A basic knowledge of first aid will ensure you are prepared to handle an emergency until the “first responders” arrive.
“Regardless of whether it is a simple paper cut or a severe burn, every accident must be dealt with in the correct manner,” says Dr Nthombi Mutshekwane, a general practitioner qualified in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) who is based at Clinix Private Hospital Vosloorus. “It is very important, however, to be careful when treating injuries and you should get professional medical assistance as quickly as possible.”
Below are some guidelines on how you should manage injuries that might occur in your home:
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Choking
Choking happens when a foreign object gets stuck at the back of the throat, blocking the airway. Young children especially are prone to choking. A child may choke on food, or small objects they have put into their mouths.
“With a mild throat obstruction the person is able to speak, cry, cough or breathe. With a severe obstruction, a person is unable to speak, cry, cough or breathe. The person will eventually become unconscious,” says Dr Mutshekwane.
Treatment for adult or child
If the obstruction is mild, encourage the patient to continue coughing and try removing any obstruction. If the obstruction is severe, give up to five blows to the back. If the obstruction is still present, give up to five abdominal thrusts. If the obstruction still does not clear after three cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts, call for an ambulance. Always continue until help arrives.
Burns and scalds
How to treat severe burns
Cool the burn immediately under running water for at least 10 minutes and call an ambulance. Ensure that the person as comfortable as possible, lie them down. Continue to pour cold water over the burn. Wear disposable gloves to remove any jewellery or clothing from the affected area – unless it is sticking to the skin. Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material to protect from infection. Treat for shock.
How to treat minor burns
For minor burns, hold the affected area under cold water for 10 minutes or until the pain subsides. Remove jewellery, etc and cover the burn as detailed above. If a minor burn is larger than a postage stamp it requires medical attention. All deep burns of any size require urgent hospital treatment.
How to treat clothing on fire
Instruct the person to stop and fall to the floor - any panicking or running will create a breeze which will fan the flames. If possible, wrap the person tightly in a coat, curtain or blanket (not the nylon or cellular type), rug or other heavy - duty fabric. The best fabric is wool. Roll the person along the ground until the flames have been smothered.
Do not apply lotions, ointments, creams, or adhesive dressings to the burn.
Do not break the blisters as this could create further infections.
Shock
In the case of a serious accident (and once you have treated any obvious injuries and called an ambulance), watch out for the following signs of shock: a pale face, cold, clammy skin, breathing fast with shallow breaths, a rapid pulse, yawning or sighing.
Treatment
Lay the person down, raise and support their legs, use a coat or a blanket to keep them warm. Do not give them anything to eat or drink and check breathing and pulse frequently.
Sunburn
Sunburn is caused by overexposure to the sun or a sun lamp. Most sunburns are superficial. In severe cases, the skin is a lobster red in colour and blistered – the person may also be suffering from heatstroke. Sunburn is recognised by reddened skin, pain in the area of the burn and there may be blistering to the affected skin.
Treatment
Move the burnt person into the shade or indoors. With minor sunburn, cover the person’s skin with light clothing or a towel. Cool the skin by sponging it with cool water or by soaking the affected area in a cold bath or shower for 10 minutes. Encourage the person to have sips of coldwater. If the burns are mild, calamine lotion or an after sun preparation may soothe them. For severe sunburn, obtain medical aid.
“Accidents cannot always be prevented, and a good knowledge of first aid can help to reduce the further effects of an injury,” concludes Dr Mutshekwane. – (Clinix)
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