Emergency First Aid
Everyone should learn some emergency first aid methods, so that they are prepared when an emergency situation arises requiring First Aid knowledge. Whether you are a parent or not, you need to know how to handle most emergency situations. This can give you a feeling of accomplishment and will make you more secure in taking care of any emergency situations that may crop up. From wounds to broken bones to stings and more, you will feel better able to handle these events to take care of yourself and your friends and family.
The basics of emergency first aid should be studied by everyone. You never know when or how that knowledge is going to be needed. Wounds, bites, stings and broken bones are just a few of the emergencies your can handle with basic first aid training.
Getting a cut can happen at any time, you don't have to play with knives to get a serious wound. Whether working in your yard or home, or enjoying recreational activities, there are many ways where you can get an open wound. The first thing that you want to do for any wound is to endeavor to stop the bleeding. Apply pressure, with a clean cloth for 20-30 minutes -- without removing the cloth. Elevate the wound above the heart to help take pressure off the wound too (sometimes that means laying the patient down). If the bleeding doesn't stop get medical attention. Clean the wound by running it under water and pat it dry. Cover the wound with antibiotic cream and a bandage to help prevent infection.
Another injury that is quite common is a broken bone. The first thing that you need to do if you suspect a broken bone is to get medical attention. Immobilize the injured area to help prevent further pain and damage until you can get medical help. Apply ice wrapped in a towel or other cloth to the affected area to help prevent swelling and to decrease pain until medical treatment is obtained. Shock is a big worry in broken bones and if you see signs that the person injured is feeling faint or breathing in a short rapid fashion, then they may be going into shock. Lay the person down with their head lower than their body and if it is possible, raise their legs. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
You can get stung by a bee, wasp, fire ants, and other insects very easily. Some people are allergic to these stings, which can be very dangerous and even fatal. By understanding how to care for these stings and what the symptoms are of an allergic reaction, you will better be able to take care of a person who has been stung. The first thing that you want to do for any type of sting is to see if the stinger is still in the skin. If so, remove it promptly, as this can help to reduce the amount of toxins that are released. If it is a bee sting, do not remove it by grasping hold of the stinger with tweezers or your fingernails as this will release more poison, the best method is to scrape at the stinger from where it enters the skin towards the back end of the stinger. Apply a cold or ice pack to reduce swelling and apply hydrocortisone cream to help reduce the allergen reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, facial swelling, abdominal pain, or going into shock. If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical attention as soon as possible.
By learning some basic emergency first aid, you can be prepared in the case of a sting, broken bone, or a wound. This will allow you to know when and if you need further medical attention and can give you more confidence in dealing with these situations. Whether you are a parent or not, you will find that basic emergency first aid is important knowledge that everyone should have.
