Its important to have basic knowlege about how to deal with small accidents we might have in our daily routine.It includes cuts, burns etc so here are few accidents and recommended treatments by professionals..
1.Burns:
There are three types of burns you may come across in your daily routine.
Cold temperature burns:
Try first aid measures to warm the areas. Small areas of your body (ears, face, nose, fingers, toes) that are really cold or frozen can be warmed by blowing warm air on them, tucking them inside your clothing or putting them in warm water.
Liquid scald burns (thermal burns):
Run cool tap water over the burn for 10 to 20 minutes. Do not use ice.
Electric burn:
After the person has been separated from the electrical source, check for breathing and a heartbeat. If the person is not breathing or does not have a heartbeat, call 911.Always use wood piece to diconnect person from electric while getting shock.Disconnect the electric supply
2.Falls:
Falling is something you have to be more concern usually when its a child or any
vulnerable person elderly or disable.Sometimes we can fall and end up having broken arm etc.
If a younger child fell off from steps or hight first of check for any sign of injury.If there is any bump or blood out of mouth use cold compree. For this you can read my post about how to do cold compress for details. But if you have a doubt of internal injury no matter who it is, its best to ring 999 if injury is visible like broken bone and if you have a doubt than ring 111 in UK. They will ask you questions and guide you what you need to do.In other countries I will suggest contact your emergency department.Until than do not move the body part which seems to be hurt like arm or leg. If its back do not move them keep them as they are and ring emergency department and follow the guideline.
3.Sting: Please read my post Insect sting treatment.
4. Unusual minor accidents:
Falling is something you have to be more concern usually when its a child or any
If a younger child fell off from steps or hight first of check for any sign of injury.If there is any bump or blood out of mouth use cold compree. For this you can read my post about how to do cold compress for details. But if you have a doubt of internal injury no matter who it is, its best to ring 999 if injury is visible like broken bone and if you have a doubt than ring 111 in UK. They will ask you questions and guide you what you need to do.In other countries I will suggest contact your emergency department.Until than do not move the body part which seems to be hurt like arm or leg. If its back do not move them keep them as they are and ring emergency department and follow the guideline.
3.Sting: Please read my post Insect sting treatment.
4.Severe head injury:A severe head injury must always be treated in hospital to minimise the risk of complication.When you arrive at the emergency department of a hospital, or before getting to hospital if you called an ambulance, the doctors or paramedics treating you will prioritise any injury that may be life threatening. This could mean:
- checking your airway is clear
- checking you are breathing, and starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR or mouth-to-mouth) if you are not
- stabilising your neck and spine, for example using a neck brace
- stopping any severe bleeding
- providing pain relief if you are in a lot of pain
- splinting any fractured or broken bones (strapping them into the correct position)
Once you are stable, further treatment will be arranged, as necessary, including any tests you need to help determine the severity of your injury. Read about diagnosing a severe head injury for more information about tests you may have.
4. Unusual minor accidents:
- Super glue: If your fingers got stick together with super glue use nail polishremover.Best dip your finge or foot in nail polish remover and rub them after every while until it removes.
- Tin or can cut:: If you have got cut with a can always press your injured area and squeeze a bit blood out and wash it with clean water and then cold compress. Its because tins and cans can have rust that can cause infection later on if they stay inside the skin.
- Splinters: If you got splinter its best to use nail cutter or needle and take out splinter as early as possible because splinters can cause so much pain and infections once they go deep inside the skin.Do not assume it will come out by itself in most cases they dont. And if its deep contact your GP.
- Deep Cut: If you got cut and your bleeding do not stopor reduce after half an hour even you have applied cold compress. Then its best to get checked by doctor you might need a stitch.
