At one time or another we may find ourselves in an emergency situation and how we react to the circumstances will greatly affect the out come of the victims. First and most importantly stay calm. Remaining calm will help the victim stay calm and cooperate. Send for professional help quickly, getting help to the victim as quickly as possible could mean the difference between life and death. Never move an injured person, encourage the victim to remain still until an ambulance and medics arrive.
Let’s cover some situations and basic first aid for each:
Bee Stings
Remove the stinger by scraping with your fingernail or a knife blade. A stinger that is not removed continues to release venom into the body for as long as 20 minutes. (Since squeezing releases more poison into your body, tweezers are not recommended).
- Thoroughly wash area with soap and water.
- Apply ice or a mixture of baking soda and water to relieve the swelling and pain.
Signs of an allergic reaction:
- Difficulty breathing
- Begin to cough
- Complain of headache
- Possibly become unconscious
Immediate medical attention is needed if an allergic reaction develops.
Bleeding
Apply direct pressure. Place a clean cloth over the injured area and firmly apply pressure. Do not remove cloth from injury, if blood soaks through apply another cloth over the existing cloth. Continue to apply pressure to the wound for 8 to 10 minutes
Position the wounded part of the body above the level of the heart if possible.
If direct pressure and elevation does not slow the blood flow, find the pressure point. The most common pressure points used during first aid are locate in the upper arms and in the creases above the upper leg. Apply pressure to the closet pressure point to the wound.
Choking
If a person is choking, you should not interfere as long as he is coughing and making noise. If coughing does not remove the object from the trachea and the victim is breathing with extreme difficulty, is turning bluish or appears to be choking but is unable to cough or speak, quickly ask, “Are you choking?” A choking victim can nod “yes” but will be unable to talk. It is important to ask because a person suffering from a heart attack will have similar symptoms, but will be able to talk.
If the victim is choking the need to perform Abdominal Thrust is necessary:
- Stand behind the victim with your arms around his waist.
- Place one fist, with the knuckle of the thumb against the victim’s midsection, slightly above the navel but well below the breastbone.
- Hold your fist firmly with the other hand and pull both hands sharply toward you with an upward-and –inward jab.
This procedure should be administered continually until either the object is forced out or the victim becomes unconscious. Immediate medical treatment is advised. Only perform this procedure in an actual emergency situation.
First Degree Burns
A first-degree burn damages the outer layer of skin. Characteristics include:
- Redness
- Mild pain
- Swelling
Continued >> on the next page
