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First Aid

First aid is the help, which is given to someone immediately, who has been injured, or who suddenly becomes ill, before medical help is available. First aid is of two types - one where minor injuries can be dealt with and the other to provide basic care to a seriously injured individual before medical help can be acquired. First aid has three main aims: To keep the injured or ill person alive; to stop the condition from worsening and to help the patient recover faster.
First Aid box A first-aid box should comprise: First-aid book Sterile adhesive bandages in different sizes Adhesive tape Triangular and roller bandages Cotton (1 roll) Band-aids Scissors Pen torch Gloves (2 pair) Needle Moistened towels and clean dry cloth pieces Antiseptic (Savlon or Dettol) Thermometer Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant Different sizes of safety pins Cleansing agent/soap Non-prescription drugs Pain relievers Anti-diarrhoea medication Antacid Laxatives
In case of animal bites In case of an animal bite, follow this procedure: For minor wounds - Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic cream to prevent infection and cover the bite with a clean bandage. For deep wounds- If the animal bite leads to badly torn and bleeding skin, apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth to stop the bleeding and consult your doctor. For infection- If you notice signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, increased pain, consult your doctor immediately. For suspected rabies- If you suspect an animal that might carry rabies have caused the bite, consult your doctor immediately. Back to top
In case of insect bites Signs and symptoms of an insect bite result from the injection of venom or other substances into your skin. The venom triggers an allergic reaction. The severity of your reaction depends on your sensitivity to the insect venom or substance. Most reactions to insect bites are mild, causing little more than an annoying itching or stinging sensation and mild swelling that disappear within a day or so. A delayed reaction may cause fever, painful joints and swollen glands. Signs and symptoms of a severe reaction include: Facial swelling Difficulty breathing Abdominal pain Shock Bites from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies and some spiders also can cause reactions, but these are generally milder. Move to a safe area to avoid more stings. Scrape or brush off the stinger with a straight-edged object, such as back of a knife. Wash the affected area with soap and water. Don't try to pull out the stinger. Doing so may release more poison. Apply a cloth filled with ice to reduce pain and swelling.
In case of choking Choking occurs when an object gets struck in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. In adults, a piece of food causes choking. Young children often swallow small objects, which leads to choking. The choking cuts off oxygen to the brain, first aid is required as quickly as possible. Signs of Choking are: Inability to talk Difficulty in breathing or noisy breathing Inability to cough forcefully Skin, lips and nails turning blue or dusky Loss of consciousness Back to top If choking occurs: First, deliver five back blows between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. Next, perform five abdominal thrusts Alternate between five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the blockage is dislodged. To perform abdominal thrusts on someone else: Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around the waist. Tip the person forward slightly. Make a fist with one hand. Position it slightly above the person's navel. Grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust — as if trying to lift the person up. Perform a total of five abdominal thrusts, if needed. If the blockage still isn't dislodged, repeat the "five-and-five" cycle. If you are alone and choking, you'll be unable to effectively deliver back blows to yourself. However, you can still perform abdominal thrusts to dislodge the item. To perform abdominal thrusts on yourself: Place a fist slightly above your navel. Grasp your fist with the other hand and bend over a hard surface — a countertop or chair will do. Shove your fist inward and upward.
In case of bruises A bruise occurs when a blow breaks small blood vessels near your skin's surface, allowing a small amount of blood to leak out into the tissues under your skin. The trapped blood appears as a black-and-blue mark. Sometimes, tiny red spots also appear on the skin. If your skin isn't broken, you don't need a bandage. You can, however, enhance bruise healing with these simple techniques: Elevate the injured area. Apply ice several times a day for a day or two after the injury. Rest the bruised area, if possible. Back to top Consult your doctor if: You have unusually large or painful bruises. You have bruised easily and you are experiencing abnormal bleeding elsewhere, such as from your nose or gums, or you notice blood in your eyes, etc. These signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious problem, such as a blood-clotting problem or blood-related disease. Bruises accompanied by persistent pain or headache also may indicate a more serious underlying illness and require medical attention.
