Keith Thomas: 0:01

Thank you so much for joining us. Welcome back to another episode of Survival Sense, your go-to podcast for all things disaster preparedness and survival skills. I'm your host, keith Thomas, and today we're diving into a crucial topic basic first aid skills everyone should know. Before we get started, I want to remind you all that you can send your questions, comments and feedback through our Send Us a Text Message link. Your input helps us make this podcast even better, so don't hesitate to reach out.

Keith Thomas: 1:11

Imagine you're out hiking with friends and someone slips and cuts their leg on a sharp rock. What would you do? Knowing basic first aid skills can make the difference between a minor injury and a major emergency. In today's episode, we'll cover essential first aid techniques that everyone should know. These skills are not only vital during outdoor adventures, but also in everyday life. Let me add my own little disclaimer here, and please note that the instructions given here are an overview of the skills needed for basic first aid. I strongly recommend that you contact your local fire department, EMS Station, american Heart Association or Red Cross to enroll in a basic first aid and CPR class. These classes provide a comprehensive methodology on these subjects to better prepare you with the knowledge and hands-on training to perform these potentially life-saving skills.

Keith Thomas: 2:24

The first step in any first aid situation is to assess the scene for safety. Ensure you're not putting yourself or others in danger. Once the area is safe, check the injured person. Are they conscious, breathing, bleeding? Use the primary survey approach DR-ABC. This is danger, response, airway, breathing and circulation. Let's break this down. The D is for danger Look around for any potential hazards. You don't want to place yourself in an unsafe situation trying to save someone else. The R is for response Check if the person is responsive by gently shaking them and asking if they're okay. And the A is for airway Ensure the airway is clear. If necessary, tilt their head back slightly to open the airway. B is for breathing Look, listen and feel for breathing. And the C is for circulation Check for signs of circulation, such as movement, coughing or normal breathing. You can also check for a pulse by feeling the brachial pulse just below the thumb or carotid pulse in the neck.

Keith Thomas: 3:56

Now let's talk about minor cuts and scrapes. Minor cuts and scrapes are common injuries that can happen anywhere, and here's how you treat them. First, you want to clean the wound. You can do this by rinsing out the cut or scrape with clean water to remove any dirt and debris. The next step is to stop the bleeding. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. The third step is to protect the wound. Once the bleeding has stopped, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a sterile bandage. Step 4 is monitor for infection. Keep an eye on the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling or pus. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention.

Keith Thomas: 5:05

Let's talk about handling burns. Burns can be particularly painful and require prompt attention. Here's what to do. The first step is to cool the burn. Here's what to do. The first step is to cool the burn Immediately. Run cool not cold water over the burn for at least 10 minutes. This helps reduce pain and swelling. The second step is to protect the burn. Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage or cloth. Step three is to manage the pain. This can be an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, which can help manage the pain. And step four is to seek medical help. For severe burns, especially those that cover a large area or on the face, hands, feet or genitals, seek professional medical help immediately.

Keith Thomas: 6:23

Next we're going to talk about dealing with sprains and strains. Sprains and strains are common injuries, especially during physical activities. Here's a quick guide to managing them. First step is to rest Avoid putting weight on the injured area. Second step is to apply ice pack to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour to reduce swelling. Third step is compression Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage to provide support and reduce swelling. And the fourth step is elevation Keep the injured area elevated above the level of your heart to minimize swelling.

Keith Thomas: 7:15

Now let's talk about some CPR basics. Cpr, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving skill everyone should learn. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing, here's what to do. First step is to call for help Immediately call emergency services. Second step is chest compressions. Place the heel of your hand in the center of the person's chest, with your other hand on top. Press down hard and fast at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Rescue breaths After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths. Tilt the person's head back, lift their chin, pinch their nose and give a breath that makes their chest rise their nose and give a breath that makes their chest rise. Repeat the cycle of 30 compressions and two breaths until help arrives.

Keith Thomas: 8:25

Now let's talk about recognizing and responding to shock. Shock is a life-threatening condition that can occur after a severe injury or illness. Signs of shock include pale, clammy skin, rapid breathing and a weak pulse. If you suspect someone is in shock, lay them down. Keep the person laying flat on their back. Elevate their legs. Raise their legs about 12 inches to improve blood flow to the heart. Keep them warm. Use a blanket or coat to keep the person warm and call for help. Seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

Keith Thomas: 9:14

Now that we've covered some of the basics of first aid and CPR, let's talk about first aid kits and training. Having a well-stocked first aid kit and knowing how to use it is essential. Stocked first aid kit and knowing how to use it is essential. Your kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers and a CPR face shield. I will leave a link in the show description for first aid kits. I recommend Again, I highly recommend that everyone take a certified first aid and CPR course to gain hands-on experience. These professional classes should be a top priority for all preppers and survivalists. To find a class in your area, contact your local fire department, ems station, american Heart Association or Red Cross.

Keith Thomas: 10:13

Well, that's it for today's episode on basic first aid skills everyone should know. Remember being prepared and knowing how to act in an emergency can save lives. Don't forget to send your questions and feedback through our send us a text message link. We love hearing from you. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Also, before we wrap up, I want to give a quick reminder to check out the show description for our recommended first aid kits. These include all types of kits, from basic backpack and home kits to first responder kits. Also, I'm leaving a recommendation for a first aid manual titled Prepper's Medical Manual. This manual is written for the prepping community and features many alternative methods using the items you might find around you. Check them out through the links in our show description. Stay safe, stay prepared and until next time. This is Keith Thomas signing off for Survival Sense. Have a great day.