FIRST AID

We visited the local Hospitals, meet various Doctors and nurses  and collected the following details about giving the right kind of First Aid.The information collected was circulated in School and our rural community. Everybody was encouraged to have their own first Aid Kits.

FIRST AID KIT

WHAT YOUR FIRST AID KIT SHOULD CONSIST OF?

  • THE ESSENTIALS:
             # First Aid Manual (clearly explains how to handle basic problems # Basic Bandages (assorted adhesive bandages, athletic tape, moleskin)     # Basic Drugs/Lotions (aspirin, antiseptic, antacid tablets)  # Basic First Aid Tools (tweezers, small mirror, razor blade) 
    THE EXTRAS (FOR LONG TRIPS):
                      Additional Bandages (gauze pads, ace bandages, butterfly bandages)
                      Additional Drugs/Lotions (burn ointment, skin lotion, Caladryl)
                      Additional First Aid Tools (sling, basic splint, instant ice pack)

The first aid required during delicate situations like heatstroke, accident, burns and  bleeding was furnished to our  neighboring rural communities .Talk shows by Dr. Vinod Wadhwa & Dr Tandon on how to deal with medical emergencies  during crucial moments was the highlight.

Highlights of the workshop

BURNS

CHARACTERISTICS AND TREATMENT

1. Never put butter or greasy ointments on a burn. They seal heat into the wound and may cause infection.
2. Always seek medical attention if...
* Victim is a child or elderly
* Burn covers more than one body part
* Burn is located on any sensitive area of the body (hands, face, feet, etc.)
* Burn is third degree
* Burn is caused by chemicals

FIRST DEGREE BURNS

First degree burns damage the outer layer of skin.

CHARACTERISTICS:
1. redness
2. mild pain
3. swelling

TREATMENT:
1. Immediately submerge the affected part in cold water.
2. Hold it under cold running water, or place cold, wet cloths on it until the pain decreases.
3. Cover with a clean, dry gauze dressing for protection.

SECOND DEGREE BURNS

Second degree burns go through to the second layer of skin.

CHARACTERISTICS:
1. blisters
2. rough, red skin
3. swelling
4. extreme pain

TREATMENT:
1. Immerse in cold water or have cold, wet cloths applied to it immediately.
2. Gently blot area dry. Do not rub. Rubbing may break the blister, opening it to infection.
3. Cover wound with dry, sterile bandage.
4. If burn is located on arm or leg, keep limb elevated as much as possible.

Second degree burns should heal within a few weeks.

THIRD DEGREE BURNS

Third degree burns are less painful than second degree burns because the nerve cells in the affected tissue are actually destroyed, but the damage is greater. The burn goes through to the third layer of skin.

CHARACTERISTICS:
1. whitish or charred appearance

TREATMENT:
1. Do not remove any clothing near or at the site of the burn
2. Do not apply cold water or medication to the burn.
3. Place clean, dry cloths (i.e. strips of a clean sheet) over the damaged area.
4. If burns are on arms or legs, keep the limbs elevated above the level of the heart.
5. If victim has burns on face, check frequently to make sure he is not having difficulty breathing.
6. Get victim to a hospital at once.

CHEMICAL BURNS

1. Remove clothing on or near the burn area. Never pull clothing over the head with a chemical burn. You may need to cut the clothing.
2. Wash the area thoroughly with low pressure water for at least 20 minutes.
3. Apply a clean dressing to the area.
4. Get medical attention as soon as possible.

FRACTURES

A SIMPLE FRACTURE does not pierce through the skin. If it is not cared for properly, it could become a compound fracture.

If a fracture is suspected...
1. check for swelling around the affected area
2. there may be discoloration of the skin
If the victim complains of tenderness and pain in the area or says that he felt or heard a bone snap, see a doctor immediately.

A COMPOUND FRACTURE pierces through the skin. Serious bleeding may occur with this kind of wound. Do not apply pressure to a compound fracture to stop the bleeding.

What to do for a compound fracture:
1. Cover the injured part with a sterile pad
2. Apply a splint to keep the bone from causing further injury to the surrounding tissues
3. Wait for medical help
4. Avoid moving the victim, but keep him warm, comfortable, and reassured.

BLEEDING

EXTERNAL BLEEDING:
1. Apply direct pressure. Place a clean, folded cloth over the injured area and firmly apply pressure. If blood soaks through, do not remove it. Instead, cover that cloth with another one and continue to apply pressure to the wound for 7-10 minutes. If the bleeding is from the ear, place a clean bandage over the ear, lay the victim on his side, and allow the blood to drain out through the bandage.
2. Elevate the injury. Position the wounded part of the body above the level of the heart if possible while you apply direct pressure.
3. Know the pressure points. If direct pressure and elevation do not sufficiently slow the bloodflow, find a pressure point. Large arteries found close to the skin's surface supply blood to the head and to each arm and leg. The most common pressure points used during first aid are located in the upper arms and in the creases above the upper legs. Apply pressure to the closest pressure point to the wound so that the artery is pressed between your fingers and the bone directly behind the artery. If using the pressure point on a leg, you may need to use the heel of your hand instead of your finger.
4. Resort to a tourniquet. On very rare occasions everything listed above may fail. To prevent the victim from dying, you should apply a tourniquet. Once a tourniquet is applied, it should not be loosened or removed until the victim has reached medical help. Use a tourniquet ONLY if everything listed above has failed. If you use a tourniquet, write down somewhere on the victim the time it was applied, so medical personnel wil know how long it has been in place.

INTERNAL BLEEDING:
Internal bleeding results when blood vessels rupture, allowing blood to leak into body cavities. It could be a result of a direct blow to the body, a fracture, a sprain, or a bleeding ulcer. If a victim receives an injury to the chest or abdomen, internal bleeding should be suspected. He will probably feel pain and tenderness in the affected area.
Other symptoms to watch for:
1. cold, clammy skin
2. pale face and lips
3. weakness or fainting
4. dizziness
5. nausea
6. thirstiness
7. rapid, weak, irregular pulse
8. shortness of breath
9. dilated pupils
10. swelling or bruising at the site of injury
The more symptoms that are experienced, the more extensive the internal bleeding is.

WHAT TO DO FOR THE VICTIM:
1. Check for an open airway and begin rescue breathing if necessary.
2. Call for medical help as soon as possible and keep the victim comfortable until help arrives.
3. The victim may rinse his mouth with water, but DO NOT give a victim of internal bleeding anything to drink.

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