Pharm. Std. Sedanur Yazıcı

Author: Asst. Prof. Fatma Yüce

Faculty Member – Istanbul Kent University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology

"Minutes save lives; proper first aid can help restart a life."

Racing Against Time: The Power and Impact of First Aid

Title:

| What is first aid? What is its primary purpose? | Why is first aid important? | What is the role of first aid in an emergency situation? | In which situations should first aid be applied? | Essential rules when performing first aid | In which cases should we avoid intervening during first aid applications? | Who needs first aid training and where to get it? What should a first aid kit contain? | How is basic life support (CPR) performed? | Common misconceptions about first aid | Why is public awareness important? | Technological advances and mobile applications for first aid | You can save a life!

What is first aid? What is its primary purpose?

First aid refers to temporary interventions carried out at the scene in the event of illness or injury until professional medical help arrives. These interventions aim to both save lives and prevent the situation from worsening.

First aid is performed without medications, using simple techniques and materials. Surgical procedures, injections, or professional medical treatments do not fall within the scope of first aid.

Why is first aid important?

In emergencies, the first 3–5 minutes are critically important for survival. In cases such as cardiac arrest, brain damage begins after 4 minutes and becomes irreversible after 6 minutes.

Therefore, effective first aid administered before medical teams arrive can dramatically increase survival rates.

What is the role of first aid in an emergency situation?

The importance of every minute can be better understood through the following examples:

Cardiac arrest: Each minute without CPR reduces the chance of survival by 10%.
Drowning: A person deprived of oxygen for more than 3 minutes is at high risk of severe brain damage.
Severe bleeding: Depending on the vessel type and bleeding rate, simple actions like applying a tourniquet or pressure can be life-saving

In which situations should first aid be applied?

Common scenarios requiring first aid include:

Heart attack: Chest pain, shortness of breath
Drowning: Obstructed airways
Bleeding: Vascular injuries
Burns: Due to heat, chemicals, or electricity
Fainting: Temporary loss of consciousness
Epileptic seizure: Loss of consciousness and involuntary contractions

In such cases, basic first aid knowledge enables effective action rather than panic.

Essential rules when performing first aid

Key principles to follow when providing first aid:

Ensure your own safety first
Check for consciousness, breathing, and circulation
Call emergency services (112) and clearly explain the situation
Prioritize interventions (address life-threatening issues first)
Remain calm and avoid panic

In which cases should we avoid intervening during first aid applications?

Interventions beyond one’s knowledge and skills can do more harm than good:

Moving a person suspected of a neck fracture
Giving anything orally to an unconscious person
Giving painkillers to someone with chest pain
Applying creams or ointments to burns

Such cases require waiting for professional medical assistance.

Who needs first aid training and where to get it? What should a first aid kit contain?

First aid training is necessary not only for health professionals but for everyone. Family members, teachers, security personnel, drivers, and even students should have basic first aid knowledge.

In Turkey, training is provided by Ministry of Health–approved centers, and certificates from these institutions are officially recognized. Free courses are also offered at public education centers affiliated with the Ministry of National Education.

Basic items that should be present in every home, vehicle, and workplace:

Sterile gauze, bandages, adhesive tape
Tourniquet, triangular bandage
Scissors, gloves, mask
Antiseptic solution
Thermometer, safety pin, flashlight

These supplies should be regularly checked for expiration.

How is basic life support (CPR) performed?

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a life-saving technique involving chest compressions and rescue breaths for individuals in cardiac arrest. The basic steps:

Check for consciousness
Call emergency number (112)
Lay the person on their back and open the airway
Perform 30 chest compressions (at a rate of 100–120 per minute), followed by 2 rescue breaths

This cycle should be repeated until professional help arrives.

Common misconceptions about first aid

Many people unknowingly apply incorrect first aid techniques, which can worsen the condition of the injured person. Here are some common misconceptions and what should actually be done:

Applying toothpaste to a burn: This widely believed method can increase the risk of infection.

✔Correct approach: Rinse the burn area gently with clean, cool water. Do not apply any substances to the skin.

Using cologne to revive someone who has fainted: Strong-smelling substances like cologne can irritate the airways and cause harmful reactions, especially in unconscious individuals.

✔Correct approach: Place the person in the recovery position (on their side), ensure their airway is open, and seek medical help.

Moving a suspected broken limb: This can worsen the injury and cause damage to nerves or blood vessels.

✔Correct approach: Immobilize the area and wait for professional medical assistance.

Why is public awareness important?

An increase in the number of individuals with first aid knowledge in society enables faster and more effective responses to emergencies, reducing both mortality rates and long-term disabilities.

Public awareness also prevents system overload in disasters and accidents. Trained individuals facilitate crisis management and enhance societal resilience.

Technological advances and mobile applications for first aid

Technological developments have made access to first aid training more convenient. Mobile applications and online videos allow immediate access to essential information:

“112 Emergency Help” app: Enables location sharing for rapid response
“CPR Training” apps: Interactive CPR guides
“Red Crescent First Aid” app: Scenario-based guidance

With these tools, individuals can both learn and apply first aid knowledge instantly.

You can save a life!

First aid knowledge is not just a skill for healthcare workers—it’s a vital competency for everyone. A conscious and swift intervention can save the life of a loved one or a stranger.

Take the first step today by enrolling in first aid training, raise awareness among those around you, and make a difference in your community. Remember, one action you take may be someone’s lifeline.

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Racing Against Time: The Power and Impact of First Aid