First aid

Everybody must know how to give the first aid. If it is given in time and correctly it may save human life. When you give the first aid to an injured person you must be calm and act without panic.

SKIN INJURIES

Cuts, puncture or other types of wounds may be dangerous because of possible loss of blood, infections or pain shock. Bruises do not seem so threatening but they also need attention. A cold compress or an ice-bag will soothe the pain and lessen subcutaneous hemorrhage. If the cut is bleeding heavily you must press the artery and fasten the wound tightly. Use iodine or brilliant green to paint cuts. Put sterile gauze over the wound and bind it to avoid infection.

FRACTURES

The word “ fracture ” means a break in a bone. There are two kinds of fractures: closed and open. If a person breaks his arm or leg he complains of pain in the place of the break. The pain becomes more severe if he presses the place or tries to move. Swelling appears quickly. Do not let the person move. Bind the splint for the broken limb but not at the place of the fracture. Doctors use X-rays to see the break and put plaster casts on the broken limb.

UNCONSCIOUSNESS

An unconscious person is completely unaware of what is going on and is unable to make purposeful movements. Fainting is a form of brief unconsciousness. A coma is a deep, prolonged state of unconsciousness. Causes of unconsciousness include stroke, epilepsy, heat exhaustion, diabetic coma, insulin shock, head or spine injury, suffocation, drunkenness, shock, bleeding, and heart attack.

Your steps should be the following:

o Make sure the unconscious person can breathe. Check for breathing and, if necessary, open the airway and begin rescue breathing.

o Keep the person lying down.

o Check the pulse. If there is none, call for help and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

o Treat any injuries.

o Do not give the person anything to eat or drink.

o Look for medical identification, such as epilepsy, diabetes, or drug allergy.

SHOCK

Shock may occur due to sudden illness or injury. When the circulatory system is unable to get enough blood to the vital organs, the body goes into shock.

The signs of shock include:

o Cool, pale, clammy skin

o Dilated pupils

o Weak, rapid pulse and low BP

o Shallow, rapid breathing

o Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

o Confusion or anxiety

o Faintness, weakness, dizziness, or loss of consciousness

Shock is a life-threatening condition. Prompt treatment can save lives:

o Have the person lie down and elevate his legs 12 inches or more. If the injury is to the head, neck or chest, keep the legs flat. If the person vomits, roll him to one side to let fluids drain from the mouth.

o Control any bleeding and splint any fractures.

o Keep the person warm, but not hot.

o Take and record the person’s pulse every five minutes.

o Comfort and reassure to relieve anxiety.

POISON PREVENTION

Develop habits of poison prevention before your child is born, and certainly before she is crawling. About 80 percent of poisonings occur in children age one to four. Infants grow so fast that sometimes they are crawling and walking before you have time to protect them.

o Never leave a poisonous product unattended, even for a moment.

o Lock all drugs away from children.

o Do not keep poisons such as drain opener, dish washer detergent, oven cleaner, or plant food under your kitchen sink. Keep them completely out of reach of children.

o Never store poisonous products in food containers.

In case of poisoning:

o Call a poison control centre, hospital or health professional immediately.

o Do not have the person vomit if she is having convulsions, is unconscious, has burning sensation in the mouth (throat) or has swallowed a corrosive agent or petroleum product.

o When vomiting begins, place the head lower than the chest to prevent vomited material from entering the lungs.