In case of burns To distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn, the first step is to determine the degree and the extent of damage to body tissues. First-degree burn The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned. The skin is usually red, with swelling and pain. The outer layer of skin hasn't been burned through. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, or a major joint. Second-degree burn When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is called a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely red appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling. If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches (7.5 centimetres) in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately. For minor burns, including first-degree burns and second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 3 inches (7.5 centimetres) in diameter, take the following action: Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least five minutes, or until the pain subsides. Don't put ice on the burn. Cover the burn with a sterile bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, which may irritate the skin. Wrap the bandage loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Take a pain reliever to reduce the pain. Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different colour from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling, etc. If infection develops, consult your doctor. Caution Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause frostbite, further damaging your skin. Don't apply butter or ointments to the burn. This could prevent proper healing. Don't break blisters. Broken blisters are vulnerable to infection. Back to top
In case of cuts and scrapes Minor cuts and scrapes require proper care to avoid infection. These guidelines can help you care for simple wounds: Stop the bleeding - Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own. If they don't, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Hold the pressure continuously for 20 to 30 minutes. Don't keep checking to see if the bleeding has stopped because this may damage or dislodge the fresh clot that's forming and cause bleeding to resume. If the blood spurts or continues to flow after continuous pressure, consult your doctor. Clean the wound - Rinse out the wound with clear water. Soap can irritate the wound, so try to keep it out of the actual wound. Thorough wound cleaning reduces the risk of infection and tetanus. To clean the area around the wound, use soap and a washcloth. Apply an antibiotic - After you clean the wound, apply a thin layer of an antibiotic cream or ointment to help keep the surface moist. The products don't make the wound heal faster, but they can discourage infection and allow your body's healing process to close the wound more efficiently. Cover the wound - Bandages can help keep the wound clean and keep harmful bacteria out. After the wound has healed enough to make infection unlikely, exposure to the air will speed wound healing. Change the dressing - Change the dressing at least daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty. Back to top
In case of electrical burns An electrical burn may appear minor or not show on the skin at all, but the damage can extend deep into the tissues beneath your skin. If a strong electrical current passes through your body, internal damage, such as a heart rhythm disturbance or cardiac arrest, can occur. Sometimes the jolt associated with the electrical burn can cause you to be thrown or to fall, resulting in fractures or other associated injuries. While helping someone with an electrical burn and waiting for medical help, follow these steps: Look first. Don't touch. The person may still be in contact with the electrical source. Touching the person may pass the current through you. Turn off the source of electricity if possible. If not, move the source away from both you and the injured person using a dry non-conducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood. Prevent shock. Lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk and the legs elevated. Cover the affected areas. If the person is breathing, cover any burned areas with a sterile bandage, if available, or a clean cloth. Don't use a blanket or towel. Loose fibres can stick to the burns.
In case of fainting Fainting occurs when the blood supply to your brain is momentarily inadequate, causing you to lose consciousness. This loss of consciousness is usually for a very short time. If someone faints: Position the person on his or her back. Elevate the legs above heart level about 12 inches (30 centimetres), if possible. Check the person's airway to be sure it's clear. Watch for vomiting. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If absent, begin (CPR) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Continue CPR until help arrives or the person responds and begins to breathe. Help restore blood flow. If the person is breathing, restore blood flow to the brain by raising the person's legs above the level of the head. Loosen belts, collars or other clothing. The person should revive quickly. If the person doesn't regain consciousness, then call the doctor immediately. If the person was injured in a fall associated with a faint, treat any bruises or cuts appropriately. Back to top
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Ideally, CPR involves two elements: chest compressions combined with mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing. AIRWAY: Clear the airway Put the person on his or her back on a firm surface. Kneel next to the person's neck and shoulders. Open the person's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift manoeuvre. Put your palm on the person's forehead and gently tilt the head back. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the airway. Check for normal breathing, taking no more than five or 10 seconds: Look for chest motion, listen for breath sounds, and feel for the person's breath on your cheek and ear. Gasping is not considered to be normal breathing. If the person isn't breathing normally and you are trained in CPR, begin mouth-to-mouth breathing. If you believe the person is unconscious from a heart attack and you haven't been trained in emergency procedures, skip mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and proceed directly to chest compressions to restore circulation. BREATHING: Breathe for the person Rescue breathing is mouth-to-mouth breathing. With the airway open (using the head-tilt, chin-lift manoeuvre) pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours, making a seal. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Give the first rescue breath — lasting one second — and watch to see if the chest rises. If it does rise, give the second breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift manoeuvre and then give the second breath. Begin chest compressions to restore circulation. Back to top CIRCULATION: Restore blood circulation with chest compressions Place the heel of one hand over the centre of the person's chest. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands. Use your upper body weight (not just your arms) as you push straight down on (compress) the chest 2 inches (approximately 5 centimetres). Push hard and push fast — give two compressions per second, or about 120 compressions per minute. After 30 compressions, tilt the head back and lift the chin up to open the airway. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Pinch the nose shut and breathe into the mouth for one second. If the chest rises, give a second rescue breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift manoeuvre and then give the second rescue breath. That's one cycle. If someone else is available, ask that person to give two breaths after you do 30 compressions. Continue CPR until there are signs of movement or until a doctor arrives.
