Showing posts tagged first aid

Tips for Treating Frostbite

With our headquarters in Florida, it’s unlikely that we will see too many cases of Frostbite. However, this winter has been incredibly trying for our friends up North, with blizzards and below freezing conditions for much of the winter.

May none of you ever be in a situation to have to treat frostbite, but just in case here are four tips to help you in rendering vital assistance. You can read the full article at about.com.

Tips on Treating Frostbite

  1. Once you have thawed the frostbitten tissure, DO NOT allow it to freeze again. The more often tissue freezes and thaws, the deeper the damage. If the victim will soon be exposed to freezing temperatures again, wait to treat frostbite.
  2. NEVER rub or massage frostbitten tissue. Rubbing frostbitten tissue will result in more severe damage.
  3. DO NOT use any heating devices, stoves, or fires to treat frostbite. Victims cannot feel the frostbitten tissue and can be burned easily.
  4. In a pinch, body heat can be used to thaw frostbite. For example, placing frostbitten fingers under the arm.

Posted via web from Genuine First Aid’s Posterous | Comment »

Cold Weather Reads

I gathered a few links of some interesting blogs that will assist you during these cold months.


If you blog, or have one that you would like to share, share the link with us.

Stay warm.

genuinefirstaid.com

Posted via web from Genuine First Aid’s Posterous | Comment »

Crush Wounds

Minor crush injuries can usually be treated with basic first aid, such as cleaning and bandaging the wound. Medical treatment is needed for a more serious crush injury. This treatment is needed to prevent loss of function, restore circulation to the injured area, and prevent infection. An example of a minor crush injury is getting a finger caught in a door. A crush injury is more serious when it involves a large force, such as a foot being run over by a car.

 

The crush injury is cleansed with soap and water. If there is bleeding, pressure is applied to control the bleeding. Ice is applied. An x-ray is required to determine if the bone was damaged.

 

A tetanus shot should be given if the person has not had one in the past 10 years. Antibiotics may be given to prevent infection.

 

A severe injury may need surgery and even removal of the body part.

 

Posted via web from Genuine First Aid’s Posterous | Comment »

Basic First Aid Tips: Bleeding

  • Apply direct pressure with towel or gauze until bleeding is stopped.
  • Clean minor cuts with Hydrogen Peroxide.
  • Apply antibiotic ointment and band-aid.
Band Aid

How Would You Define First Aid?

It’s time to get down to brass tacks. This entire site is dedicated to first aid and “first aid” is one of those terms thrown around like everyone out there knows what you’re talking about.

Do they?

First aid is a double-duty term. It requires context to really understand what is being talked about since first aid can be the lowliest bit of medical minutia or a truly life-saving intervention.

Cleaning up your kid’s skinned knee: first aid.

Reviving Grampa’s stopped heart with CPR: also first aid.

How seriously you might take the notion of first aid depends on the type of aid you’re referring to. Look up from your laptop and scan the rest of the coffee shop. See the mom sitting at the next table over? Ask her what she would expect to learn if she took first aid training.

Don’t tell me. I’m guessing her answer is something about CPR and what to do if you get into a car wreck.

Now turn to your left and ask the guy with one of those blended smoothie things what kind of treatment he would be seeking if he went to the first aid station at a theme park.

Yeah, I know. He said he’d go if he needed a Band-Aid — or maybe a Rolaid.

So, why do we care? First aid encompasses the front line of every medical condition, big or small, emergent or mundane. It’s a good idea to broaden your own definition of first aid when you’re thinking about needs and plans.

Seek out first aid training that covers more than emergencies. Plan for medical emergencies by starting with 911, because whatever first aid treatment you perform in a medical emergency, it will need to be followed by professional medical care. Learn to recognize emergencies and to deal with non-emergencies in the most efficient possible way.

By Rod Brouhard