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Emergency and First Aid

Increasing knowledge and advancesin medicine constantly update first-aid techniques in the event of anemergency, but the emphasis remainson the prompt and proper care of thecasualty by helping to alleviate painand suffering. Whether first aidinvolves being able to deal with a suspected broken leg or stopping a nosebleed, it is vital to know the right stepsto rake in order to prevent furthercomplications and to reassure thecasualty that they are in good hands.

Learning basic first-aid techniques isstraightfOrward and is something thateveryone should do. Knowing how toact in some emergency situations maywell make the difference between lifeand death.

Animal bites and scratches

All animals carry germs in their mouthsand on their claws. When thesepenetrate the skin, the germs will heleft in the muscle tissues and may causeinfection if not cleaned thoroughly.

Hold the wound under warm runningwater and wash the affected area withsoap for at least 5 minutes to removeany saliva or dirt particles. Gently patthe area dry, then wipe the wound witha mild antiseptic solution befOrecovering it with a sticking plaster orsterile dressing. A serious wound shouldalways he referred to hospital.

Broken bones

Always treat any doubtful cases ofinjured bones as if they were broken inorder ro prevent additional internalinjuries. Do not attempt to move thecasualty until the injured part is securedand supported, unless he is in danger. Ifthe broken limb is an arm, it may thenhe reasonable to take the casualty tohospital by car, otherwise call for anambulance immediately. Do nor givethe casualty anything to eat or drink, as surgery may be required if bones arebadly broken.

TREATING A BROKEN LEG

I. Ensure that the casualty remains still,and support the leg and below theinjury with your hands. Move the uninjuredIcg against it and place padding between the knees, ankles and hollows.

2. Using a scarf, tie or cloth, tie the feettogether in a figure-of-8 to secure them,and tie on the outer edge of the foot on theuninjured leg.

3. Immobilize the joints by tying bothknees and ankles together. lie additionalbandages and below the injured area.

4. Should the bone protrude through theskin, cover the wound with a steriledressing or clean pad, and apply pressure rocontrol the bleeding. Use a bandage tosecure the pad and immobilize the limb.

TREATING A BROKEN ARM

1. Sit the casualty in a chair and carefullyplace the injured arm across his chest in theposition that is most comfortable. Ask himto support the arm or place a cushionunderneath it to take the weight.

2. Use a shawl or piece of sheeting (approximately 1 sq in/1 sy yd in size) andtold it diagonally into a triangle. Slide thisunder the injured arm and secure by tyingthe ends by the collarbone on the injuredside- Strap the min to the hotly using a widepiece of fabric and tie as shown.

Burns and scalds

Immediately douse the burned orscalded area in cold running water.Gently try to remove any jewellery orconstricting clothing from near theburn before it starts to swell. Keep theaffected parr in cold water for at least 10minutes, then place a clean dressingover the horn and gently bandage it.Any injury larger than 2.5 cm/1 in willrequire treatment at hospital.

TREATING BURNS

•Never break blisters.

•Never use a sticking plaster.

•Never apply butter, lotions orointment to the affected area.

Choking

Remove any food or false teeth from themouth, but never attempt to locate theobstruction by putting your fingersdown the casualty's throat, as this canpush the obstruction further in.

If the casualty becomes unconsciousthis may relieve muscle spasm, so checkto sec whether he has begun to breathe.If not, turn him on his side and give 4blows between the shoulder blades.Should this fail, place one hand the other just below the ribcage andperform abdominal thrusts. If thecasualty still does not start to breathe,call immediately for an ambulance andgive the kiss of life.

If a choking casualty becomes unconscious, kneel astride him and, placing onehand the other, perform abdominal thrusts.

DEALING WITH A CHOKING PERSON

Bend the casualty forward so that the head is lower than the chest, and encouragehim to cough. If this does not dislodge theobject, sharply slap him up to 5 timesbetween the shoulder blades using the flatof your hand.

If this fails, stand behind him and gripyour hands together just below the rib cage.Pull sharply inwards and upwards from yourelbows to deliver up to 5 abdominal thrusts.11-iis action causes the diaphragm tocompress the chest and should force our theobstruction. If the blockage still remains,repeat the process of 5 hack slaps followedby 5 abdominal thrusts.

If a child is choking, place him acrossyour knees with t he heed down. Holdinghim securely, slap smartly between theshoulder blades (using less force than thatrequired for an adult) to dislodge theobject. li the child continues to choke, sithint on your knees and, using just oneclenched hand, perform gentle abdominalthrusts to avoid causing injury.

If a baby or toddler is choking, lay himalong your forearm with the head down,using your hand to support the head. Useyour fingers to slap the baby smartlybetween the shoulder blades, but rememberto use less force than you would for nil olderchild.

If the baby fails to start breathing, turnhim over on to his hack so that the head istilted down. Using only 2 fingers, apply upto 4 abdominal thrusts just the navelby pressing quickly forwards towards thearea of the chest.

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