Life Hacks

5 basic first aid skills that could save a life

Keya Frankline 20th January, 2026 12:03 PM

First aid is the immediate, often critical, help you can provide before professional medical services arrive. In an emergency, knowing a few fundamental skills can be the difference between life and death.

Here are five essential techniques that could save a life.

The DRSABCD action plan

This is your universal emergency checklist. DRSABCD stands for Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, and Defibrillation.

This step-by-step mental framework prevents panic and ensures you address the most critical threats.

This framework works in dealing with cases like an obstructed airway in the right order. This sequence aligns with the primary survey recommended by St. John Ambulance, ensuring a systematic response in any emergency.

Hands-only CPR

CPR in full Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation works in cases when an adult is unresponsive and not breathing.

Kneel beside them, place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest, and push hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute as per American Heart Association guidelines.

This manual pumping action keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and heart, buying vital time until an ambulance arrives

first aid — First aid kit.Image used for illustration purposes. PHOTO/Pexels

The recovery position

If a person is unconscious but breathing (as confirmed by DRSABCD), carefully roll them onto their side. T

his simple position keeps their airway open and prevents them from choking on their tongue or vomit, protecting them while you wait for professional help.

Controlling severe bleeding

According to St John Ambulance’s first aid advice on severe bleeding, “Apply direct firm pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing if possible or a clean non-fluffy cloth to stop the bleeding.”

If possible, elevate the injured area above the level of the heart. Maintain pressure; do not remove the initial dressing if it becomes soaked. Simply add another layer on top. This action directly stops life-threatening blood loss.

Treating serious burns

For treatment of serious burns, Dr Elizabeth Hewett Brumberg of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, First Aid Sub-Council shares, “for the treatment of burns, you want to apply cool, clean running water as quickly as possible to try to cool the skin down. Then assess how much of your body is burned and determine whether or not you need to go to the emergency department.”

Immediately cool the burn under cool, running water for at least 20 minutes. This stops the burning process, relieves pain, and reduces tissue damage. Afterwards, cover the area loosely with cling film or a sterile non-stick dressing. Never use ice, creams or pop blisters.

These skills create a foundational toolkit. Start by memorising the DRSABCD plan. It is the decision-making engine that guides you through any crisis. It is important to note that your safety comes first and calling emergency services is always the most urgent step.