Save a life: 5 simple First Aid basics everyone should know in a medical emergency

Essential first aid tips for emergencies: Just knowing how to press down on a wound or start chest compressions can be enough to keep someone going until the ambulance arrives (Image: Canva)

Do you often wonder what you’d actually do if you saw someone collapse in front of you or witnessed a serious accident? Many people freeze or hesitate, fearing they’ll make things worse. However, doctors suggest that simple moves like applying pressure to a wound or performing chest compressions can help improve survival rates before medical help arrives.

"People often assume emergency care is only for doctors,” says Dr Gautham Shankar, Lead ER Physician at Even Healthcare, Bengaluru. “But basic first aid isn’t about perfection, it’s about immediate action and staying calm,” he adds.

Dr Shankar informs that India records one death to road accidents every three minutes. “Those first few moments after an accident or medical emergency can mean the difference between life and death. In 2023 alone, India recorded the highest number of road fatalities ever—yet many of these lives could have been saved with basic first aid,” he says, and adds that just knowing how to press down on a wound or start chest compressions can be enough to keep someone going until the ambulance arrives.

Also read | World Emergency Medicine Day 2025: Here’s what actually happens behind those sliding doors in emergency ward

In fact, many victims don’t die from their injuries alone, but from the lack of immediate aid. “Emergencies can happen anywhere, on the road, at home, or even in a mall. Your response can change everything,” he informs.

Dr Gautam suggests these 5 life saving actions everyone must know to take in an emergency situation.

• For severe bleeding: Press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth or your hand. Elevate the area above the heart, if possible. Don’t pull out anything stuck in the wound, this can cause more bleeding.

• If someone’s choking: Stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist, and give quick, upward thrusts just above their belly button, this is the Heimlich manoeuvre. If they become unresponsive, call for help and start CPR if trained.

• During sudden cardiac arrest: Call emergency services immediately. Start CPR: push hard and fast in the centre of the chest at 100-120 beats per minute. If there’s an AED nearby, follow its voice instructions to use it.

• If you suspect a stroke: Remember FAST; Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services. Keep the person calm and note the time symptoms began.

• For burns or fires: Help the person stop, drop, and roll to extinguish flames. Cool thermal burns with room-temperature water (never ice), and carefully remove clothing unless stuck. For chemical burns, brush off dry residue and rinse thoroughly with water.