First Aid Basics and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Key facts
- Burns should be cooled with cool running water as early as possible, ideally for at least 20 minutes;
- Adult CPR is used when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally;
- Standard adult CPR uses 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths when the rescuer is trained and willing;
Key Points at a Glance
- 1
First aid is immediate, temporary help given before professional care; its exam focus is safety, early help, preventing further harm, and staying within the rescuer's ability.
- 2
DRABC means Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation; this primary survey checks life-threatening problems before minor injuries.
- 3
The recovery position is used for an unresponsive person who is breathing normally; it helps keep the airway open while breathing is monitored.
- 4
Severe bleeding is controlled by firm direct pressure with a clean dressing; if blood soaks through, add another layer and continue pressure.
- 5
Burns should be cooled with cool running water as early as possible, ideally for at least 20 minutes; butter, toothpaste, oils, creams/lotions, and blister-bursting are unsafe.
- 6
Adult CPR is used when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally; compress the centre of the chest at 100-120 per minute, 5 to 6 cm (2 to 2.5 inches) deep.
- 7
Standard adult CPR uses 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths when the rescuer is trained and willing; hands-only CPR is acceptable for an untrained bystander.
- 8
AED use and the chain of survival link early recognition, emergency response, CPR, defibrillation, advanced care, and recovery; bystanders should follow the AED prompts and keep clear during analysis or shock.
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First aid: purpose and limits
First aid is the immediate, temporary help given to an injured or suddenly ill person until trained medical help arrives or the person reaches a health facility. In the CET Senior Secondary syllabus this topic belongs to Public Health, specifically “Basics of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)”. The exam does not expect hospital-level treatment. It expects the safe first response: protect yourself, call for help early, prevent avoidable harm, and use simple techniques correctly. The classic aims are to preserve life, prevent the condition from getting worse, and promote recovery. A first-aider does not diagnose like a doctor, give risky medicines, inject drugs, or attempt procedures beyond training.
The first-aider's role begins with scene safety. Road traffic, fire, electricity, crowd pressure, chemicals, unsafe water, and violence can turn one casualty into many. If the scene is unsafe, call emergency services and wait at a safe distance. If it is safe, approach calmly, introduce yourself if the person is conscious, ask for permission to help, and give clear instructions to nearby people. Bystander help is useful only when it is controlled and reasonable, not when it creates a crowd or delays professional care.
Core idea: first aid is calm, safe, early help within the rescuer's ability.
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