First aid is the immediate assistance or treatment given to someone injured or suddenly taken ill before the arrival of professional medical help. Understanding and applying basic first aid is a crucial skill taught in the NCC (National Cadet Corps) and is vital in emergencies.

Basic First Aid Principles

- Assess the Situation: Ensure your own safety before helping others.
- Call for Help: Alert emergency services as soon as possible.
- Provide Care: Give appropriate and timely first aid as per the situation.
- Reassure the Casualty: Keep the injured person calm and comfortable.


- Steps:
  - Wash hands and, if possible, wear gloves.
  - Stop bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean cloth.
  - Clean the wound gently with water.
  - Apply an antiseptic and cover with a sterile bandage.
  - Seek medical attention for deep or infected wounds.


- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, deformity, inability to move the limb.
- First Aid Steps:
  - Do not move the injured limb unnecessarily.
  - Apply padding for support.
  - Prevent shock by keeping the person warm and comfortable.
  - Seek urgent medical attention.

Administering CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

- When to Use: If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
- Procedure (for adults):
  1. Check responsiveness and breathing.
  2. Call for emergency help.
  3. Chest compressions: Place hands in the center of the chest and compress hard and fast (about 100–120 times per minute, depth of 5–6cm).
  4. Rescue breaths: After 30 compressions, give 2 breaths (tilt head, lift chin, pinch nose, breathe into mouth).
  5. Continue cycles until help arrives or the person recovers.

Handling Emergencies

- Bleeding: Apply pressure and elevate the affected area.
- Burns: Cool with running water, cover with a clean cloth—do not apply creams.
- Choking: Encourage coughing; perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) if needed.
- Shock: Lay the person down, elevate the legs, keep them warm.
- Fainting: Lay the person flat, raise their legs, check breathing.