To wrap up this three part blog series about first-aid we will cover a broad range of injuries and situations. You can never learn too much about first-aid. Again, hope you never have to use these lessons, but know exactly what to do just in case. This week I will cover what do with severe bleeding and broken limbs. Along with burns, blisters, animal bits and poisoning. Even though this is my last week talking about first-aid, I will be happy to answer any further topics or questions covering first-aid.
1 Severe External Bleeding
If you're uncomfortable around the sight of blood this is probably a situation you don’t want to get involved with (remember, know your limits). Also if the victim passes out due to the sight of blood, or absence of blood, treat for shock. When approaching a bleeding victim it’s important to contain the blood. This means weir gloves and try to keep as much blood as you can in the person you're trying to save. Know, lay the victim down slowly and elevate the gash or wound (at least above their heart). Quickly and carefully remove any foreign objects from the wound or surrounding skin. Apply pressure with a clean towel or gauze pads until bleeding stops. After the wound is stable, apply sterilized dressings. Then firmly tape the dressing against the wound. Make sure the tape is not too tight. This is only a temporary solution, and immediate help is required. Proper blood clean up is important to prevent infection diseases. Finally, have the victim drink plenty of water to justify the blood loss.
2 Broken Limbs
Before you touch the victim with a broken limb, delegate someone to get help or call 911, then treat the wound. To treat a broken limb, first, dress any punctured wounds (Bones sticking out) with large pieces of cloth. Know put padding around the limbs and form a splint. A splint is any strong straight object (like magazines or poles). The splint is then directly tied to the broken limb to stabilize the wound and prevent further injuries. For a broken arm a sling might be needed to rest the wounded limb. You might also have to treat for severe bleeding as well.
3 Burns
There are three levels of burns: first, second, and third degree burns. First degree burns include minor sunburns. treat by lightly rubbing Aloe Vera to remove sting. The skin will peel and feel better in about three to five days. Second degree burns include severe sunburns, or touching something extremely hot. Second degree burns produce blisters and puffy skin. To remove heat and inflammation apply Aloe Vera, or pore room temperature water. Don't pour ice water over any burns; this might cause the victim to go into shock. After a week or two the skin will start to feel and look normal. A third degree burns penetrates all three layers of skin, resulting in permanently dead skin. For example, burning your skin in a fire. The skin is permanently gone and can’t be treated. The only way to “fix” this injury is with a skin graft and reconstructive surgery. Burns can be life threatening. Be sure to where appropriate amounts of sunscreen when outdoors, and drink plenty of water to help burns heal faster.
4. Blisters
Blisters are fluid filled sacks separating the top two layers of skin. They usually cause large amounts of discomfort, and are normally found on your feet. If you have a blister, never burst or pop it, especially if the blister was formed because of a severe burn. However, If a regular blister needs to be popped, pierce a blister with a sterilized needle. Then flush the liquid and bandage properly. To sterilize a needle, dip a needle in alcohol; then carefully burn the remaining alcohol off with fire. Now you can bandage the popped blister and continue on your day. If you decide to leave the blister alone, that's fine too, it will go away on it’s own. Blisters found on your foot can be covered with Moleskin (foot felt) to relieve pressure. To help a blister heal faster, try airing out the surrounding skin.
5 Poison
Contact poisoning deals with the outside of your body (skin). Some poisons affect the skin producing welts, rashes, and irritation. Before treating the infected area, thoroughly flush and clean the irritated skin. Then use an alcohol based antiseptics to remove excess residue. Finally, remove contaminated clothing items, and dress the wound with disinfectant and gauze. Internal poisoning is usually harder to detect because symptoms are similar to stomach flu. When ruling internal poisoning its important to identify what the victim has ingested within the last 24 hours. If he/she is unconscious, and poisoning is suspected, lay them down on their side (recovery position). If a you or someone has consumed, or come into contact with, a hazardous poison call poison control immediately (USA Poison Control= 1 (800) 222-1222).
6 Animal bits
Animals carry bacteria in their mouths, and these bacteria cause a wide range of infections, like tetanus and rabies. If an animal or insect bites you, Locate and identify the perpetrator. Remember specific colors, patterns, and behaviors, for this is extremely important. For example, knowing the type of snake that bit you will estimate how long you have to live, whether its poisonous, and what type of antivenom you need (As a helpful tip, sucking venom from a snake bite does not work, so don’t do it). Once the animal is identified, call for help first, then flush the wound. Pour cold water over the wound for at least five minute, as soon as possible after you have been bitte. Then cover the bite with a sterilized dressing. For a serious bit, follow the same steps. Once the bite is dressed apply pressure with a gauze pad to control severe bleeding. To slow the bleeding down raise your wound above your head or heart. When bitten by a snake don’t rinse the wound, unless you know the species well. Doctors can identify what antivenom to use by extracting existing venom from your skin or wounds. Instead, tightly wrap the wound and the area above and below the bite to localize the venom. If a bee or a wasp stung you, or a tick or leech attaches, carefully remove the stinger/insect with tweezers. Some people can have severe allergic reactions to the stings of bees and other insects. If they go into anaphylactic shock treat for shock, and get medical attention. When dealing with embedded ticks or leeches, Poke the insect with hot embers. This should cause the insect to safely detach on their own. Remember, when bitten, do not panic, stay calm, and act quickly.
This concludes my three week first-aid blog series. I hope this helps and please pass this information around. Don’t forget these important life lessons, for you never know when they might come in handy. It might sound silly, but this could be the difference between life and death. Stay tuned for more next week and remember to always be prepared.
Thank you, and please leave a comment or suggestion below about what I should blog about next week.
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