First Aid Hints
Bleeding (Severe): Stop bleeding immediately by pressing fingers/hand on area until sterile/clean dressing is available. If blood still oozes do NOT remove original dressing, add another to it. Elevate bleeding limb unless a fracture is suspected. If protruding bone, or visible foreign body, apply pressure on either side of the injury.
Bleeding (Minor): Wash well with running water. Dry and apply clean dressing. Do NOT apply lotions or antiseptics if patient is to see a doctor. Treat for shock.
Broken Bones: Unless life is in immediate danger do NOT move patient before immobilising fracture. Immobilise by tying injured limb to sound limb or use body as splint. Alternatively, use improvised splints (e.g umbrella, walking stick, tightly rolled newspaper etc.) Do NOT apply bandages over site of fracture. Treat severe bleeding before treating fractures but bandage above and below fracture. Do NOT give patient medical attention or call an ambulance in the case of a severe fracture.
Burns & Scalds (Severe): Immediately rinse with cold water. Do NOT apply ointments or lotions. Do NOT remove clothing. Do NOT break blisters. Cover area with sterile/clean dressing, preferably soaked in iced water. Do NOT give anything to drink.
Burns & Scalds (Minor): Submerge burnt area in ice cold water for at least 10 minutes. Treat for shock. Do NOT give anything to drink.
Chemical Burns (Severe): Thoroughly rinse area with running water for at least 10 minutes. Apply antidote if recommended except in the case of eye injury. Cover area with sterile/clean dressing
Chemical Burns (Minor): Submerge burnt area in ice cold water for at least 10 minutes. Treat for shock. Do NOT give anything to drink.
Choking: Place patient in head-down position and thump between the shoulder-blades. Small children can be held with head slightly lower than chest and patted on the back. If unsuccessful call for an ambulance immediately.
Electric Shock: Switch off the current before touching patient. If this is not possible, quickly push patient away with a stick, a piece of rubber or rubber glove on hand. Do NOT touch him until you are sure contact is broken. Treat for shock (and for burns if necessary), give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if patient has stopped breathing call an ambulance.
Eye Injuries: If the injury is small (i.e. contains grit, small particles or insects) pull upper lid over lower set of lashes, if object is not removed, close eye and cover with gauze. For glass, metal, sparks, large particles and where there is any bleeding, do NOTHING to the eye. Keep the eyeball still, cover with gauze or a clean handkerchief and go to a doctor immediately.
Fainting: If patient feels faint, sit him down in well-ventilated area with his head down between his knees. If patient has fainted, lay him down with legs raised. In both cases loosen all tight clothing. Smelling salts may be used and, if conscious, sal volatile may be given.
Insect Bites & Stings: Application of a solution of bicarbonate soda or antihistamine cream may give relief. If sting can be seen, remove. Apply a dry dressing. If there is excessive swelling or any other abnormal condition, call a doctor.
Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation: Tilt head well back. Ensure airway is clear. Pinch nostrils closed, take a breath, place your mouth over your patient's mouth and blow in. Turn your head away taking another breath and repeat movement. Continue until patient starts breathing or medical aid has arrived, Breathe faster and move more gently for babies and young children. You may find it easier to cover both mouth and nose of baby with your mouth. If patient's chest does not rise and fall while being given mouth-to-mouth, turn patient on to his side and give a hard slap between his shoulder blades. Reposition with neck extended and commence mouth-to-mouth. If patient's mouth is injured the nose can be used but then the mouth must be closed - continue as for mouth-to-mouth.
Nose Bleeding: Sit patient down leaning slightly forward. Pinch nose below hard part. Pressure may be maintained for long time. Cold compresses on nape of neck and bridge of nose may assist. Warn patient to breathe through mouth and not to blow their nose some while after bleeding has stopped.
Poisons: Contact Poison Info Centre immediately telephone 0861 555 777 (SA) Tell them what poison was taken and how much was taken. Keep patient calm, do not force vomiting unless advised by Poison Info Centre. If unconscious keep a careful watch on patient's breathing.Treat for shock. Get medical aid as soon as possible.
Shock: Shock is present with most injuries: the patient is pale, cold and clammy. The treatment is rest, fresh air and moderate warmth. (DO NOT keep patient too warm even though he seems cold, and give NO stimulants or smelling salts). Get a doctor as soon as possible.
Snake Bite: Keep patient quiet and still. Apply a bandage to the affected limb, ensure bandage is not too tight to cut off circulation. Keep the limb still to prevent poison spreading to the heart rapidly.
Sprains: Strap with a firm bandage or elastic plaster to give support in the most comfortable position. Cold water or ice, should give relief. Severe sprains are sometimes complicated by fractures and should be examined by a doctor.
Sunstroke: The symptoms are severe headache and vomiting. Call a doctor, but meanwhile place the person in a cool place and try to reduce temperature by removing excess clothing and sponging him/her down with tepid water.