First Aid Basics: Essential Knowledge Everyone Should Know

Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime—at home, on the street, in the workplace, or during travel. When accidents strike, knowing the basics of first aid can mean the difference between life and death. While professional medical care is always the ultimate goal, immediate first aid plays a vital role in stabilizing a patient, reducing complications, and buying precious time until help arrives.

This article outlines the core principles of human first aid, the most common emergency situations, and the essential equipment that should be included in every first aid kit.

The Golden Rules of First Aid

Before taking action, there are several universal principles to keep in mind:

Ensure safety first – Check the scene for hazards such as fire, electricity, or traffic. Do not put yourself at risk.

Assess the victim – Quickly evaluate consciousness, breathing, and circulation.

Call for help – In most countries, dialing the local emergency number (such as 120 in China, 911 in the U.S., or 112 in Europe) is the next step.

Time is critical – For cardiac arrest, the first 4–6 minutes are known as the “golden window.” Immediate action is crucial.

Protect yourself – Use gloves and masks if available to avoid infection or cross-contamination.

Common First Aid Situations

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Used when a person has no pulse or is not breathing.

Steps:

1. Check responsiveness and breathing.
2. Begin chest compressions: place hands in the center of the chest, compress 5–6 cm deep at a rate of 100–120 times per minute.
3. Provide rescue breaths if trained, ideally with a barrier device.
4. Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if one is available.

2. Bleeding and Wound Care

Apply direct pressure with clean gauze or a cloth.

Use a bandage to maintain pressure if bleeding continues.

Elevate the injured limb if possible.

Avoid removing objects embedded in the wound, as this can worsen bleeding.

3. Fractures and Sprains

Immobilize the injured area with a splint or improvised material.

Avoid unnecessary movement.

Apply cold packs within the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and pain.

4. Burns and Scalds

Immediately cool the area with running water for at least 15 minutes.

Cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing or clean cloth.

Never apply toothpaste, oil, or other home remedies.

5. Heatstroke and Hypothermia

Heatstroke: move the person to a cool place, hydrate, and apply cool compresses.

Hypothermia: bring the person to a warm environment, remove wet clothing, and cover with blankets. Avoid direct high heat.

6. Choking and Airway Obstruction

For adults and children: perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts).

For infants: alternate between back blows and chest compressions.

7. Poisoning

Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical professionals.

Seek medical attention immediately and bring the suspected poison container.

8. Electric Shock

Switch off the power source before touching the victim.

Check breathing and pulse; start CPR if necessary.

Essential First Aid Equipment

Every home, workplace, and public facility should have a stocked first aid kit. Recommended contents include:

• Disposable gloves and face masks
• Sterile gauze pads and adhesive bandages
• Self-adhesive bandages and triangular bandages
• Medical tape and a tourniquet
• Antiseptic solution (iodine or alcohol)
• Scissors and tweezers
• Digital thermometer
• Cold packs
• A basic first aid manual
• Emergency contact information
• Where possible, an AED for cardiac emergencies

These items provide the foundation for responding to most common emergencies until professional help is available.

Why First Aid Knowledge Matters

Three lifesaving skills are considered most essential for the public:

• CPR – for sudden cardiac arrest.
• Bleeding control – to prevent excessive blood loss.
• Choking rescue – to restore breathing during airway obstruction.
• Widespread training in these skills can significantly improve survival rates in emergencies. Red Cross organizations and medical institutions around the world offer regular first aid courses, making it easier for ordinary people to gain hands-on experience.

Building a Culture of Preparedness

First aid knowledge should not be limited to medical professionals. Schools, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to provide training and maintain accessible first aid kits. Public facilities such as airports, shopping centers, and sports arenas are increasingly equipped with AEDs to ensure rapid response in case of sudden cardiac events.

The responsibility is shared: governments, healthcare providers, organizations, and individuals all play a part in promoting awareness and readiness.