In case of high fever In case of high fever, follow this procedure: Bathing the patient with cool (not ice-cold) water, or placing pieces of cloth soaked in cool water on the forehead, chest arms and legs. Change the cloths often. Continue to do this until the fever is down to 100° F. Give the patient lots of water with a little sugar or jaggery to drink. This will help to boost the energy level of the patient. It is important to drink fluids when you have a fever. It is important because fever causes considerable fluid loss through the skin and perspiration. Because it is difficult to measure fluid loss, it is good to drink 1 to 2 glass of extra fluid each day when you have a fever. High fevers, with temperatures of 103° and above, can signal a potentially dangerous infection. Contact your doctor in case of a high fever or if a lower fever doesn't resolve with simple treatments. Back to top
In case of frostbite Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues are exposed to very cold temperatures. The areas most likely to be affected by frostbite are: hands, feet, nose and ears. You can identify frostbite by the hard, pale and coldness of skin. As the exposed area softens, the skin becomes red and results in unbearable pain. If your fingers, ears or other areas are affected by frostbite: Stay away from the cold. Warm your hands by tucking them under your arms. If your nose, ears or face is frostbitten, warm the area by covering it with dry, gloved hands. Don't rub the affected area. Never rub snow on frostbitten skin. Consult your doctor if numbness remains during warming. If you can't get help immediately, warm severely frostbitten hands or feet in warm, not hot water. You can warm other frostbitten areas, such as your nose, cheeks or ears, by covering them with your warm hands or by applying warm cloth.
In case of heatstroke Heatstroke is the most severe of the heat-related problems, often resulting from exercise or heavy work in hot environments combined with inadequate fluid intake. Young children, older adults, people who are obese and people born with an impaired ability to sweat are at high risk of heatstroke. Other risk factors include dehydration, alcohol use, cardiovascular disease and certain medications. Heatstroke becomes severe and life threatening, when the body’s normal mechanisms for dealing with heat stress, such as sweating and temperature control, is lost. The main sign of heatstroke is a noticeably elevated body temperature, generally greater than 40° C. Other signs and symptoms include: Rapid heartbeat Rapid and shallow breathing Elevated or lowered blood pressure Cessation of sweating Irritability, confusion or unconsciousness Feeling dizzy or light-headed Headache Nausea Fainting, which may be the first sign in older adults If you suspect heatstroke: Move the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned space. Cool the person by covering him or her with damp sheets or by spraying with cool water. Give direct air onto the person with a fan or newspaper. Have the person drink cool water, if he or she is able to do so. Back to top
In case of nosebleed Nosebleeds are common among children and young adults. It usually originates from the septum, just inside the nose. The septum separates your nasal chambers. In middle-aged and older adults, nosebleeds can begin from the septum, but they may also begin deeper in the nose's interior. To take care of a nosebleed: Sit upright and lean forward. By remaining upright, you reduce blood pressure in the veins of your nose. This discourages further bleeding. Sitting forward will help you avoid swallowing blood, which can irritate your stomach. Pinch your nose. Use your thumb and index finger and breathe through your mouth. Continue to pinch for five to 10 minutes. This manoeuvre sends pressure to the bleeding point on the nasal septum and often stops the flow of blood. To prevent re-bleeding after bleeding has stopped, don't pick or blow your nose and don't bend down until several hours after the bleeding episode. Keep your head higher than the level of your heart. If re-bleeding occurs, blow out forcefully to clear your nose of blood clots and spray both sides of your nose with a decongestant nasal spray. Seek medical care immediately if: The bleeding lasts for more than 20 minutes The nosebleed follows an accident, a fall or an injury to your head, including a punch in the face that may have broken your nose.
In case of shock Shock may result from trauma, heatstroke, allergic reactions, severe infection, poisoning or other causes. Various signs and symptoms appear in a person experiencing shock: The skin may appear pale or grey. The pulse is weak and rapid. Breathing may be slow and shallow, or hyperventilation (rapid or deep breathing) may occur. Blood pressure is below normal. The eyes lack lustre and may seem to stare. Sometimes the pupils are dilated. The person may be conscious or unconscious. If conscious, the person may feel faint or be very weak or confused. Shock sometimes causes a person to become too excited and anxious. If you suspect shock, even if the person seems normal after an injury: Have the person lie down on his or her back with feet higher than the head. If raising the legs will cause pain or further injury, keep him or her flat. Keep the person still. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If absent, begin CPR. Keep the person warm and comfortable. Loosen belt(s) and tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking if the person vomits or bleeds from the mouth. Seek treatment for injuries, such as bleeding or broken bones. Back to top