Guest Article by World Wide Information Outlet
First Aid Tips
By World Wide Information Outlet
When someone is injured or suddenly becomes ill, there is
usually a critical period before you can get medical
treatment and it is this period that is of the utmost
importance to the victim. What you do, or what you don't
do, in that interval can mean the difference between life
and death. You owe it to yourself, your family and your
neighbors to know and to understand procedures that you can
apply quickly and intelligently in an emergency.
Every household should have some type of first aid kit, and
if you do not already have one, assemble your supplies now.
Tailor the contents to fit your family's particular needs.
Don't add first aid supplies to the jumble of toothpaste
and cosmetics in the medicine cabinet. Instead, assenble
them in a suitable, labeled box (such as a fishing tackle
box or small tool chest with hinged cover), so that
everything will be handy when needed. Label everything in
the kit clearly, and indicate what it is used for.
Be sure not to lock the box - otherwise you may be hunting
for the key when that emergency occurs. Place the box on a
shelf beyond the reach of small children, and check it
periodically and always restock items as soon as they are
used up.
Keep all medications, including non-prescription drugs such
as aspirin, out of reach of children. When discarding
drugs, be sure to dispose of them where they cannot be
retrieved by children or pets.
When an emergency occurs, make sure the injured victim's
airway is not blocked by the tongue and that the mouth is
free of any secretions and foreign objects. It is extremely
important that the person is breathing freely. And if not,
you need to administer artificial respiration promptly.
See that the victim has a pulse and good blood circulation
as you check for signs of bleeding. Act fast if the victim
is bleeding severely or if he/she has swallowed poison or
if his/her heart or breathing has stopped. Remember every
second counts.
Although most injured persons can be safely moved, it is
vitally important not to move a person with serious neck or
back injuries unless you have to save him/her from further
danger. Keep the patient lying down and quiet. If he/she
has vomited and there is no danger that his/her neck is
broken, turn him/her on his/her side to prevent choking and
keep him/her warn by covering him/her with blankets or
coats.
Have someone call for medical assistance while you apply
first aid. The person who summons help should explain the
nature of the emergency and ask what should be done pending
the arrival of the ambulance. Reassure the victim, and try
to remain calm yourself. Your calmness can allay the fear
and panic of the patient.
Don't give fluids to an unconscious or semi conscious
person; fluids may enter his/her windpipe and cause
suffocation. Don't try to arouse an unconscious person by
slapping or shaking.
Look for an emergency medical identification card or an
emblematic device that the victim may be wearing to alert
you to any health problems, allergies or diseases that may
require special care.
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