First Aid

So you went a little too far. Happens to the best of us. Just don't run around like a chicken with your head cut off (Lord knows it's happened). #1 rule of First Aid - Don't Panic.

Shock

Severe cuts and burns can cause the body to go into shock. Fluid loss causes the body to reduce blood flow to the extremities in order to protect vital organ systems. If left untreated it can kill a person.

Symptoms of Shock

       Restlessness//Irritability

        Altered consciousness (dizziness, feeling faint, nausea)

        Pale, clammy, moist skin

        Rapid breathing and pulse

Treating Shock

       Call emergency services (911)

        Have the victim lie down

        Control external bleeding

        Keep victim comfortable to reduce stress on body systems

        Help maintain body temperature; if victim seems cold, cover him//her with a blanket

        Reassure victim

        Unless head, neck, or back injuries or broken bones are suspected, elevate victim's legs about 12 inches

         Don't raise victim's head

        Don't give the victim food or drink, even though s//he is likely to be thirsty

Burns

Critical burns that need immediate medical attention include those where breathing difficulty is present, where more than one body part is affected, or where the head, neck, hands, feet, or genitals are involved. All burns (chemical, explosion, electrical, and third-degree) especially if they cover more area than the palm of the hand, should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Immediate Treatment of Burns

       Run cold water over burned area for 15 minutes, if possible

        Do not put any creams or greases on the burned area

        Do not pop any blisters. Cover the burn with a light gauze dressing

        If blisters pop, apply a light antibiotic ointment and dress as above

First-Degree Burns:

These are burns that only redden the skin and can usually be treated successfully at home. Keep the area moist and covered.

Second-Degree Burns:

These cause both reddening and blistering of the skin. If they are moderately large, they require medical attention.

Third-Degree Burns or Worse:

Charring or whitening of the skin. The burn has penetrated though the entire thickness of skin layers. These burns should always be treated by a professional. They may require skin grafting.

Cuts and Lacerations

Most cuts can be treated at home unless you cannot stop the bleeding or you go into shock.

If You Can't Stop the Bleeding:

If a cut won't stop bleeding, first try pressing cloths or paper towels directly on top of the wound. Then place a large object (rolled up socks work well) on top of the cloth and wrap with an ace bandage or anything that will hold everything in place. Check in 10 minutes and if it still bleeding get to the emergency room.

If You Are Able to Stop the Bleeding:

Apply an antibiotic ointment or spray (to keep the wound moist and minimize chances of infection) and a bandage. Change the bandage twice daily, and rotate the direction of the bandage tape to keep the skin around the cut from becoming too irritated.

Watch for redness or heat spreading outward from the wound; these are signs of an infection and should be treated by a doctor. If you start running a fever, go to the doctor immediately.

Drink lots of fluids to make up for any blook you've lost. If you do this and you're still dizzy when standing see your doctor. Also, if you lost a lot of blood or are extremely fatigued, have you blood iron levels checked.

Bruises and Sprains

If a bruise or sprain has caused significant swelling and pain, or if a joint//bone looks misplace, have it evaluated by a medical professional to be sure there's no break.

Pain

For pain caused by SI it's best to use Tylenol; it doesn't thin the blood the way aspirin and NSAIDS (Advil, Aleve, etc) can. Be careful not to take so much that you mask any possible fever, if the pain persists over many days (4 or more), see the doctor.

Information taken from Red Cross First Aid book.

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