Emergencies can happen at any time, and knowing what to do in those situations can make all the difference. It could be anything, a scraped knee during recess, a small burn from the kitchen, or a more serious injury. First aid knowledge is important for everyone, especially middle schoolers. 

Having some basic first aid skills will help you feel more confident and prepared to help a friend, a sibling, or even yourself in an emergency.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through some essential first aid tips every middle schooler should know. These easy-to-remember skills will empower you to take action when it matters most.

1. How to Stop Bleeding

Accidents that cause cuts, scrapes, or even nosebleeds are common, and knowing how to stop bleeding is one of the first steps in treating injuries. Whether you’re dealing with a small paper cut or a larger scrape, the basics of stopping bleeding are the same.

How to Do It

  • For a small cut or scrape: Gently press a clean cloth or bandage over the wound to stop the bleeding. Hold it there for a few minutes until the bleeding slows down.
  • For a nosebleed: Sit up straight, tilt your head slightly forward, and pinch your nostrils together for about 10 minutes. This helps the blood clot. Avoid leaning back, as it can cause blood to run down your throat.
  • For larger cuts: If the bleeding is heavy, apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth and elevate the area if possible. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, it’s important to get help quickly.

Stopping bleeding quickly reduces the risk of infection and ensures that the injury doesn’t become worse. It’s important to act fast but remain calm.

2. Treating Burns

Burns can happen in the kitchen, during sports, or even outside in the sun. Even if it is a minor burn or something more serious, knowing how to treat a burn right away is essential.

How to Do It

  • For minor burns (like a small sunburn or a kitchen burn): Hold the burned area under cool running water for 10-15 minutes. Avoid using ice or very cold water, as this can damage the skin.
  • For blisters: Don’t pop them, as they help protect the skin underneath. You can cover the burn with a clean bandage to prevent infection.
  • For serious burns (larger areas or deep burns): Call an adult or seek medical help immediately.

Immediate care helps minimize the pain and prevents the burn from getting worse. It also helps speed up healing and reduce the chance of infection.

3. CPR Basics

Knowing the basics of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can be lifesaving in cases where someone stops breathing or their heart stops. While CPR is usually done by adults, it’s helpful to know the basic steps just in case you find yourself in an emergency.

How to Do It

  • For an unconscious person who isn’t breathing: Call 911 for help immediately.
  • Chest compressions: Place your hands in the center of the chest (just below the breastbone) and press down hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
  • Rescue breaths: If you’re trained, you can give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Make sure the person’s airway is clear by tilting their head back and lifting their chin.

CPR helps maintain blood flow to vital organs and keeps oxygen flowing to the brain and heart until help arrives. It’s a critical skill in saving lives in emergencies like choking or heart failure.

4. Dealing with Sprains and Strains

When you’re playing sports, running around, or even just walking, it’s easy to twist an ankle, strain a muscle, or sprain a wrist. You should know how to treat these injuries, as it can help reduce pain and speed up recovery.

How to Do It

  • Rest: Make sure you stop using the injured area to prevent further damage.
  • Ice: Apply ice or a cold pack wrapped in a towel to reduce swelling. Keep it on for 15-20 minutes, and repeat every hour for the first 24 hours.
  • Compression: Use an elastic bandage to wrap the injured area (but not too tightly).
  • Elevation: Raise the injured area above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.

Treating sprains and strains right away can reduce pain, swelling, and the chance of the injury becoming more serious. Proper care helps ensure that the injury heals quickly and doesn’t become chronic.

5. How to Handle a Head Injury

Head injuries can be scary, and it’s important to know when to act. A bump from a fall or a possible concussion can be worse; taking the right steps immediately is important.

How to Do It

  • For minor bumps: Apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling and pain.
  • For a possible concussion: If the person experiences dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness, avoid moving them and call for help immediately.
  • Monitor for symptoms: After a head injury, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for any signs of a concussion, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or difficulty staying awake. In this case, seek medical attention right away.

Prompt action and attention to detail are essential to ensure that a head injury doesn’t lead to something more serious, such as a concussion or internal bleeding. Always be cautious when it comes to head injuries.

6. Handling Choking

Choking is a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. It’s important to know how to recognize the signs and respond quickly to help.

How to Do It

  • Signs of choking: If the person is unable to talk, cough, or breathe, they may be choking.
  • For a child or adult: Give 5 back blows (between the shoulder blades) and then perform 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).
  • For an infant (under 1 year): Use the back blows and chest thrusts method to dislodge the object.

Choking can quickly cut off a person’s airway, so it’s important to act fast. Knowing the Heimlich maneuver or infant choking response could save a life.

7. Handling Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, so it’s important to recognize the signs and act fast.

How to Do It

  • Mild reactions: Symptoms may include hives, swelling, or itchy skin. In these cases, antihistamines or a cold compress can help relieve discomfort.
  • Severe reactions (Anaphylaxis): If a child has difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, or loss of consciousness, use an EpiPen (if available) and call emergency services immediately.

Allergic reactions, particularly severe ones, can escalate quickly. Knowing how to act swiftly can prevent a serious emergency.

Conclusion

Accidents and injuries happen, but with basic first aid knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to handle any situation. From stopping bleeding to performing CPR, these skills can make a big difference when it comes to the safety and well-being of those around you.

While it’s important to know what to do in an emergency, it’s just as important to stay calm and act quickly. With a little practice, you’ll be able to respond confidently in case of an emergency because being prepared can save lives.

FAQs

1. What should I do if someone is bleeding heavily?

Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth and elevate the injured area. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, seek immediate medical attention.

2. How do I perform CPR on an unconscious person?

Call 911 and start chest compressions, push hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, and give 2 rescue breaths if trained.

3. How do I treat a sprained ankle?

Rest, ice, compress, and elevate the injured area (R.I.C.E.) to reduce swelling and promote healing.

4. How do I know if a head injury is serious?

Monitor for signs like confusion, dizziness, or nausea. If symptoms worsen, seek medical help immediately.

5. What should I do if someone is choking?

For a choking person, perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) or back blows to help remove the object blocking the airway.