Why Learning First Aid is Crucial for University Students
Learning first aid as a university student gives you the tools to save lives and prevent small problems from getting worse. It's not just about dealing with major emergencies. Simple skills like cleaning a cut or treating a burn can come in handy every day.
In serious cases, your actions could keep someone alive until paramedics arrive.
The Importance of Knowing First Aid as a Student
Knowing first aid can make a big difference in many situations. It can:
Save lives in emergencies
Reduce pain and discomfort
Prevent injuries from getting worse
Give you confidence to help others.
Get a suitable Student First Aid Kit
Having a well-equipped first aid kit enables you treat yourself or other students for minor injuries in an emergency, and may save you time by dealing with the incident yourself instead of going to the emergency room.
Download our free checklist to create your own first aid kit.
Understanding First Aid Basics
First aid is the immediate care given to an injured or ill person before professional medical help arrives. The primary goals are to preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery.
Key first aid basic instructions include:
Assessing the scene for safety - for yourself, as well as the casualty
Checking for responsiveness from the casualty
Calling for emergency services
Performing CPR if needed
Controlling bleeding
Treating shock
Remember the ABC approach:
A: Airway
B: Breathing
C: Circulation
It's important to stay calm and act quickly.
The Impact of Quick Action in Emergencies
As a student, you may find yourself in situations where quick action can make a big difference. Staying safe and helping others in emergencies is a key life skill. Knowing basic first aid can help you handle accidents and injuries with confidence.
How to Call Emergency Services
Knowing when and how to call emergency services is crucial.
The most important emergency number in Switzerland and in Europe is 112.
If you dial 112, you will be connected with the police emergency control centre.
911 is the number to call in the USA, and 999 in the UK.
Here are some quick tips to remember when you call emergency services:
1.   Stay calm and provide clear information to the operator.
2.   Tell them which service you need: police, fire, ambulance, or coastguard.
3.   Give your exact location, including street names and landmarks.
4.   Describe the emergency situation briefly but clearly and calmly.
5.  Don't hang up until the operator says it's ok to end the call, as they might need more details or directions to your location, or to give you important instructions.
Remember, this is for emergencies only.
For non-urgent medical advice, call 111 instead for guidance.
Roles and Responsibilities as a University Student First Aider
As a first aider, or first person on the scene, your main job is to provide initial care until professional help arrives. Your responsibilities include:
Ensuring the scene is safe
Assessing the casualty's condition
Calling for appropriate help
Providing necessary treatment
Staying with the casualty until help arrives
It's crucial to act within your training limits. Don't try treatments you're not trained for. Always get consent before helping, if possible. For unconscious casualties, it is assumed you have consent in a medical emergency.
Remember to protect yourself too, however. Where possible, use personal protective equipment like gloves when dealing with blood or bodily fluids. Your safety is important as well.
Handling Common Injuries at University
Knowing how to treat basic injuries can help you respond quickly and effectively in emergencies. These skills can make a big difference in preventing complications and speeding up recovery.
Treating Cuts and Scrapes
For minor cuts and scrapes, start by cleaning the wound with cool water. Use mild soap to remove dirt and debris. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth.
Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. Cover the wound with a sterile adhesive plaster or gauze.
For deeper cuts, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding. If blood soaks through, add more layers without removing the first one. Seek medical help if bleeding doesn't stop after 10-15 minutes.
Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pus. Change the dressing daily or when it gets wet or dirty.
Managing Sprains and Strains
Remember the RICE method for sprains and strains:
Rest: Avoid using the injured area.
Ice: Apply cold packs for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours.
Compression: Use an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
Elevation: Keep the injured limb raised above heart level.
Start RICE treatment as soon as possible after the injury occurs. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Avoid heat in the first 48 hours, as it can increase swelling.
Seek medical attention if you can't bear weight on the injured area or if pain and swelling don't improve after a few days.
Responding to Burns
For minor burns, run cool water over the area for at least 5 minutes. This helps cool the skin and reduce pain.
Don't use ice, as it can damage the skin further. Remove any jewellery or tight clothing near the burn before swelling occurs.
Cover the burn with a clean, dry dressing. Don't apply butter, oils, or creams, as these can trap heat and cause infection.
For severe burns, call emergency services immediately. Don't remove clothing stuck to the burn. Cover the area with a clean, dry cloth until help arrives.
Always seek medical attention for burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or for burns larger than your palm.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning Every Student Should Recognize
Know the signs of alcohol poisoning, such as confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, and blue-tinged skin.
Steps to Take When Someone is Experiencing Alcohol Poisoning
Place the person in the recovery position, stay with them, and call emergency services immediately.
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How to Recognize if a Drink has been Spiked
The symptoms are very similar to intoxication; drowsiness, memory loss, disorientation, nausea and difficulty standing or walking. The person may be acting confused and be irritable or hallucinating, which can be dangerous.
Signs to identify if a drink has been interfered with: bubbling or fizzying, change in colour or taste, cloudy appearance. However, the drink may not present any signs.
Symptoms can develop within 5-15 minutes and last for up to 12 hours.
What to do if your drink has been spiked
Seek medical attention immediately. Call emergency services or have a bar server or friend call, and give details on your behalf.
Do not try to make yourself or your friend vomit.
Stay in a safe place. Do not go anywhere with a new ‘friend’.
Contact the police as soon as possible to report the incident. Remember, you were not to blame.
Being prepared with basic first aid skills can make a world of difference at unexpected moments at university. From knowing how to treat cuts, sprains and burns to recognising the signs of more serious problems such as alcohol poisoning or overdoses, these tips will empower students to look after themselves and each other.
By following our tips and using our college first aid kit checklist, you can ensure that you have everything you need to stay healthy and safe at university.
Remember, quick, informed action can prevent complications and speed recovery, so it's always worth brushing up on these essential skills. Stay safe, stay alert and don't hesitate to seek help if you need it - looking after your health is just as important as acing your exams!
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