First Aid

First aid is a systematic set of procedures involving life-saving interventions performed with available resources and without medication, before professional medical teams arrive at the scene of sudden illness, accident, or injury. The primary objectives of these interventions are to save lives, prevent the condition from worsening, and support the recovery process.

Basic Principles of First Aid

In accordance with the principle of “Protect, Notify, Rescue” established by the Ministry of Health of Türkiye, first aid steps are as follows:

Protect

The accident site is made safe. Risk factors posing danger to the victim and rescuers are eliminated. For example, after a traffic accident, vehicles must be stopped and the scene must be marked.

Notify

The emergency number 112 is called to clearly report the location, situation, and number of victims. The communication must be brief, clear, and understandable.

Rescue

First aid is administered to victims until professional medical assistance arrives. The priority is to address life-threatening conditions.

Basic Life Support (BLS)

This is the essential intervention process to be performed on individuals whose breathing and heartbeat have stopped:

Consciousness check

The person is spoken to loudly and gently touched on the shoulder to determine whether they respond.

Levels of consciousness

• Fully conscious: Responds to questions and is aware of surroundings.
• Partially conscious: Gives weak responses to stimuli.
• Unconscious: Shows no response and cannot be communicated with.
• Call 112 to request professional help.

Respiration check

For 10 seconds, observe chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air flow.

If no breathing

If breathing is present

Place the person in the recovery position (lateral recumbent position). Steps:

Common Emergencies and First Aid Methods

Airway Obstructions

Heimlich Maneuver

Loss of Consciousness

Bleeding

Tourniquet application

Burns

Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains

Cold application

Poisoning

Animal Bites and Stings

Heart Attack

Traumas and Injuries

Important Considerations in First Aid

• Remain calm and avoid panic.
• Behave reassuringly and calmly toward the victim.
• Speak loudly to an unconscious person and gently tap their shoulder to elicit a response.
• Place an unconscious person who is breathing in the recovery position, tilting the head back to maintain an open airway.
• Know the contents of your first aid kit and use them when necessary.
• Obtain first aid training from the Ministry of Health of Türkiye and the Turkish Red Crescent.
• Keep your knowledge up to date and promote public awareness.

Warning: The content provided here is for general encyclopedic informational purposes only. These details must not be used for diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Before making any decisions regarding health matters, you must consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional. The author and KÜRE Encyclopedia assume no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of this information for diagnosis or treatment purposes.

Note: Basic Life Support procedures must be performed only by individuals who have received proper training in this area. Incorrect application may lead to serious consequences.