The following is a list of aids in common household injuries. If the situation is grave, do remember to call for medical aid afterwards.
- Burns and Scalds:-
A first-degree burn can be painful, and requires first aid.
Burns can be caused through dry heat such as fire or hot metal or contact with an object charged with a high tension electric current, or friction with a revolving wheel or fast-moving rope. Additionally, chemical burns occur with corrosive chemicals like acids and alkalis.
A scald is an injury caused by moist heat, like boiling water, steam, hot oil or tar.
The effects of a burn or a scald are the same. There may be reddening of the skin or blister formation or destruction of the skin, or of the deeper tissues.
The areas of most burns and scalds, including the clothing are sterile for a short period, and efforts should be made to keep them so until medical aid is possible.
General rules for treatment:-
- Avoid handling the affected area more than necessary. See that your hands are as clean as possible by washing them.
- Do not apply lotions of any kind.
- Do not remove burned clothing and do not break blisters.
- Cover the area (including burned clothing), with a dry sterile dressing if possible, or similar material such as clean lint, freshly-laundered linen.
- Bandage firmly, except when blisters are present or suspected, in which case, bandage lightly.
- Immobilise the area by suitable means.
- Treat for shock.
In case of a major burn, move the patient to the hospital as quickly as possible. The patient will probably require an anaesthetic, so don’t give any oral medicines.
If the burns are caused by a corrosive chemical:-
For acids:-
- Thoroughly flood the part with water.
- Bathe the part freely with an alkaline solution made from two teaspoons of baking soda or washing soda in one pint of warm water.
For alkalis:-
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If the burn is caused by quicklime, brush off any remains.
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Bathe the part freely with a weak acid solution, such as vinegar or lemon juice, diluted with an equal quantity of warm water.
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Heart Attack/Chest Pain:-
A heart attack requires first aid, so make the person sit in a comfortable position. Image Credit: Pixabay
A heart attack requires first aid, so make the person sit in a comfortable position. Image Credit: Pixabay
A heart attack occurs when there is a loss of blood supply to the heart. This happens when an artery supplying blood to the heart muscles is blocked by a blood clot.
Symptoms:-
- Pain and discomfort in the chest area.
- Shortness of breath, stomach discomfort, fainting, sweating, pain in the neck, jaws or shoulders.
Symptoms of heart attacks are different for men and women:-
Men have cold sweats, and pain may be felt descending through the left arm.
Women are more likely to have shortness of breath, stomach upset, dizziness and tiredness.
Treatment within the first 90 minutes of a heart attack dramatically increases the chances of survival. Before the person reaches a hospital, an aspirin tablet can lower the risk of clot formation.
Seat the patient in a comfortable position. If breathing isn’t normal or the patient is unresponsive, hands-on CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) may be applied, to double the chances of survival.