A Simple Guide To Emergency First Aid Techniques

Keep in mind that there's a difference between reading about the techniques and practicing them under the guidance of a first aid instructor. 

Remember - Reading about first aid is no substitute for first aid training.
Positioning a victim should only be done to avoid danger or to provide care.

Only change position if victim is:
- Unconscious
- In immediate danger in current location
- Breathing and unconscious
- Vomiting or has debris in mouth
- In Shock

Remember - Do No Further Harm!

Log-Roll Technique
This technique allows you to safely turn a victim who is lying face down, if they are having difficulty breathing and there is no suspicion of spinal trauma. Remember, it is important to roll the person as a unit.
If you have assistance, stabilize the head and neck while you instruct your helper to roll the victim's body as a single unit onto their back or into the Recovery Position.

If you are alone:
- Kneel at the waistline area of the victim.
- Attempt to roll the victim as a single unit by grasping the opposite shoulder and opposite hip, rolling the victim towards you.
- As soon as movement begins, take your hand from the shoulder to support the head and neck area until the victim is flat or in the Recovery Position.

Clothes-Drag Technique
If you're alone and a victim absolutely has to be moved, follow these steps:
- Lay victim on back and put your hands under the victim's shoulders, grabbing victim's clothing. Be careful not to cause an airway obstruction by pulling the clothing too tightly.
- Support victim's head, keeping the head as close to the floor as possible.
- Drag the victim by their clothing, keeping the body aligned. Pull as a unit. Hold the head and neck as one, so no bending or twisting occurs.

Recovery Position
If spinal injury is suspected, DO NOT move or put victim in recovery position. A victim who is unresponsive but breathing normally should be placed in lateral lying position. Bend both legs to stabilize. Side-lying positions help prevent any blood or vomit from getting into the victim’s lungs. Victims left alone should be in this position.

Shock Position
If spinal injury is suspected, DO NOT move or put victim in shock position. Place a responsive victim breathing normally, with signs of shock in this position. Only do so if there is no evidence of trauma or injury and it does not cause pain.
- Lay victim on back. Don't place pillow under head.
- Elevate legs (if not painful) above the heart level or a minimum of 6-12 in./20-30 cm (about 30° -60°) above head level.
- Cover to maintain body temperature and keep victim comfortable.