By: Wong Zhong Han (Final Year Chemical Engineering Undergraduate)

Have you ever put toothpaste on a burn or seen someone try it? Have you ever witnessed someone having a seizure and people tried to put a cloth in their mouth to prevent them from biting their tongue? Did you know that you can save lives if you are equipped with some basic life-saving skills? This article will debunk these myths!

The Master in Process Safety and Loss Prevention (MPSLP) program from the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, UPM, recently hosted a one full day Basic Emergency First Aid Training on June 29, 2024. The department invited trainers from Life Saving Professional Academy Sdn Bhd and welcomed 16 participants, including lecturers, undergraduates, and postgraduate students from KKA.

This training aimed to equip participants with the skills needed to act as First Aiders, enabling them to assist individuals who may be injured or unwell during emergencies. Throughout the session, participants learned essential techniques such as using an AED, performing CPR, and managing choking incidents. The exams were prepared at the end of the training to secure the Certificate of Competence for CPR.

Breaking Common Myths:

• Burn Treatment: It is a common myth that applying toothpaste to burns helps. In reality, toothpaste can seal in heat and trap bacteria, potentially causing more harm. Instead, immerse the burned area in room-temperature water.
• Seizure Response: While a person having a seizure might bite their tongue, you should never open their mouth or put anything between their teeth. Instead, remove dangerous objects around them, place something soft under their head, and roll them to the side after the seizure ends to ensure their airway is clear.
• When to Perform CPR? CPR should be performed when the victim is not breathing normally. How? Use the DR.CAB technique:
  • D - Danger: Ensure the safety of both the first aider and the victim.
  • R - Response: Tap the victim's shoulder to check consciousness and call the emergency number.
  • C - Chest Compressions: Check for breathing, and if absent, start 30 compressions.
  • A - Airway: Open the airway (head tilt, chin lift).
  • B - Breaths: Perform 2 rescue breaths. Repeat the DR.CAB cycle until the victim starts to breathe normally.

As a participant in the First Aid Training Session, the writer had a fruitful day learning these vital skills. From 8 am to 9 pm, he gained valuable insights into how to react effectively in emergencies. Although the writer might not be a professional first aider, he now feel more confident and prepared to respond to emergencies. First aid knowledge is crucial, and the writer highly recommend everyone to learn these skills as they are immensely beneficial in everyday life.

Date of Input: 07/08/2024 | Updated: 03/07/2025 | puteriamirah