Fire Safety and First Aid Fundamentals

Fire needs oxygen, heat, and fuel to thrive. Extinguishing a fire involves removing one of these elements. Surprisingly, a candle flame contains millions of tiny diamonds that are created and then burned away in the process.

Not all fires are the same; thus, different extinguishers exist for various types. Water, foam, dry powder, CO2, and wet chemical are the main types, each designed for specific fire classes, from A to K.

Immediate cooling of burns under running water for 20 minutes reduces skin damage. Never use ice, as it can worsen the injury. Cling film can be a sterile cover, surprisingly better than fluffy cotton, which can stick to the burn.

Smoke inhalation causes more deaths than flames. It carries toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, which can asphyxiate silently. A wet cloth over your mouth helps filter out particles, but the best protection is avoiding smoke exposure altogether.

Escape plans are crucial and should include two exits for every room. Did you know that synthetic materials common in homes today burn hotter and faster than natural materials, reducing escape time from an average of 17 minutes to just 3?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double or triple survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest. Surprisingly, singing 'Staying Alive' by the Bee Gees provides the perfect rhythm for chest compressions.

Most home fires start in the kitchen. Always stay with cooking food and keep combustibles away from heat sources. Intriguingly, dust build-up in electrical outlets can spark a fire; routine cleaning is an unexpected but effective preventive measure.