When footballer Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed during a football match in
March, it was the quick-thinking of medical staff that saved the Bolton midfielder's life. Would you
know what to do if you w
When footballer Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed during a football match in
March, it was the quick-thinking of medical staff that saved the Bolton midfielder's life. Would you
know what to do if you were faced with a similar situation? Pam Parker, director of first aid training at
independent first aid and training supplier, Wallace Cameron, shares her top 10 first aid tips for all
1. Stay calm. Breathe - as simple as this
sounds in a crisis the body's
cardiovascular and respiratory systems
can easily go into overdrive, clouding
your judgement and causing you to
panic. Take a deep breath, and focus on
what you can do to assist the casualty.
2. Assess the situation carefully checking
your own safety as well as the patient's.
You may be the only person available
and will be no help if you become a
casualty yourself. Consider the
potential dangers, for example fire,
petrol or falling debris.
3. History. If possible find out what
happened. Can the casualty speak? Did
anyone else see the incident? Are there
any clues to suggest how the casualty
obtained their injuries? You need to
know what you're treating.
4. Medical ID. Check if the casualty is
wearing medical identification, such as
a necklace, bracelet or sports band, this
will enable you to get a better idea of
existing medical conditions and could
explain some of the casualty's
symptoms. For example, diabetes,
cardiac problems and implants,
epilepsy, allergies and pulmonary
conditions.
5. Signs of shock. If the victim is clammy,
shivering, breathing harshly, nauseous
and pale they could be in shock.
Recognising shock and treating it
correctly could save a life. Keep the
casualty warm and as comfortable as
possible until medical help arrives, and
speak to them calmly and comfortingly
to reduce their levels of anxiety. With
anaphylactic shock, check to see if the
victim is carrying auto-injectors or
other allergy treatment.
6. Do you need professional help? Dial
999 for an ambulance if required -
always call 999 if someone is seriously
ill or injured, and their life is at risk.
Seek help from other first aiders or
bystanders. When calling the
emergency services, they will need to
know:
- The exact location
- What has happened
- How many people are involved
- Injuries/symptoms
- Any other information you
may have
Remember to be clear and concise;
don't hang up until the operator has let
you know they have all the information
they need.
7. Learn your ABC - Airways, Breathing
and Circulation. If the casualty is
unresponsive you can make the
difference between life and death while
you wait for emergency assistance. You
can perform CPR by learning how to
check airways, breathing and
circulation, three basic steps of this
lifesaving technique. A first aid training
course will help ensure that you are
competent and confident in checking
ABC and performing CPR on adults,
children and babies.
8. Recovery position. If the casualty is
unconscious, but breathing normally, it
is a good idea to put them in the
recovery position, this will keep them
in a stable position and their airway
clear.
9. Monitor your casualty and record vital
signs, including level of response,
breathing and pulse. Continue
monitoring the casualty either until a
medical professional arrives or they
recover.
10.Confidentiality. Respect the casualty's
right to confidentiality concerning
medical or personal matters and make
sure you respect their dignity.
