Showing posts tagged genuine first aid

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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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

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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.

 

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First Aid for Shock

    If you suspect shock, take the victim to the nearest hospital emergency room. If this is not possible, call for an ambulance immediately. While waiting for medical help, start these first aid measures:

 

  • Keep the victim lying down and covered with a blanket or coat to maintain warmth.
  • Do not move the person if injury to the head, neck, or spine may have occurred. Movement can cause further damage and should be done only by trained medical personnel.
  • In the absence of such injuries, elevate the feet 8 to 10 inches to increase blood flow to the trunk. You can prop the feet on pillows, books, or other such items. If nothing is available, simply hold them up with your hands.
  • If the person shows signs of a heart attack — chest pain, difficult breathing, profuse sweating — do not elevate the feet. Instead, raise the head and shoulders 8 to 10 inches.
  • If an arm or leg is bleeding severely, apply direct pressure to the wound. Bright red blood that is gushing or spurting indicates an injured artery. If pressing on the wound does not stop the bleeding, apply pressure to the appropriate point along the artery.
  • If nausea occurs, turn the person’s head to one side so that vomiting won’t cause choking.
  • If the victim falls unconscious and is not breathing, maintain an open airway and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately.

    • http://www.firstaidtopics.com/shock/
    www.genuinefirstaid.com