First aid means what it says the aid, or help that can be given to an injured person first which is before any other help. Usually the first thing we should do if a serious accident happens is to telephone for an ambulance, but sometimes quick actions by us may save someone's life.
Shock: people often suffer from shock after receiving an injury. The face turns grey and the skin becomes damp and cold. They breathe quickly. They should be kept warm. Cover them with a blanket and give them a warm drink.
Broken Bones: Don't move the person. Send for an ambulance at once.
Poison: A person who has swallowed poison should be taken to hospital at once. With some poisons, sleeping pills, for example, it is a good thing to make the person sick by pushing your fingers down his throat. But if he has swallowed some kind of acid, or anything that burns, it would be a bad thing to make the person sick by pushing your fingers down his throat. The poison would burn his throat as it came up. It is, therefore, best to find out what the person has taken so that you can call to tell the doctor.
Suffocation: This means not being able to breathe. For example, a drowning person will have his lungs full of water. Lay him down with his head lower than the rest of his body so that the water willdrain out. If a person has something stuck in his throat, try to remove it with your fingers, or by hitting him on the back. When a person has stopped breathing because of drowning, electric shock, breathing in a poisonous gas etc. you can help him to begin breathing again.
Remember: When an accident happens, send someone to telephone for an ambulance at once. Keep the injured person warm and quiet. Give him plenty of air. Do not let other people crowd around him. If you see an injured person who is being looked after, keep away.
