First aid is very known to almost anyone. However, most of the time, first aid procedures are done wrong because of a lack of knowledge or proper training.
In this blog, we are giving you a list of the major dos and don’ts for the most experienced first aid cases which you can keep in mind and will be a great help anywhere you go.
#1 CUTS | OPEN WOUND
DOs
- Wash your hands before treating the wound and wear a hand glove if there is any
- Wash the wound with running water and only use soap or an antiseptic wipe on the area around it
- Apply continuous pressure to the wound using a clean gauze or cloth
- Elevate the wound above the level of the heart to lessen bleeding
- Call for medical help if; the wound needs stitching; if it is 1-2 inches deep; or if the bleeding does not stop longer than 20 minutes
DON’Ts
- Remove or pull large and deeply embedded objects on to the wound
- Apply direct pressure on embedded objects
#2 SEVERE BLEEDING
DOs
- Call for medical help
- Wrap a blanket on the person or lie him down to a rug to reduce loss of body heat
- Apply continuous pressure to the wound using a trauma pad/blood clotting sponge to stop the bleeding
- Add another layer of gauze or clean cloth on top of the blood-soaked gauze
- Raise the wound above heart level to lessen bleeding
DON’Ts
- Use a tourniquet if you are not trained
#3 LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS/FAINTING
DOs
- Call for medical help or medics around the area
- Give CPR if there is no sign of breathing (occasional gasping is not counted)
- Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) when there is no pulse or heartbeat
- If there is a sign of life or proper breathing, raise both legs of the patient while lying down flat to make sure that blood is properly circulating to the body and the brain
DON’Ts
- Gather near the patient or block the patient’s access to breathing air
- Hesitate to remove or loosen the patients clothing and undergarments when using an AED or giving CPR
- Use an AED without checking for possible danger
#4 SPRAIN
DOs
- Rest the muscles and Apply an ice pack to the area for 15 minutes and repeat every 2-3 hours
- Wrap the area with a bandage with an adequate tightness to relieve swelling
- Keep the injured area levitated above your heart level to drain the muscle’s excess fluid to reduce swelling.
- Do therapy exercises
- Visit the doctor if the pain is unbearable not reduced or if the joint is still unstable for a long period of time.
DON’Ts
- Adding stress to the injured joint or muscle for two-three weeks
- Skip or ignore doing therapy sessions
#5 HEAD KNOCKS
DOs
- Apply an ice pack to head injury for 10-15 minutes
- Call for medical help once the patient lost consciousness or is experiencing pain in the neck/head, nausea/vomiting, abnormal vision/breathing/speech.
DON’Ts
- Stop monitoring the patient’s behavior. The condition may show signs of worsening in the next 48 hours.
#6 BURNS
DOs
- Wash the skin with cool running water for up to 10 minutes
- Apply a burn gel or burn ointments to promote healing and reduce pain
- Remove accessories and fabric that is in contact with the burn
- Seek medical help once the patient experience; difficulty breathing; skin looks red and raw, has peeled skin, or has large blisters; and if the pain does not go away
DON’Ts
- Prick or peel blisters
- Apply very cold water, ice, toothpaste, or other ointments that are not recommended to treat burns
- Touch the burned area
These are just some of the useful reminders that can improve your first aid knowledge. However, it is highly advisable that you get first aid training either by registering to a training facility or participate in your company’s free first aid training. It is also best to have the correct tools when treating minor injuries for the best results.
For your first aid and prehospital needs, visit our one-stop-shop, eshop.arascamedical.com.
Source:
https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/first-aid-advice/effects-of-heat-and-cold/serious-burns/
https://www.healthline.com/health/open-wound#treatment
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/bleeding-cuts-wounds
https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/health/body/the-dos-and-donts-of-basic-first-aid-14353