Accidents and emergencies happen when we least expect them. In those critical moments, knowing what to do before medical professionals arrive can make the difference between life and death. That’s where First Aid comes in, not as something reserved only for doctors or nurses, but as a skill every individual should have. From stopping a bleeding wound to performing CPR, First Aid is about acting quickly, calmly, and effectively to provide immediate care. This is something every parent should know.
Think about it, someone could choke in a restaurant, collapse in the middle of a busy street, or sustain a deep cut at home. It might be a friend or your loved one. In those few minutes before help arrives, your response can determine the outcome. First Aid is not just knowledge; it’s a responsibility, and it’s one of the most practical life skills you can ever learn.
One thing I love about the Nigerian University is that it gives room for all students to be members of the Nigerian Red Cross Society. I don't think all schools in Nigeria has it, but I school in Kwara state and as a member of the Nigeria Red Cross, I can tell that most schools in kwara state, both from the primary to the higher institutions all have the Red Cross society, which helps teach students the importance of First Aid and how to act in them of emergency.
The duty of a First Aider is quite simple, and we good practice and study, a person can become a good first aider and save the life of their family or friends.
I once wrote about the duty of a First Aider in the #healthybee community, and the responses I got from the article are amazing. As a parent, it is very important that you possess first aid skills because children can be funny and they do crazy things that put their lives in danger. A person should be able to do these three important duties of a first aider. The role of a first aider goes beyond just offering quick help during an emergency. You should be able to
Preserve Life – ensuring that the casualty is safe and providing immediate care to prevent death. If a child is bleeding right in front of you, instead of panicking, do you know what to do to help prevent the life that is simply slipping out of the child's body?
Prevent the Condition from Worsening – Now the friend might be suffering from something serious. Do you know the necessary steps to take to avoid further harm or complications, such as stopping bleeding, keeping the person still, or removing them from danger?
Promote Recovery – apart from the basic first aid skill, you should be able to assure the casualty that they will be fine. When you see someone in pain from an injury, you should be able to assure the person that everything will be ok, so they can have a rested mind that nothing bad will happen to them. Even if you know the worst can happen, you are meant to always be optimistic.
I remember a day I was on my way home from class, I was in the cab, and the person driving the cab started bleeding from his nose, ear, and I think some from his eyes. I was in the back seat, but the person in the front seat started panicking and was trying to hold the steering wheel. I had to calm the whole situation because we are on speed, and the driver managed to pack. I haven't seen such a condition before, so I immediately called the school ambulance and then tried to help him stop the bleeding from his nose because I always carry my first aid tools.
The bleeding stopped, and the man was taken to the school hospital.
First Aid is not something we should push aside as “medical people’s job.” It’s a life skill that every individual, especially parents, teachers, and even students, should know. Emergencies don’t give notice, and in those few minutes before medical help arrives, your action can either save a life or cost one. Learning the duties of a first aider, preserving life, preventing the situation from getting worse, and promoting recovery can prepare you for moments you never thought you’d face. The truth is, you don’t need to be a doctor to save a life; you just need to know what to do.
Thanks for reading. My name is Fashtioluwa.
