First Aid: the essentials you need to know

At Info Latinos, we believe that practical information helps our community feel safer and better prepared.

We recently took part in a first aid training session delivered by the British Red Cross, where we learned simple steps that anyone can use in an emergency.

Before explaining what to do in a real situation, there are two important ideas:

• Before an emergency: prepare yourself

1. Learn the basics and download the app

The British Red Cross recommends learning simple skills that can help you stay calm and act confidently.

The free first aid app offers clear instructions, videos and easy explanations.

In English: 

First Aid by British Red Cross Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.rca&hl=en_GB

In Spanish: 

Primeros Auxilios / Cruz Roja Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.gdpc.fa&hl=es

Having this app is a practical way to be prepared.

• In an emergency: what to do step by step

The British Red Cross taught that the most important things are calling for help and knowing whether the person is breathing, because this is the first question emergency services will ask.

Here are the steps explained simply.

1. Call 999 as soon as possible

In a serious emergency, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.

• If you don’t speak English, you can say your language and ask for an interpreter.

• Emergency services can receive your location from your mobile phone, so don’t worry if you cannot explain the address clearly.

• The essential thing is making the call.

If you are alone, call first.

If someone is with you, one person calls and the other checks the casualty.

2. Check if the person is breathing

It’s important that our community can do this without depending on English instructions.

How to check:

• Look to see if the chest rises and falls

• Listen for breathing sounds

• Bring your cheek close to feel for air

This only takes a few seconds.

Knowing whether the person is breathing or not determines the next steps.

3. If the person is unconscious but breathing

Place them on their side, with their head slightly tilted back to keep the airway open.

This is the recovery position.

Then stay on the call with 999 until help arrives.

4. If the person is unconscious and not breathing

This is a very serious emergency.

• Call 999 (if you haven’t already)

• Start chest compressions

• Push firmly and rhythmically in the centre of the chest

• Continue until help arrives

If there is a defibrillator (AED) nearby, anyone can use it — the machine gives clear voice instructions.

5. Recognise the signs of a stroke

Use the FAST test:

• Face: one side of the face may droop

• Arms: they may not be able to lift both arms

• Speech: speech may be slurred or unclear

• Time: call 999

• First aid is for everyone

You don’t need to be a professional.

Simple actions, done calmly, can save lives.

We thank the British Red Cross for delivering this training and helping our community feel more prepared.

At Info Latinos, we encourage everyone to learn the basics, download the app and share this information with family, friends and the wider community.

Learn the essentials and be ready to help.