52x52: Learn to Save a Life

52 random acts of kindness that each take under 52 seconds. One action each week, over a year takes less than an hour of your life.

I'm not a doctor or paramedic but I am sometimes the first person at the scene of an accident or first aid emergency. Many accidents and incidents have had the potential to be serious and even fatal. 

As community worker, parent and a person who lives in a community and world of people, I know there will be many other first aid emergencies in the future. These a just a few of the ones I have had so far:

• Choking
• Broken bone
• Epileptic Seizure
• Asthma Attack
• Sprained ankle
• Nose Bleed
• RTA head injury resulting in loss of consciousness
• Fainting
• Burn
• Knife wound 
• Glass cuts to wrists
• Skull injury from metal weapon

I only knew what to do because I learned First Aid.

One simple act of first aid is the recovery position and takes less than a minute to learn and do. Learning to put someone in the recovery position can save their life. If they are unconscious and breathing it helps them to keep breathing until they regain consciousness. Keeping them alive can be just a case of keeping their airway clear. The Red Cross says:

Place the person on their side and tilt their head back

1. Check breathing by tilting their head backwards and looking and feeling for breaths.
2. Move them onto their side and tilt their head back.
3. As soon as possible, call 999 or get someone else to do it.

Learn first aid - you may save a life. That life may even be that of someone you love.