Showing posts tagged first aid advice

RICE

Keep RICE in mind, as a first aid treatment for all fractures, sprains and dislocations. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
Rest
Give plenty of rest to the immobilsed limb. Move it as little as possible so that there is no strain.

Ice
Apply ice to the injured area. No heat treatment or massage should be given. Use an ice pack or wrap up some ice cubes in a damp towel and apply it to the injured area. You could also use anything frozen such as a packet of frozen peas. Do not massage the injured area, and don’t apply any ointments like Iodex.

Compression
Wrap up the injured area with a crepe bandage if possible, or use any clean, fresh cloth available. Wrap it as tight as is comfortable. However, ask the doctor before bandaging the area. This will relieve the pain somewhat. Elevation
The injured limb should preferably be raised above the level of the heart. This could be done with the help of a pillow while sleeping.

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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.

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Hypothermia

Hypothermia- Also called: Cold-related illness

In cold weather, your body may lose heat faster than you can produce it. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. It can make you sleepy, confused and clumsy. Because it happens gradually and affects your thinking, you may not realize you need help. That makes it especially dangerous. A body temperature below 95° F is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated promptly.Anyone who spends much time outdoors in cold weather can get hypothermia. You can also get it from being cold and wet, or under cold water for too long. Babies and old people are especially at risk. Babies can get it from sleeping in a cold room.


What to Do
Check to make sure the victim is breathing before worrying about hypothermia. If you notice any of these signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°, the situation is an emergency—get medical attention immediately.If medical care is not available, begin warming the person, as follows:
http://www.bowhunter-ed.com/images/graphics/ch8_wind_chill.gif


  • Get the victim into a warm room or shelter. One of the first steps in treating a hypothermia victim is to reduce the cold exposure. Moving the victim from the cold and removing wet clothing helps to stop the victim from getting any colder.
  • Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. Or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
  • Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
  • After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
  • Get medical attention as soon as possible.

    Side Tips:Drinking alcohol increases cold exposure and makes hypothermia worse.

    If you are stranded in extreme cold, save your energy. Exertion will just lead to decreased energy and a lower body temperature.

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    Untitled

    Hypothermia- Also called: Cold-related illness

    In cold weather, your body may lose heat faster than you can produce it. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. It can make you sleepy, confused and clumsy. Because it happens gradually and affects your thinking, you may not realize you need help. That makes it especially dangerous. A body temperature below 95° F is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated promptly.Anyone who spends much time outdoors in cold weather can get hypothermia. You can also get it from being cold and wet, or under cold water for too long. Babies and old people are especially at risk. Babies can get it from sleeping in a cold room.


    What to Do
    Check to make sure the victim is breathing before worrying about hypothermia. If you notice any of these signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°, the situation is an emergency—get medical attention immediately.If medical care is not available, begin warming the person, as follows:
    http://www.bowhunter-ed.com/images/graphics/ch8_wind_chill.gif


    • Get the victim into a warm room or shelter. One of the first steps in treating a hypothermia victim is to reduce the cold exposure. Moving the victim from the cold and removing wet clothing helps to stop the victim from getting any colder.
    • Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. Or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
    • Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
    • After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
    • Get medical attention as soon as possible.

      Side Tips:Drinking alcohol increases cold exposure and makes hypothermia worse.

      If you are stranded in extreme cold, save your energy. Exertion will just lead to decreased energy and a lower body temperature.

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

      How to Remove a Splinter – Needle Method

      Use this method if there’s a soft, thin layer of skin over the splinter. This is common if the skin starts to heal over the splinter before you get a chance to take it out. It’s not a good method if the splinter is deep or the layer of skin is thick (like on the heel your foot).

      1. Sterilize the tip of the needle with rubbing alcohol.

      2. Find the part where the splinter entered the skin.

      3. Stick the needle in ever so slightly.



      4. Apply upwards pressure, using the tip of the needle to open the skin right above the splinter. Go a little further, with an upward scraping motion.

      5. Pull the skin apart gently and you should be able to see the splinter.

      6. Use tweezers to pull it out, if the end is sticking out. Otherwise, you might have to use the needle to gently nudge it out. Get the tip of the needle underneath the splinter and nudge it up very gently. You don’t want it to break in your skin. If it does, use the baking soda method immediately to extract it.

      - This step requires very steady hands and very good vision.

      Tips:

      - Don’t forget that most small splinters will work their way out of the skin on their own in a few days or a week. Sometimes it’s simpler and less harmful to just let your body heal itself. Watch for any sign of infection, though; while unlikely, it is possible.

      - To numb the site before pulling out the splinter, put ice around the splinter (but not on it) or briefly put the spot in ice water (but not long enough to make the skin wrinkly). Again, make sure the spot is dry; it’ll be harder to use some of the methods if the skin or splinter is moist.

      Best,

      Genuine First Aid

      http://www.genuinefirstaid.com

      (To read the rest of the article, click here.)