The Dubai Health Authority Smart Clinic yesterday held a discussion on first-aid tips ahead of World First Aid Day.
Dr. Firas Annajjar, Consultant at Rashid Hospital's Trauma and Emergency Centre said on the occasion that it is important for people to be aware of first-aid methods and that people should take up first-aid courses.
He said, "In a majority of minor cases such as simple bleeding, twisted ankle etc., patients have better outcomes if first-aid is provided early, with the condition that the person administering first aid is taking care of his own safety and administering first-aid appropriately.
"Administering first-aid in severe cases such as heart attacks, drowning and loss of consciousness, is possible if the person calls 999, asks for an ambulance and then speaks to ambulance officials with regard to steps he or she can take to help the patient. In fact, in such severe cases, if the person administering first aid has undertaken a first aid course such as the heart saver course, he or she can administer first-aid directly until the time the ambulance arrives. However, if the person has not undergone any training and is administering first-aid without consulting a healthcare professional, it can have adverse effects and this is not advisable." Dr. Firas said in 2012, the Trauma Centre received 168,000 cases, of these 7 percent were major cases, 60 percent were minor cases and 33 percent were moderate.