First aid: explained in 5 steps!

The first-aid course is particularly important for the driver’s license test. Over time, terms such as  the recovery position , chest compressions, and resuscitation fade into the background. Adhering to the rescue chain can, however, save lives in critical moments. It is the symbol of the essential steps that take place in the context of resuscitation. Here you can find out the correct sequence of events in the rescue chain and what needs to be considered when providing first aid.

1. Check for unconsciousness and breathing

If a person suddenly falls over or is found lying on the ground, the first thing to do is to check that the person is unconscious. In addition, the cause of the unconsciousness must be checked. It is important to know whether it is a case of cardiovascular collapse.

Here’s how it works: The person should be addressed loudly and clearly: “Hello, what happened? What’s your name?”. Raking or gasping does not count as normal, regular breathing.

2. First aid: dial emergency services

If the person is unconscious, they should call 112 as soon as possible. You can also ask other people to call 911. Answer all W-questions from the emergency call center:

• Who is calling? Provide name and phone number.
• What happened? – You have found an unconscious person with evidence of cardiac arrest.
• Where are you? Exact address, place, place?

It is important not to end the conversation until the emergency call center has no further questions.

3. Chest compressions

Kneel on one side of the person. Place  the heel of your hand on the middle of your breastbone,  place your second hand on the back of your lower hand.

Bend vertically over the person’s chest, with  straight arms, firmly press the sternum two to six centimeters in the direction of the spine.  The German Heart Foundation recommends a frequency of  100 to 120 per minute.  Chest compressions are given until the rescue team arrives. Get help to take turns doing the  massage  . Laypersons are advised not to use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

The German Red Cross, on the other hand, advocates alternating between cardiac massage and ventilation: 30 x pressure, 2 x ventilation.

Tip:  songs by well-known artists can help to keep the frequency of the massage:

• Bee Gees – Stayin Alive.
• Robin Thicke feat. Pharrell Williams – Blurred Lines.

4. Resuscitation: This is how ventilation works

• It is important to open the airways before starting ventilation. Tilt the victim’s head back and lift their chin at the same time. With your hand resting on your forehead, close the soft part of your nose with your thumb and forefinger.
• Open the person’s mouth. The chin remains raised.
• Breathe in normally and place your lips tightly around the victim’s mouth.
• Blow air into the person’s mouth for one second.
• While maintaining the victim’s head position, turn your head to one side, breathe in again, and observe the victim’s chest.
• When breathing resumes, place the person in the recovery position.
• If there is no breathing, repeat measures until emergency services arrive.

5. Shocking

If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is on site, it will only be used if there are several helpers on site and someone knows where it is. This allows one person to continue giving chest compressions while the other attends to the AED. After turning on the defibrillator, follow the prompts on the voice computer.