MUMBAI| PUNE | NATIONAL, 29 SEPTEMBER, 2026 (GPN): An emergency can turn an ordinary moment into a race against time. A sudden collapse, choking, seizure or road accident can leave bystanders with only minutes to act. The instinct to help is vital, but the wrong first-aid move can make things worse. Knowing what not to do can be just as lifesaving as knowing what to do. 

Dr. M. Roop Sai Krishna Yadav, Incharge & Asst. Medical Superintendent, Accident & Emergency Department, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pune says, “During an emergency, panic can be as dangerous as hesitation. The first responder’s role is not to replace a medical professional, but to keep the person safe, recognise the warning signs, initiate appropriate first aid and get professional help moving as quickly as possible. Simple, correct actions in those crucial minutes can preserve life and prevent further injury”.

Cardiac Emergencies- Do not wait

A critical mistake during suspected cardiac arrest is waiting for help to arrive. Bystander CPR remains uncommon in India, highlighting the importance of basic CPR awareness and training. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call emergency services and start CPR immediately. If an AED is available, use it as instructed. CPR helps maintain blood flow to vital organs until advanced care takes over.

Seizures- Do not put anything in the mouth

Never put a spoon, cloth or object into someone’s mouth during a seizure or try to restrain them. Move nearby hazards away, protect their head and note the duration. Once the seizure stops, place them in the recovery position where appropriate and seek medical help, particularly after a first or prolonged seizure.

Choking- Skip the water

Do not give water or blindly put your fingers into the mouth of someone who is choking. If they can cough effectively, encourage them to continue. If they cannot breathe, speak or cough effectively, call for emergency help and give appropriate choking first aid, such as back blows and abdominal thrusts for a conscious adult, where appropriate. If they become unresponsive, begin CPR. 

Burns- Avoid ice and home remedies

Ice, butter, toothpaste and creams can worsen burn injuries. Instead, cool the burn under clean, cool running water and cover it with a sterile, non-stick dressing. Burns that are deep, extensive or involve the face, hands, major joints or sensitive areas require prompt medical evaluation. 

Falls and major trauma- Do not move unnecessarily

After a serious fall or accident, avoid moving the person or attempting to straighten a fracture unless there is immediate danger. Check breathing and major bleeding, apply firm pressure to significant external bleeding and keep the person still until help arrives.

When first aid ends, emergency medicine takes over

First aid is only a bridge to definitive care. At the emergency department, patients may require rapid stabilisation and coordinated intervention for trauma, cardiac emergencies, stroke, respiratory failure, poisoning, severe infections and other critical conditions.

For patients in Pune, having access to a round-the-clock emergency department with coordinated specialist support can be critical when a situation moves beyond basic first aid. Hospitals such as Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital provide access to emergency physicians, critical-care teams and specialists under one roof. Services spanning trauma, cardiac resuscitation, stroke and respiratory care, along with paediatric and obstetric emergencies, help ensure timely transition from first response to definitive treatment.

In an emergency, stay calm, avoid harmful shortcuts and get professional help moving quickly. When every second counts, the right action can save a life.

This Article Has Been Authored By – Dr. M. Roop Sai Krishna Yadav, Incharge & Asst. Medical Superintendent, Accident & Emergency Department, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pune