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First Aid is the immediate and temporary care given to a patient in a accident. Until medical help arrives (or in certain situations where you are isolated), you may need to administer first aid to a fellow surfer. Stick to the basics, which will be explained.
There are three common first aid problems in the surf we will deal with here, some minor and some major.
1. Lacerations
In the case of small cuts and minor bleeding, first of all leave the water. If you're on holiday in warmer climes, albeit unlikely, even a small trace of blood can attract sharks (see Shark Attack for more advice). Clean the wound thoroughly with running water, taking particular care to wash away any sand that's stuck in the cut. Don't panic if the cut looks ghastly - wounds always look worse when your skin is wet. Apply a good antiseptic (savlon or mercurachrome if available). It may be necessary to get follow-up treatment for stitches, anti-tetanus injections etc.
In the case of more serious lacerations, uncontrolled bleeding may lead to shock, collapse and even death. You need to act! In severe cases, apply direct pressure against the wound using the cleanest dressing you can find (a towel or T-shirt works well). Use your hand to apply pressure over the dressing to stop the bleeding.
If the bleeding continues and the dressing becomes soaked, do not remove it - rather put another layer of dressing over the original layer and continue to apply pressure with your hand. Elevate the limb - this improves blood circulation and slows down the bleeding.
Maintain firm pressure until the bleeding stops, or someone of higher skill relieves you. Remember, do not take on the role and responsibilities of a doctor unless you have no choice! Make sure you get qualified medical help.
2. Fish Hooks
Fish hooks are a common problem. At some stage during your surfing life you are likely to stand on a hook walking along the beach or jumping off the rocks, or be cast at (intentially or otherwise) by a fisherman.
If you are caught by a hook while in the water, cut the line with your fins. Once tou get back to land (or are hooked on land), cut off both the line and the eye of the hook. Push the pointed barb end through the skin, and pull the shaft off the hook through the second puncture. Make sure you recieve follow up treatment, which will probably include an anti-tetanus shot.
3. Neck Injuries
Ireland has a pretty high energy coastline, with thumping backlines and big shorebreaks. The typical case scenario is a surfer/bodyboarder/swimmer being dumped in the shorebreak or going over the falls and hitting the sandbank or reef out back.
If the victim complains of severe neck pain with tingling in the hands and feet, or of weakness of the limbs, you are probably dealing with a neck injury. To be safe, always suspect a neck injury where there is head injury. Your correct actions could prevent disasterous consequences down the line.