Accidents happen. Countless individuals need basic first aid when they are injured every year. Every person should know how to provide this aid until first responders arrive. Providing this help can prevent the injury from worsening. It may even mean the difference between life and death.
Creating a First Aid Kit
A person will need supplies to aid someone who has suffered an injury. This first aid kit may be used to treat minor injuries. Many people buy a kit, while others assemble it on their own. Either way, the kit should be easily accessible when an emergency occurs.
Consider having multiple kits in different locations, such as the house, car, and office. Check each kit twice a year and replace anything used or expired. Look into getting an AED and other devices that might save a life in an emergency. How might these items be used in an emergency?
Treating Cuts and Scapes
Cuts and scrapes happen in everyday life. Wash the area with soap and water to remove bacteria and germs. When soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer may be used.
If the cut is bleeding, put pressure on it for a few minutes. Remove any dirt or debris from the cut before washing the area. Many cuts and scrapes don’t need to be bandaged. However, a bandage is helpful if the cut gets dirty or rubs against clothes.
If the cut is deep or has jagged edges, visit the ER for stitches and a tetanus shot. This shot is also needed if a rusty object caused the cut or scrape. Seek help if direct pressure isn’t stopping the bleeding or if a person or animal bites the individual. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Nosebleeds
A person’s nose may begin bleeding suddenly. Usually, this is nothing to worry about. Have them lean their heads forward to prevent blood from running down the throat and pinch the nostrils together to stop the bleeding. Hold the nostrils closed for five minutes or more. See if the bleeding stops. Suppose it hasn’t, continue holding the nostrils for ten minutes.
If excessive blood doesn’t stop after 15 or 20 minutes, it’s time to see a doctor. Head to the ER if the bloody nose is accompanied by faintness or weakness. Seek medical attention if the bloody nose results from an accident or injury, as other medical issues may also need treatment.
Removing a Splinter
Splinters are annoying, and they can be painful. Getting them out can be a challenge. Wash the area and clean a pair of tweezers using alcohol. Grab the splinter with the tweezers and pull it out. Always do so at the angle the splinter went in. Clean the area with soap and water once the splinter is out.
If the splinter is under the skin, it may need to be accessed with a needle. Clean the needle with alcohol and slowly scrape away the skin covering the splinter. Once the top of the splinter can be seen, proceed with the tweezers.
Animal Bites
Children and adults should never approach unknown animals, as the animals may act aggressively if they do. When an animal bites a person, the priority is to stop the bleeding. Once all blood flow has stopped, clean the area using soap and water, cover it with a bandage or gauze pad, and seek medical assistance.
Antibiotics are often needed to prevent infection. If the bite was from an unknown or wild animal, go to the emergency room to receive a tetanus or rabies vaccine. Medical attention is also needed if the bite is large, continues to bleed, or damages bone, nerves, or tendons.
Insect Stings
If an insect stings a person, the stinger must be removed to reduce the amount of venom entering the body. Use the dull edge of a knife or a credit card to scrape the stinger out. Never squeeze the stinger, however, because that will allow more venom to enter the body.
Once the stinger is out, wash the area. Use an ice pack or cold washcloth to minimize swelling and follow up with a baking soda/water paste to reduce the pain. If the area itches, use a hydrocortisone spray or antihistamine for relief.
If the stung person feels dizzy or nauseous, they need to be seen by a doctor. They could be having an allergic reaction to the sting. If they develop hives or have stomach cramping, vomiting, or diarrhea, call a doctor. If the tongue swells, they are wheezing, or they have trouble breathing, call 911.
Minor Burns
People might accidentally burn themselves while cooking or doing other things around the home. Minor burns are usually nothing to worry about. First-degree burns hurt. They turn red and swell, but they aren’t a big deal. Red and painful burns with blisters are known as second-degree burns. Third-degree burns come with no pain because the nerves are damaged. With this type of burn, the skin turns white or appears charred.
Call 911 for third-degree burns or burns that are bigger than two or three inches. Head to the emergency room if the burn is on the face, hands, feet, or a joint on the body. A doctor must treat electrical and chemical burns.
Run the area under cold water for at least five minutes for minor burns. This will help minimize any swelling. An aloe vera cream, antiseptic spray, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen will help with the pain. Don’t put butter on the burn because it could damage the skin or lead to an infection. Butter holds the heat in rather than allowing the body to release it.
These are only a few of the countless situations in which a person’s first aid skills will be needed. Nobody can be too prepared when an emergency arises. Consider taking first aid classes to know what steps to take in an emergency. Men and women with this knowledge will be prepared to help others during a crisis and may save lives. Sign up for a class today to provide this help when needed.
