The First Few Minutes Are Critical
In most emergencies, professional medical help takes 8-14 minutes to arrive. What happens in those minutes can determine whether someone lives or dies. You don't need to be a paramedic — basic knowledge is enough to make a difference.
CPR — The Skill That Saves Lives
If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally:
- Call emergency services immediately (or have someone else call)
- Place the heel of your hand on the center of their chest
- Push hard and fast — at least 5 cm deep, 100-120 compressions per minute (the tempo of "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees)
- If trained, give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions
- Don't stop until paramedics arrive or the person starts breathing
Hands-only CPR (just compressions, no mouth-to-mouth) still doubles or triples a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival.
Choking
If someone is choking and can't cough, speak, or breathe:
- Stand behind them and wrap your arms around their waist
- Make a fist with one hand, place it just above the navel
- Grab your fist with the other hand and thrust inward and upward
- Repeat until the object is dislodged
Severe Bleeding
- Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth — don't remove it even if it soaks through, add more layers
- Keep the injured area elevated above the heart if possible
- If bleeding doesn't stop with pressure and the wound is on a limb, a tourniquet can save a life. Place it 5-7 cm above the wound and tighten until bleeding stops
Burns
Cool the burn under running cool (not cold) water for at least 10 minutes. Don't apply butter, toothpaste, or ice — these are myths that can cause additional damage. Cover with a sterile, non-fluffy dressing. Seek medical attention for burns larger than your palm.
Expand your safety knowledge with our Life Skills & Safety Quiz.