Author Topic: First Aid  (Read 4476 times)

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PSMKay

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First Aid
« on: Nov 04, 2006, 08:56 pm »
Contributed by J. Yeardly in the U.K., with some extra advice from Kay

  • A good link for the very basic is http://www.cprsim.com/
  • Always keep a first aid kit with some basic supplies on hand: ice pack, bandages of all sizes, first aid cream, splints, gauze, slings, tweezers, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, rubber tubing, rubber gloves, and if necessary, a mouth shield (for protecting yourself from communicable diseases when giving CPR.)
  • You should still get proper training.  You can check with the Red Cross for classes in your area.
  • Local EMS should help.
  • Keep a direct outside line free at all time to call for help if needed.
  • Give accurate directions and have someone meet the responders at the door to guide them.
  • Remember that CPR certifications expire after one year, and First Aid certifications after three years.
  • If you are certified in CPR, make sure you have someone call 911/local emergency number as you begin CPR on an adult.  It is highly likely if an adult is requiring CPR that they are actually suffering from cardiac arrest, and you will need the help as soon as possible.
  • However, if you are certified in CPR and working on a child, keep in mind that the likelihood of the child suffering acute heart failure is less likely than a more solvable crisis such as choking, so you should begin performing CPR and continue for two minutes before calling 911.
  • Talk to your supervisors about investing in an AED.  (Automatic Electronic Defibrillator.)  They require special classes, but they can really be used by anyone who can read.  The rate of survival and complete recovery from heart failure jumps from 10% to 90% when an AED is used as opposed to just CPR.
  • If a person has received a severe puncture wound and the cause of the puncture (glass, wood chip, saw blade, bullet, knife) has remained lodged in the wound, remember that removing the object will cause more harm and blood loss than leaving it in there and immobilizing the body part around the wound until professional help can be obtained.
  • If a body part is severed with a clean cut, keep the severed part in ice and bring it with you to the ER.  It may be able to be reattached if it is thusly preserved.