It is that time of the year again! In the United States, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer. That means longer days, beach trips, kids splashing in pools, picnics, barbecues, and lots of time outdoors. But staying safe is just as important as having fun, which is why every year I share a few first aid videos to remind readers of the basics. I specifically chose these videos because they are only 2-5 minutes long, so you can get through the entire set in about 15 minutes.
When an emergency happens, many of us freeze. It is a natural response. Our brains are hard-wired for the “fight, flight, freeze” response, an automatic reaction to perceived threats that can make it hard to think clearly. But learning a few basic skills ahead of time, can help you stay calm and feel more prepared if something unexpected happens.
For example, did you know that more children ages one to four die from drowning than from any other cause, and that most drownings occur in residential pools? The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control estimates that each year in the United States roughly 4,000 people die from drowning—an average of 11 deaths per day—and children are at the higher risk.
The videos I selected for you this year cover a range of realistic summer scenarios. As we spend more time outdoors with family and friends, a little knowledge can go a long way. Of course, these videos are not a substitute for hands-on training. Your local YMCA, public library or American Red Cross may offer first aid classes for free or low cost, and if you have a chance to take one, I highly recommend it. In the meantime, I hope you find these short videos useful.
Recognizing drowning
It's a lot more subtle than you might think. Find out more about ways you can prevent drowning here.
CPR for adults
In recent years, major aid organizations have moved to teach compression-only CPR, which is shown in the clip below. Be aware there are special considerations for administering CPR to children and infants.
Using an AED
I have been noticing many more AEDs in public places recently, including schools, playgrounds, and gyms. They are simple to use and can be lifesaving.
Choking
This video shows the technique to aid adults. I highly recommend you also review the technique for infants and children.
Stop the bleed
Content warning: This video has dramatized but realistic scenes of heavy bleeding. An alternate video appropriate for all audiences is here.
Give naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose
Heat injury
This video covers treatment of heat stroke, which is a severe heat injury. For tips on preventing heat injury or treating heat exhaustion, see here.