Showing posts tagged first aid tips

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.

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

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 »

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.

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

    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 »

      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 »