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Handy First Aid Tips
When someone is injured or suddenly becomes ill, there is
usually a critical period before you can get medical treatment
and it is this period that is of the utmost importance to the
victim. What you do, or what you don't do, in that interval
can mean the difference between life and death. You owe it to
yourself, your family and your neighbors to know and to
understand procedures that you can apply quickly and intelligently
in an emergency.
Every household should have some type of first aid kit, and if
you do not already have one, assemble your supplies now. Tailor
the contents to fit your family's particular needs. Don't add
first aid supplies to the jumble of toothpaste and cosmetics in
the medicine cabinet. Instead, assenble them in a suitable,
labeled box (such as a fishing tackle box or small took chest
with hinged cover), so that everything will be handy when needed.
Label everything in the kit clearly, and indicate what it is used
for.
Be sure not to lock the box - otherwise you may be hunting for the
key when that emergency occurs. Place the box on a shelf beyond
the reach of small children, and check it periodically and always
restock items as soon as they are used up.
Keep all medications, including non-prescription drugs such as
aspitin, out of reach of children. When discarding drugs, be sure
to dispose of them where they cannot be retrieved by children or pets.
When an emergency occurs, make sure the injured victim's airway is
not blocked by the tongue and that the mouth is free of any
secretions and foreign objects. It is extremely important that
the person is breathing freely. And if not, you need to administer
artificial respiration promptly.
See that the victim has a pulse and good blood circulation as you
check for signs of bleeding. Act fast if the victim is bleeding
severly or if he has swallowed poison or if his heart or breathing
has stopped. Remember every second counts.
Although most injured persons can be safely moved, it is vitally
important not to move a person with serious neck or back injuries
unless you have to save hime from further danger. Keep the patient
lying down and quiet. If he has vomited and there is no danger
that his neck is broken, turn hin on his side to prevent choking
and keep him warn by covering him with blankets or coats.
Have someone call for medical assistance while you apply first aid.
The person who summons help should explain the nature of the
emergency and ask what should be done pending the arrival of the
ambulance. Reassure the victim, and try to remain calm yourself.
Your calmness can allay the feat and panic of the patient.
Don't give fluids to an unconscious or semiconscious person; fluids
may enter his windpipe and cause suffocation. Don't try to arouse
an unconscious person by slapping or shaking.
Look for an emergency medical identification card or an emblematic
device that the victim may be wearing to alert you to any health
problems, allergies or diseases that may require special care.
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