First Aid Guide

First aid is immediate assistance or treatment given to someone injured or suddenly taken ill before the arrival of the ambulance by a doctor or any other appropriate qualified person.

WOUNDS AND BLEEDING

Emergency care in case of bleeding

  Expose the wound by removing clothes to see where the blood is coming from.

  Place a cloth on the wound and apply pressure on the wound.

  If bleeding persists, use elevation to help reduce blood flow. It must be combined with direct pressure over the wound.

  If the bleeding does not stop, apply pressure on a nearby artery. 

BURNS

Burns are wounds caused by excessive exposure of the body to heat, such as a flame, hot liquids, chemicals, electricity or radiation.

Causes of Burns

• Dry Heat: Direct contact with a flame or hot object.
• Scalds: Moist heat such as boiling water, steam, etc.
• Friction: Contact with a moving wheel, rope. Wire or asphalt.
• Chemical: Acids and alkalis.
• Electrical: Direct passage of current through the body and lightning injuries.
• Radiation: Over exposure to the sun and radiant heat sources.

Management of the burns

• Stop the burning process.
• Immediately cool the burn wound.
• Burn blisters should be left untouched as they protect the wound from contamination.
• All articles like rings, bangles, belt and boots which may become constricting agents after edema develops should be removed.
• Following cooling procedures, the burns should be covered with a clean sheet over which a blanket can be placed to maintain body heat to avoid hypothermia.
• Oils, ointments, lotions and other preparations should not be applied and adherent clothing not removed.
• The burn area must be covered with a moist, sterile or clean material to exclude air. Cling film is an excellent first-aid dressing. Face burns may be covered with a clean handkerchief.
• Non-burn areas are covered with warm dry covers.
• While awaiting transportation, the patient should be rested.
• Give warm fluids to drink if the casualty can take it, and restrict the movement and handling.

In case of extensive burns if the person goes into shock then first aid for shock be given and person rushed to a nearby hospital as fast as possible.

POISONING

POISON

Poison is a substance which if taken into the body in sufficient quantity may cause temporary or permanent damage. Poison may be swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, splashes into the eye or injected.

HOUSEHOLD POISONS

Almost every household contains potentially poisonous substances, such as bleach, dishwasher detergent, paint and weed killer. These can result in chemical burns. Children in particular are at high risk from poison.

Treatment

• Check and if necessary clear the casualty's air passages.
• If the casualty becomes unconscious, check breathing and pulse and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary.
• Place the casualty in a recovery position.
• If needed give mouth to mouth resuscitation and if there are chemicals on the casualty's mouth, use a plastic face shield to protect yourself.

ALCOHOL POISONING

Alcohol is a drug that depresses the activity of the central nervous system. Prolonged intake can badly impair all physical and mental abilities.
Treatment

• Check the causality's level of consciousness.
• Gently shake the shoulders and speak to them loudly and clearly to see if they respond.
• If the causality is unconscious, open the air passages, check breathing and pulse and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary.