First Aid
Always wear gloves when administering first aid
Bleeding: Severe - Have victim lie down. Place a sterile gauze over the wound and apply pressure with the palm of your hand. If the dressing becomes saturated with blood, do not remove it, add another gauze and continue to apply pressure. If able elevate the affected part. Tape gauze in place and seek medical attention.
Bruises: Place an ice pack over the bruise. If pain persists consult a physician.
Burns: Minor - submerge the burned skin immediately in cold water. Apply cold cloths if the skin cannot be submerged. If the skin is blistered, cover with a sterile dressing. Consult a physician.
Major - Keep the victim lying down. Cut clothing away from the burned area. Do not pull clothing if it adheres to burned skin. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze or clean sheet. Call for medical assistance.
Cold injuries: Overexposure - symptoms include numbness, drowsiness, staggering and failing vision. Re-warm the victim with blankets and warm environment if possible.
Cuts, Scratches, Abrasions: Clean the skin around the wound first with soap and water. Wash away from the wound. Then wash the wound with soap and rinse with water. Pat dry. Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a sterile gauze or Band-Aid.
Dislocated joint: Do not attempt to move the joint or set the dislocation yourself. Seek medical attention.
Eye: Something in - Examine eye by pulling down the lower lid and turn back upper lid. If the speck or foreign body is on the lid, lightly touch it with a clean cloth. If the speck is on the eye do not attempt to remove it. Seek medical attention.
Fainting: Place person on his back. Check to make sure that the victim is breathing. Loosen tight clothing and elevate the victim's legs. Apply cool cloth to forehead. If the spell lasts more than a minute or two, call for assistance.
Frostbite: In the early stages skin may be flushed. As condition develops the skin may turn white or gray yellow. Skin may feel numb and tingling. Bring the victim indoors if possible and slowly re-warm the affected area in a warm (not hot) bath. Seek medical attention.
Heat Exhaustion: symptoms include headache, feeling tired, and dizziness.
Heat Stroke: Life threatening situation, symptoms include: nausea, altered consciousness, dizziness, hot, flushed skin. Lie victim down, elevate the legs. Apply cool cloths to the victim immediately. Seek medical attention.
Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac: Wash exposed area with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not scrub with a brush. Pat dry. Apply Calamine lotion to soothe the itch.
Sprains: Elevate the injured joint to a comfortable position and prevent further movement. Apply ice over injured part. Consult a Physician. Do not move victim if he has serious back or neck injuries, unless you have to move him to prevent further danger
Stings: Try to remove the venom and stinger by scraping area with a firm object. Run cold water over and around sting. A person allergic to bee stings reacts violently to stings. An ambulance should be called. The person may carry a bee sting kit.
When you approach a seriously injured person always remember your A B C's
- Airway - make sure that the victim's airway is clear
- Breathing - make sure that the victim is breathing, if not, administer artificial respiration.
- Circulation - make sure that the person has a pulse, if not, administer CPR. Check for bleeding.
Keep the victim quiet and warm. Have someone call for medical assistance.
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