First Aid

First AidCommon emergency situations and management

Vinsoy

Swallowed poisoningChemicals that ae swallowed may harm the digestive trtact, or cause more widespread damage if they enter the bloodstream.

Usually involves common household substances: bleach, dishwasher, detergent, paint stripper, household insecticide

Assessment VomitingImpaired consciousnessPain or burning sesationEmpty containers in the vicinity History of ingestion

GoalMaintain breathing and circulationIdentify the poison Rapid transfer to medical service

If casualty is conscious:Identify the swallowed substanceDial for an ambulanceKeep the casualty calmIf casualty is unconscious:Check for breathing and pulseProvide CPR if necessaryPlace the casualty in recovery position

Drug poisoningAspirinUpper abdominal painNausea and vomiting TinnitusConfusion and delirium

ParacetamolLittle effect at first, but abdominal pain and vomiting may occurIrreversible liver damage after 3 days

Barbiturates and BenzodiazepinesLethargy and sleepiness leading to unconsciousnessShallow breathingAbnormal pulse

AmphetaminesHyperactive behavior, frenzy Sweating Hand tremorsHallucinations

Narcotics Constricted pupilsSluggishness and confusionSlow, shallow breathingNeedle marks

SolventsNausea and vomiting HeadachesHallucinations

Food poisoningAssessmentAbdominal painDiarrhea FeverLoss of appetiteNausea and vomitingWeakness and fatigueDehydrationHeadache or light-headednessConfusion

ManagementMost cases are mild and clears up in a few daysPrevent dehydration by rehydrating the patientProvide bland foods such as crackers, toast and bananasAvoid highly seasoned foods, milk, caffeineEncourage fluid intake as toleratedProvide bland diet

Seek medical help if:Persistent diarrhea for 3 daysFrequent vomiting lasts for more than 2 daysFeverThere is blood in the stoolVomiting bloodDifficulty in breathingThere is abdominal pain or stomach crampingDouble vision

Snake BitesAssessment Presence of puncture marksPain Swelling Vomiting Disturbed vision

Management Immediately call for helpLie casualty down with head and shoulders raised and advise to keep still and not to move especially the a affected partKeep heart higher than level of biteIf there is no pain on the site of the bite, apply pressure bandage should be applied to extend from above as far as far up the limbIdentify the type of snake (if possible capture the snake)

Animal BitesAssessment Presence of puncture marksPain Swelling Vomiting Disturbed vision

ManagementClean the wound and wash superficial bites with soap and waterCover wound with sterile dressing (clean if not available)Apply pressure dressing if the wound is deep and there is bleedingSend casualty to the medical facilityIdentify or capture the animal

Insect StingManagement Remove the sting straight away if its visible by brushing or scraping it sidewaysApply cold compressMonitor for signs of anaphylactic shockSend the casualty to the nearest medical facility

Jellyfish StingManagementWash with vinegar Put a light dressing above the affected partMonitor for signs of anaphylactic shockSend the casualty to the nearest medical facility

Burns and ScaldsManagement Make the casualty as comfortable as possible and relieve anxietyStart cooling the burn immediately under running water for at least 10 minutesCall for helpRemove jewellery, accessories and clothing from affected part unless it is sticking to the skinCover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material Monitor for signs and symptoms of shock

If the casualtys clothing is on firePlace the casualty on the ground Let the casualty roll on the ground to smother the flamesWrap the casualty with heavy duty fabric

For minor burnsProvide cooling interventions on the affected part Remove any accessory and clothingCover the burn area with clean, non-fluffy material Avoid using adhesive dressingsDo not apply lotions, ointment and creamsDo not break blistersAssess the burn part for further damage

Heat StrokeA condition caused by a failure of the thermostat in the brain.The body becomes dangerously overheated usually due to a high fever or prolonged exposure to heat

Assessment Headache Dizziness and discomfort Restlessness and confusionHot flushed and dry skinA rapid deterioration in the level of consciousnessHigh grade fever

Management You need to quickly move the casualty to a cool place and remove outer clothing as possibleCall for helpWrap the casualty in a cold wet sheet. Alternatively, fan the casualty or sponge with cold waterMonitor vital signs Provide rescue breathing or CPR if necessary

Heat Exhaustion AssessmentHeadache Dizziness and confusion Loss of appetite Nausea Sweating with pale clammy skinMuscle crampsRapid, weak pulseRapid, shallow breathing

Management Assist the casualty in transferring to a cool placeLet the patient lie down with legs elevated Provide plenty of waterProvide a weak salt solution (1 teaspoon of salt : 1L)Seek medical attention If condition deteriorates, transfer casualty to the nearest medical facilityProvide CPR if necessary

Hypothermia Develops when the body temperature falls below 35*C.The effects vary depending on the speed of the onset and the level to which the body temperature falls

Assessment Shivering and pale, cold, dry skinDisorientation, apathy or irrational behaviourImpaired consciousness or lethargy Slow and shallow breathingSlow and weakening pulse

Management Provide immediate warming interventionsPut the casualty on bed and cover. Give them warm drinks and high energy foods Call for help if severe hypothermia occurs

HypoglycemiaBrain function is affected when the blood-sugar level falls below normal range.

This problem is sometimes recognized by a rapidly deteriorating level of response

AssessmentHistory of hypoglycemic attackWeakness, faintness or hungerConfusionSweating, cold clammy skinRapid pulseDecreasing level of consciousness

Management Assist the casualty in sitting or lying downProvide simple sugars in tapered amountsIncrease amount of food as the level of response improvesAdvise the casualty to seek medical consult after recovering

If conditions doesnt improveCall for help for immediate transportPrepare to provide rescue breathing or CPR if necessaryMonitor vital signs

HyperglycemiaHigh blood sugar levels over a long period can result in unconsciousness.

This requires urgent treatment in the medical facility

Assessment Warm, dry skinRapid breathing and pulseFruity / sweet breathExcessive thirstDrowsinessLoss of consciousness

Management Call for help for rapid transport to medical facilityMonitor the level of consciousnessProvide rescue breathing and CPR if necessary