First Aid

People should know how to behave in various life-threatening situations and how to provide first aid. When an accident happens we should keep calm and act without panic. Study the following rules of first aid provided on bleeding, nosebleeds, broken bones, burns and scalds and fainting etc.

BLEEDING

In case of large cuts when bleeding occurs apply pressure directly on the bleeding part with a pad, e.g. a clean cloth. (Your fingers do if necessary.) If possible, lift the wounded part into the air. Apply a dressing and bandage firmly. If the blood seeps through the dressing, put another bandage over the top of the original. Do not remove the dressing once in place. Call for medical help.

NOSEBLEEDS (EPISTAXIS) 

Ask the casualty to sit down with his head bent forwards, loosen any tight clothing from around his neck and chest. Pinch the soft part of his nose firmly for about 10 minutes - longer if necessary. Ask the casualty to breathe through his mouth. Do not plug casualty's nose. Do not allow the casualty to pick or blow his nose. Seek medical help if the bleeding does not stop or if it reoccurs.

BROKEN BONES

A broken bone is also known as a fracture. Fractures are usually closed or concealed.They may be open when the bone has gone through the skin or where there is a wound leading to the break.
Features of broken bones are as follows:

  • A snap of bone might have been heard by the casualty.
  • Pain at or near the fracture.
  • The casualty cannot move the part normally.
  • Tenderness, swelling and perhaps, later on, bruising.
  • Odd shape or strange angle

Do not remove the ijured person unless he is in danger of further injury. Support and steady the injured part until it is supported by other means. Use rolled up blankets, coats. bags etc. to support the injury. If it is an open fracture, cover lightly with a clean dressing. Do not put pressure on it. To control any bleeding gently press the sides of the wound together. Do not give the casualty anything to eat, drink or smoke. Arrange transport to hospital.

BURNS AND SCALDS

Burns result from dry heat, scalding from moist or wet heat. Burns may be superficial - very tender and with the red skin, or they may be blistered or deep - with waxy, pale or even charred skin. The treatment for burns and scalds is exactly the same. Place the area under cold, slowly running water or immerse in cold water for at least 10 minutes, or longer if the pain persists. Remove any rings, watches, tight clothing etc. before the area starts swell. Do not remove any clothing that is stuck to the skin. Cover the area with any clean, non fluffy material. Seek medical help. Never aplly fats, creams, ointments or sticking plasters. Do not interfere with blisters.

FAINTING

The casualty feels weak and lightheaded and falls to the ground. The pulse is usually slow or weak. If the casualty feels faint sit him down his head between his knees. Loosen tight clothing from around his chest, neck and waist. If the casualty has fallen to the ground leave him there but raise his legs in the air. Watch the airway, breathing and pulse and be prepared to resuscitate.

CHOKING

Open the airway and remove any visible obstruction such as false teeth or food. Encourage coughing. Bend the casualty forwards. Slap sharply between the shoulder blades up to four times. Check the mouth, remove the obstruction if it is visible. Repeat back slaps if necessary. If the casualty stop breathing, follow ABC of Resuscitation. If a baby or child is choking, tip them over your knee so that the head is lower than the stomach. Give a series of 4 firm back slaps.

INSECT STINGS

If the sting is visible, gently remove with tweezers. Apply cold pad, surgical spirit or solution of bicarbonate of soda.

OVERCOMING BY HEAT

Being overcome by the heat can occur very quickly. The casualty may complain of a headache and feel tired, dizzy and nauseated. Always ensure that babies and children wear a sun hat when out in the sun, and that they have plenty of fluids to drink. Get the casualty out of the sun. Cool the casualty down by giving him sips of cold water to drink. Direct currents of air onto the casualty by fanning him with a magazine or an electric fan. If unconscious, check breathing and pulse, and place in the recovery position. Urgently seek medical help.

Zdroj:  

BULDOV, S. V., a spol. Angličtina pro zdravotní sestry: Příručka odborných textů, výrazů a cvičení. Druhé vydání. Praha 4: Informatorium, 2003. ISBN 80-7333-018-0