4 CPR and First Aid Tips for the Elderly

Elderly individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing a medical emergency at home. If you have an elderly parent at home, it’s important that you get CPR and first aid training. Learning the basics of first aid will ensure that you will be able to offer assistance to the elderly loved one in case of a medical emergency.

Here are some CPR and first aid tips that are relevant to elderly individuals.

1. Avoid Infection

Elderly individuals are at increased risk of an infection in case of abrasions and cuts. They generally have a weak immune system. This makes them susceptible to a bacterial or viral infection. So, it’s essential that they are given first aid immediately in case of an injury. In this regard, it’s important to always keep the first aid kit stocked with different types of antibiotic creams and bandages.

2. Diabetic Patient

If your elderly family member is a diabetic patient, you should carry the required medications to give in case of a medical emergency. In case the senior adult suffers from low blood sugar, you should have them carry candy at all times. If the elderly individual suffers a diabetic shock, give him or her roll of candy and call the emergency number.

3. Slip and Fall

Slip and fall injuries are common with elderly individuals. Bones of senior individuals are fragile that break easily in case of a fall. They can experience fractures, sprains, and broken bones due to an accident.

The first thing that you should do after a senior individual falls down is to see if there is any sign of bleeding. In addition, you should make sure that the blood circulation is not blocked. Avoid moving the victim as it can result in serious injury. Instead, it’s important to wrap the injured area with ice and wait for professional help to arrive.

4. Cardiac Arrest

In case a senior adult suffers from a cardiac arrest, you should immediately perform CPR. You should follow the procedures mentioned in the online CPR and first aid class. Make sure to apply compressions at the recommended rate.

Keep in mind that when performing CPR and first aid, the ribs of the elderly individual can break. However, you should keep in mind that saving a life is more important. You should continue to apply CPR and first aid to the individual until a pulse is read, and the patient starts breathing again.

Getting to know the basics of CPR and first aid will ensure that you offer timely help to your elderly loved one in case of a medical emergency. In this regard, it’s recommended that you get online CPR and first aid certification training.

CPR and first aid training will prepare you for providing assistance in different types of medical situations faced by your elderly family member. Getting the training will allow you to offer timely assistance in case of an emergency thereby allowing you to treasure more years with your elderly loved one.