I believe everyone should have the basic knowledge about what first aid is all about, it is not just having the box at home, do we really know how and when to apply it, some people only believe that when someone is hurt or have bruises is the best time to apply your kit and that is all without further treatment especially our Africa parents.
First aid is the first treatment given to a person before further treatment like visiting the hospital, Every home should have a small First Aid box. It doesn’t have to be filled with everything, but the necessary items should be there, things like bandages, antiseptic, cotton wool, scissors, pain relievers, and gloves can go a long way. Accidents don’t give warnings, and sometimes, it happens right inside the house. A child may cut his finger while playing, someone may slip and sprain an ankle, or hot water may spill on the skin. If there is no First Aid kit nearby, panic becomes the first reaction. But if there are basic supplies, you can quickly manage the situation before heading to the hospital.
I remember a time when I was coming back from school and climbed a bike, we got involved in an accident and the silencer rested on my left leg, it was so hot and this gave me a terrible scar, I got home without telling my siblings because my parents traveled to visit my grandparents in the village and they would be staying for weeks, I was so naive because I do not want to bother my siblings so I suffered in silence.
My parents doesn't have any first aid box at home, at least I know I should have cleaned the wound with spirit and cotton wool and take care of it till my parents comes but I did none of that, the wound started spreading and the pain increased, my siblings later noticed and called my parents to informed them, the next day I was taken to the hospital for proper cleaning of the wound, I believe if I had applied any first aid treatment to the affected part it may not resulted to something big.
The importance of First Aid goes beyond wounds alone, children of this generation are very stubborn that we can never predict what may happen next, when accident happens at home knowing how to respond in the first few minutes matters a lot. First Aid also gives peace of mind. Knowing that you have the necessary supplies at home makes you feel ready.
First Aid is not always taught in schools or homes. We grow up learning many things, but not enough about how to save a life in an emergency. That’s why it is important for us to take responsibility to learn, even on our own. There are free resources online, community trainings, and Red Cross programs that anyone can join.
One thing I learned from my sister is this importance of having a first aid box at home and it is a must for me to have it as well, it is never an option at home, it is a must especially when you have children, we can never predict the situation, anything can happen at any time but if you have your first aid box it is very easy to calm every situation down and apply the necessary kit.
This is my response to this episode of hivelearners community prompt of #hl-w180e02 which the topic is tagged FIRST AID
