4 emergency first aid tips

Step 1. Ensure safety

Your first task is to make sure the situation is safe. Look at the accident or emergency thoroughly before acting.

Your own safety

• Access the scene of the accident only if you can do so without putting yourself at risk.
• If you cannot offer help without risk, alert the emergency services immediately. Wait at a safe distance for their arrival.

The safety of the victim

• Evacuate the victim only if they are in danger.
• Avoid unnecessary movement of the victim.

Safety of bystanders 

• Make bystanders aware of the dangers and risks of the situation.

Step 2. Assess the victim's condition

Check whether the victim is in mortal danger: check consciousness and breathing. By assessing these things, you can determine whether the victim is in a life-threatening situation.
If this is the case, alert the emergency services as soon as possible. Then provide the necessary first aid.

Step 3. Alert the emergency services

Alert the emergency services via the 112 emergency number before giving further first aid. If there are bystanders, ask them to alert.

Step 4. Administer further first aid

After you have checked consciousness and breathing and alerted the emergency services, examine the victim more thoroughly and provide further first aid. Give priority to the most serious injuries. During treatment, regularly check the victim's vital signs (breathing and heart rate). After providing first aid, brief the emergency services.

Priorities in care

1.  Check if resuscitation is needed and try to bring the person to consciousness
2.  Stop severe bleeding
3.  Flush burns
4.  Cover major wounds
5.  Immobilise injuries to the locomotor system
6.  Attend to minor injuries

So, now you are fully prepared to save lives! :)

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