Basic First Aid
Many accidents occur every year. With
some care, they can be prevented. In case an accident does
happen, you can be of help if you know First Aid. Read each
of the following carefully you will be able to give vital
first aid, if needed. Please remember to seek assistance from an
adult immediately.
Do not move the injured person unnecessarily.
Keep him warm. Make a diagnosis, decide on the treatment and
then treat the person. Please remember the ABC of First Aid
see if his Airways are
clear, that he is Breathing, and his blood Circulation is
satisfactory.
Respiration :
If it is weak and failing, give artificial
respiration - mouth to mouth or
mouth to nose respiration.
Bleeding :
Arrest the bleeding and protect the
wound. Apply direct or indirect pressure. Cover it with a
dressing, apply a pad and a firm bandage. Raise the wound
area, if possible and keep it in a stable position.
Fractures :
Immobilize
the area with a well padded stiff support reaching the joints on
either side. Apply bandages on either side of the site and
at the joints on either side of the support.
Burns and Scalds :
A burn is caused by dry heat while a scald
is caused by moist heat like steam, very hot water or oil. Immediately
cool the area with cold water - for 15 mins. till the pain
subsides. Neither break
the blisters, nor apply anything on the burns. Cover with a
sterile or clean cloth, pad and bandage. Give fluids to the
burn victim.
Nose Bleeding :
Make the patient sit up facing the breeze
with the head bend slightly forward. Ask the patient to breathe through the mouth and
NOT to blow the nose. Apply a cold compress over the nose.
Use your fingers to pinch close the soft port of the nose -
hold thus for about 10 minutes. Cold compress application on
the back of the neck and forehead may also help.
Bee Sting :
Do not press the bag (of the sting). Use
forceps and remove the sting. Apply cold or weak ammonia.
Animal Bites :
Wash with soap and plenty of water. Loose
bandage may be applied. Get quick medical aid.
Snake Bites :
Keep the patient calm. Wash with plenty of
water and soap. Do not rub
hard. First apply a constrictive bandage on the heart side
of the bite. (Not to be applied continuously for more than
20 mins.). Do not incise or attempt to suck the wound. Get
aid quickly. Try to identify the snake.
Fainting :
Make him/her lie down and loosen the clothing
around chest and waist. Turn the patients head to one side. The legs may
be raised a little. Do not
attempt to give any solids or liquids. If the patient
recovers, a small
quantity of a drink may be given and allowed to sit up and
move after rest.
General :
If you are in doubt about the treatment do
not do anything. You may do more harm.
These are only hints. To be a good First
Aid volunteer you can do the first aid course conducted
regularly by the St. John Ambulance Association in all the
States. Contact your state Centre for details. Also join the
Ambulance Brigade in your State.
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