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 tool 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
aspirin, 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 severely or if he/she has swallowed poison or if
his/her 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 him/her from further danger.
Keep the patient lying down and quiet. If he/she has vomited
and there is no danger that his/her neck is broken, turn him/her
on his/her side to prevent choking and keep him/her warn by
covering him/her 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 fear and panic of the
patient.
Don't give fluids to an unconscious or semi conscious person;
fluids may enter his/her 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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