El ABC de los primeros auxilios: 5 siglas que pueden ayudar a salvar una vida

En una emergencia, una respuesta rápida puede marcar la diferencia entre un percance menor y un evento que altera la vida. Pero en ese momento, ¿recordarás qué hacer?

Afortunadamente, los expertos en seguridad han ideado dispositivos mnemotécnicos (herramientas de memoria que le ayudan a recordar información rápidamente) para algunas de las técnicas de primeros auxilios más comunes. Desde manejar lesiones hasta responder a emergencias, estas siglas lo ayudan a mantener la calma, actuar con rapidez y marcar una diferencia real cuando más importa.

A continuación se presentan cinco de las siglas de primeros auxilios más comunes que debe conocer.

RCP

One of the most widely known safety acronyms is CPR. It stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the lifesaving procedure that is performed when someone’s heart stops beating. But the acronym also can help you remember the steps to follow if someone collapses and isn’t breathing.

• Check for responsiveness. Gently tap the person or talk loudly to them.
• Paramedics. If the person doesn’t respond, get medical help. Ask someone nearby to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
• Resuscitate. Begin efforts to revive the person.

TAXI

Para realizar una RCP de forma eficaz, recuerda las siglas CAB:

• Chest compressions. Place hands on the center of the person’s chest and push firmly, aiming for 100 compressions per minute.
• Airway. After about 30 compressions, tilt their head back slightly and lift the chin to open their airway
• Breathe. Pinch the person’s nose closed, make a seal over their mouth with yours, and breathe twice into their mouth.

You also can perform hands-only CPR – chest compressions only, with no rescue breathing. This procedure can be just as effective as full CPR in cases where you’ve seen the person collapse. The American Heart Association recommends full CPR for CPR with compressions and breaths for infants and children; people who drown or overdose; or people who collapse due to breathing problems.

SE RÁPIDO

Recognizing stroke signs is crucial for quick response and can make a life-saving difference. Knowing common signs and symptoms is essential for quick response and effective treatment. Use the acronym BEFAST to remember the key signs of stroke.

• Balance. Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
• Eyes. Changes in vision, including loss of sight.
• Face. Drooping on one side of the face, making it difficult to smile.
• Arm. Weakness or numbness in one arm. Often, the person also can’t raise both arms evenly.
• Speech. Slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding words.
• Time. Recognizing these signs and promptly seeking medical attention is crucial, as time is of the essence in treating a stroke to minimize damage.

Arroz

Minor accidents can occur anywhere, from home to school or sports events. Remember the RICE acronym for treating injuries like an ankle sprain or other joint injury.

• Rest. Have the person stop using or moving the injured area. For most minor injuries, it’s best not to put weight on the injury for 24-48 hours.
• Ice. Apply ice on the injured area for about 15 minutes every two to three hours for the first couple of days. If you don’t have an ice bag, use a bag of frozen vegetables or ice cubes wrapped in a towel.
• Compression. Wrap the injury with a medical bandage or other clean cloth. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly as this could cause further damage.
• Elevation. If possible, raise the injured area above the level of the heart to help reduce swelling and pain.

A B C

Por supuesto, algunos accidentes y lesiones son más graves que un fuerte hematoma o un esguince. Si necesitas detener una hemorragia importante, recuerda el ABC.

• Alert. Notify medical personnel or ask someone to do it for you.
• Bleeding. Locate the source of the bleeding.
• Compress. Apply pressure to stop the blood flow. Cover the wound with bandages or a clean cloth and apply pressure with your hands. You can also use a tourniquet or make one by using a cloth to tie off the blood supply between the wound and the heart.

Los primeros auxilios son solo el comienzo

Por supuesto, los primeros auxilios son sólo eso: la primera ayuda que alguien recibe en una emergencia. No reemplaza la evaluación y el tratamiento médico profesional, incluso si la lesión o enfermedad parece menor. Ver a un médico después garantiza una atención adecuada y previene complicaciones.

Want to learn more about preventing and treating injuries? Baylor Scott & White Health facilities offer a range of classes, including safety and first aid classes, to the public. Find a class near you.