Imagine you’re in a family gathering with laughter ringing throughout the room. Uncle Joe collapses, clutching at his chest. As panic takes hold, you remember the Para CPR and First Aid that you took. You act quickly and save the day.

CPR and First Aid aren’t only for healthcare professionals. It’s a set of essential life skills every person should possess. Learn why these life skills are so important, and learn how you can master the necessary skills.

Why CPR & First Aid is Important

Invitations are not sent in the case of an emergency. Unannounced, they crash the party. Knowing what you should do could mean the life or death of someone. Imagine helping a choking baby or someone suffering a cardiac arrest while waiting on paramedics.

#### First Aid: Getting Started

Let’s first talk about the basics of first aid. All of these everyday injuries require immediate treatment.

1. **Cuts And Scrapes**: Cleanse with water and apply an antibiotic. Then cover the wound with a gauze.

2. **Burns**. Cool the burn in running water for 10 minutes. Avoid ice as it may cause further damage.

3. **Sprains** – R.I.C.E. Remember: Rest, ice, compression, elevation.

What if it was simple? You’re right! If you follow these steps, you will be prepared in the event of an accident.

CPR Magic

It’s like pressing Alt+Delete when someone’s body crashes.

1. **Check Receptiveness**: Shake gently, and then shout.

2. Please dial 911 for immediate assistance.

3. **Chest Pressing**: Place hands in center of chest and push fast and hard – approximately 100-120 compressions per minute.

4. **Rescue breathing**: If trained and able to do so, take two breaths for every 30 compressions.

It is important to practice with a dummy.

Hands on Practice

You can read all you want about first-aid, but the real thing is to practice it. Take local courses for hands-on practice with dummies.

Remember Jane the accounting student? She took a course over the weekend last summer to ensure she was ready in case her child ever needed assistance. She saved the life of her neighbor when he went into cardiac arrest!

Staying Up to Date

Rule changes faster than fashion trends. Attending refresher courses at least every 2 years or whenever new guidelines are released will keep your knowledge current.

Bob learned CPR years ago, but he never updated his skills. It wasn’t until recently that he realized how much techniques had changed.

Fearlessness

Fear paralyzes us during emergencies–but preparation conquers fear! Visualize the situations in which these skills would be needed. Practicing this mentally will increase your confidence.

Timmy is a great example. He used to get frightened at the sight of any blood. But after repeated training sessions, he now takes minor injuries in stride!

Building Your Own Kit

When you are in a crisis, your best friend is a well stocked first aid box.

– Bandages

– Antiseptics

– Tweezers

Scissors

Pain relievers

Gloves

It’s always good to have one on hand at home and another in the car.

Remember how Susan fixed a friend’s bad cut using the supplies in her camping kit?

Sharing Knowledge

Do not keep all this valuable information to yourself. Teach others–they could save you too one day!

Carlos taught first aid to his teens, and they ended up saving their grandmother’s life during an attack of asthma while he went on business.

The goal of learning first aid and CPR, is to empower yourself – and others – to face life’s challenges with grace.