| NOTE: The first aid information provided below was
compiled from personal experience and from the “American Medical
Association Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care”. The
information provided in this section is intended solely for
informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical
evaluation, treatment or consultation. I am not a medical
professional and strongly urge you to seek medical care for any
injury. |
For Cuts and Lacerations:
 | Wash your hands with soap and water before
treating the wound.
|
| Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile
cloth for ten minutes until the bleeding has stopped. Wash
thoroughly with soap and water or an anti-microbial soap, and rinse well
under running water for 5 to 10 minutes.
|
| Apply a bandage. Change the bandage twice
daily. Leave minor scrapes and scratches exposed to air. Apply
ointments or antiseptic sprays only on the advice of a doctor.
|
| For deep cuts, apply a pressure bandage. A
pressure bandage is achieved by placing gauze and then pressure for 10
minutes, then applying a circular bandage such as a sling or ace wrap
over the original gauze.
|
| For cuts in the scalp, if the cut is
severe seek medical attention at once. For minor cuts, apply a sterile
compress and press firmly to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding has
stopped clean the wound with soap and water or hydrogen peroxide and
bandage.
|
| For puncture wounds, seek medical
attention promptly.
|
| If the bandage soaks through with blood,
apply another compress over it and seek medical attention immediately.
If you cannot stop the bleeding seek medical attention immediately.
A wound that is bleeding severely should be elevated above heart level.
|
| If you feel faint or dizzy upon standing,
seek medical attention. Also seek medical attention for gaping cuts,
where fatty tissue is visible.
|
| Should symptoms of infection appear –
increased pain, inflammation, fever, or pus - seek medical attention at
once.
|
For Burns:
| For first degree burns, run cold water
over wound for fifteen minutes and cover with a gauze dressing. Do not
apply creams to the burn. Symptoms of first degree burns include redness
and mild swelling of the skin without blisters.
|
| For second and third degree burns, when
blistering or charring/whitening of the skin occurs, seek medical
attention immediately.
|
| If you experience difficulty breathing,
seek medical attention immediately. |
For Bruises and Sprains:
| Follow the RICE prescription (rest, ice,
compression, elevation) used in sports injuries to treat bruises and
sprains. If you experience significant swelling, cannot move, or
believe a joint/bone may be out of place or broken, seek medical
attention immediately.
|
| After the first 24 hours, apply moist heat
to the injury.
|
The most important thing to remember is to
get appropriate treatment for your injuries even though you may be
embarrassed to tell your secret.
Severe cuts and burns may cause your body to go into shock – shock can
kill you. Symptoms of shock include: pale and cool skin, moist and
clammy skin, weakness, rapid and weak pulse, shallow and irregular
breathing, anxiety, unusual thirst, vomiting, and unconsciousness in
severe cases.
Please seek medical attention for any injury
for which you are ill equipped to handle.
It is in your best interest to keep a first aid book handy. Some of
the first aid books available include:
"American Medical Association Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care"
"The American Red Cross First Aid and Safety Book"
Published 2002 |
|
