First Aid Basics Everyone Should Know in Emergencies (Part 3)
Understand the crucial First Aid basics everyone should know before help arrives. Equip yourself with vital knowledge today. In an emergency, the first few minutes are critical. Knowing simple but essential First Aid skills can make the difference between life and death before professional help arrives. At Tranquil and Quest Specialist Hospital (TQSH), we believe everyone, parents, caregivers, workers, and students, should understand these lifesaving basics.
This Part 3 guide continues our mission to empower the public with hands-on emergency knowledge.
1. How to Check for Responsiveness
If someone collapses or appears unconscious:
- Gently tap their shoulder and speak loudly: “Are you okay?”
- Look for movement, breathing, or any response.
- If there is no response, call for help immediately.
This simple step helps you quickly determine whether the person needs urgent medical assistance.
2. Calling Emergency Services the Right Way
Always stay calm and provide clear information:
- Your location
- What happened
- The person’s state (conscious, bleeding, not breathing, etc.)
- Any immediate dangers around
In Lagos, call 112 for emergencies.
The faster you communicate, the quicker help arrives.
3. How to Perform CPR (Hands-Only CPR)
If the person is not breathing, perform hands-only CPR:
Place both hands at the center of the chest.
Push hard and fast at 100–120 compressions per minute.
Allow the chest to rise fully between compressions.
Do not stop until help arrives or the person starts breathing.
Hands-only CPR can double or triple the chances of survival.
4. How to Stop Bleeding Safely
Severe bleeding can become life-threatening within minutes.
Do this immediately:
Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or bandage
Keep pressing firmly until the bleeding slows or stops
If blood soaks through, don’t remove the first cloth, add another one on top
Elevate the injured area if possible
Stopping bleeding quickly reduces shock and prevents complications.
5. What to Do During a Choking Emergency
For adults and children:
- Stand behind the person
- Wrap your arms around their waist
- Make a fist and place it above their belly button
- Perform quick, inward and upward thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre)
- Continue until the object is expelled
For infants under 1 year:
- Use 5 back blows + 5 chest thrusts instead (gentler and safer).
6. Basic Care for Burns
To treat a burn safely:
- Hold the burned area under cool running water for 10–20 minutes
- Do NOT apply ice, butter, toothpaste, or oils
- Cover with a clean, non-stick cloth
- Seek medical care for large, deep, or blistering burns
Cooling prevents deeper tissue damage and eases pain.
7. Recognizing Signs of a Stroke (FAST Method)
Use the FAST test:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call emergency services
Immediate medical attention is crucial for survival and long-term recovery.
8. Treating Fainting and Shock
If someone faints:
- Lay them flat
- Elevate their legs
- Loosen tight clothing
- Ensure adequate fresh air
If symptoms persist, seek emergency care immediately.
Stay Prepared, Stay Calm, TQSH Is Here for You
Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be.
Learning these First Aid basics can save lives, at home, at school, at work, or in public places.
At Tranquil and Quest Specialist Hospital (TQSH), we provide emergency care, diagnostics, and comprehensive medical support whenever you need it.
