness can send a person into shock - which can be fatal. It is vital to get help and, while waiting:

• Have the person lie down and cover them with a blanket, overcoat, or whatever is available.  Check regularly for breathing.

• Raise the feet above heart level.

• Do not provide anything to drink.

Anaphylactic shock is a severe - potentially deadly - allergic reaction to certain foods or an insect bite or sting. Symptoms include hives, weakness, and a swollen throat that could cause choking.

This is a real emergency, requiring immediate professional help. The victim may also need artificial respiration.

BROKEN BONES

Moving someone with a neck or back injury could cause paralysis or even death. When bones are, or may be broken, keep the victim calm and still until help arrives.

If a limb is amputated, place it in a plastic bag inside a bag of ice, and rush it to the hospital with the victim.

HEART ATTACK

Heart attacks can strike at any age, so everyone should know the symptoms:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

• Irregular heart rate (palpitations).

• Anxiety.

• Ashen skin.

• Perspiration, vomiting, nausea.

• Crushing pain in the chest, under the breastbone, or down the left arm, or jaw.

Help a heart attack victim sit or lie down. Loosen tight clothing at the waist and neck and provide oxygen. Do not allow the victim to move around or take any stimulants. Ask if the person has heart medication and get it if requested.

STROKE

A stroke is always very serious, and requires fast medical attention. A stroke victim may be unconscious or breathing heavily. Common symptoms include an inability to speak and apparent weakness in the face or limbs on one side of the body.

This is another condition that requires medical aid. The victim should be covered with a light blanket. Do not provide any stimulants, food, or drink.

CHOKING

Knowing how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver can help save a choking victim’s life. Ask the person: "Are you choking?"  If he or she cannot talk and indicates yes, follow this procedure:

• Stand behind the victim, your arm around the person's waist.

• Place your fist, thumb-side in, against the victim's stomach just below the ribs.  Grab your fist with your other hand.

• Pull in and up sharply repeatedly until the object is dislodged or help arrives.

If the person is coughing and can talk, let them try to dislodge the object on their own. Do not leave a person alone who is trying to clear their throat or is weakly coughing.

If the Heimlich maneuver does not work and the victim is unconscious, you can either:

• Use your index and middle fingers to grasp the object causing the choking and remove it from the throat.

• Place the person on his back and push in and up sharply on the abdomen below the rib cage until the object is dislodged.