First-Aid Tips

Cuts and Scrapes

Small cuts and scrapes usually don't demand a visit to the emergency room of your local hospital, but proper care is
necessary to keep infections or other complications from occurring.

When dealing with minor wounds, keep the following guidelines in
mind:

1. Stop the bleeding by applying pressure using a gauze pad or clean cloth. If the bleeding persists after several
minutes of applying pressure, get immediate medical attention.

2. Keep the wound clean by washing the area with mild soap and water and removing any dirt. Dry the area
gently with a clean cloth, and cover the wound with a protective bandage. Change the bandage at least once a
day. If the wound becomes tender to the touch and red or oozes fluid, see your doctor.

3. If your cut is more serious and the bleeding does not stop on its own or the cut is large, deep, or rough on the
edges, try to stop the bleeding by applying pressure directly to the injury using a sterilized gauze pad or clean
cloth. Maintain pressure on the wound until the bleeding stops. Then consult your physician. A tetanus booster
may be required if you haven't had one for a while.


Severe Bleeding

To stop serious bleeding, follow these steps:

1. Lay the affected person down. If possible, the person's head should be slightly lower than the trunk of his or her body or the legs should be elevated. This position increases blood flow to the brain. Elevate the site of bleeding, if possible to reduce the blood flow.

2. Do not attempt to clean the wound.

3. Apply steady, firm pressure directly to the wound using a sterile bandage, a clean cloth, or your hand. Maintain
pressure until the bleeding stops, then wrap the wound with a tight dressing and secure it with adhesive tape. Most bleeding can be controlled this way. Call for emergency help immediately.

4. If the bleeding continues and seeps through the bandage, add more absorbent material. Do not remove the first
bandage.

5. If the bleeding does not stop, apply pressure to the major artery that delivers blood to the area of the injury (see Major Arterial Pressure Points).

6. When the bleeding has stopped, immobilize the injured portion of the body. You can use another part of the body, such as a leg or torso, to immobilize the area. Leave the bandages in place and take the person for
immediate medical attention or call for emergency help.

Nosebleed

A nosebleed is sudden bleeding from one or both nostrils, and may result from a variety of events: a punch in the nose, breathing dry air, allergies, or for no apparent reason. To stop the flow of blood from a common nosebleed, use these steps:

1. Sit or stand upright to slow the flow of blood in the veins of the nose. Do not tip your head back.

2. Pinch your nose with your thumb and forefinger for 10 minutes without relieving pressure. Breathe through your mouth during this time.

3. If the bleeding continues despite these efforts, consult your doctor.


Shock

A variety of symptoms appear in a person experiencing shock:

1. The skin may appear pale or gray, and is cool and clammy to the touch.

2. The heartbeat is weak and rapid, and breathing is slow and shallow. The blood pressure is reduced.

3. The eyes lack shine and seem to stare. Sometimes the pupils are dilated.

4. The person may be conscious or unconscious. If conscious, the person may faint or be very weak or confused.
On the other hand, shock sometimes causes a person to become overly excited and anxious.

Even if a person seems normal after an injury, take precautions and treat the person for shock by following these steps:

1. Get the person to lie down on his or her back and elevate the feet higher than the person's head. Keep the
person from moving unnecessarily.

2. Keep the person warm and comfortable. Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Do not
give the person anything to drink.

3. If the person is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, place the person on his or her side to prevent choking.

4. Treat any injuries appropriately (bleeding, broken bones, etc.).

5. Summon emergency medical assistance immediately.


Burns

Burns can be caused by fire, the sun, chemicals, heated objects or fluids, and electricity. They can be minor problems or life-threatening emergencies. Distinguishing a minor burn from a more serious burn involves determining the degree of damage to the tissues of the body. If you are not sure how serious the burn is,
seek emergency medical help.

First-degree burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned. The skin is usually red and some swelling and pain may occur. Unless the burn involves large portions of the body, it can be treated at home.

Second-degree burns are those in which the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin is also burned. In these burns, the skin reddens intensely and blisters develop. Severe pain and swelling also occur. If a second-degree burn is no larger than 2 or 3 inches in diameter, it can be treated at home. If the burn covers a larger area, seek medical attention. You may need a tetanus booster.

Third-degree burns are the most serious and involve all layers of skin. Fat, nerves, muscles, and even bones may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear a dry white. If nerve damage is substantial, there may be no pain at all. These burns should receive emergency medical attention.

Follow these steps when treating minor burns at home:

1.If the skin is not broken, run cool water over the burn for several minutes.

2.Cover the burn with a sterile bandage or clean cloth.

3.Take aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve any swelling or pain.

Seek emergency treatment immediately for major burns. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:

1. Remove the person from the source of the burn (fire, electrical current, etc.).

2. If the person is not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation immediately (see Mouth-to-Mouth
Resuscitation).

3. Remove all smoldering clothing to stop further burning.

4. If the person is breathing sufficiently, cover the burned area with a cool, moist, sterile bandage or clean cloth. Do not place any creams, ointments or ice on the burned area or break blisters.

Eye Injuries

Impaled Objects

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE OBJECT. Stabilize the impaled object by placing bulky dressings on each side of the object and then securing the dressings together, or by placing a paper cup over the object and then securing to the face.


Foreign Bodies

Foreign bodies such as dirt, sand, wood or metal chips may cause tearing. Tearing may rid the eye of the foreign body. If the object remains in the eye, have the victim blink several times. If the object still remains in the eye, gently flush the eye with water.


FIRST AID MEASURES FOR SHARPS, BITES AND SCRATCHES


Avoid injury from blood borne viruses

Adopt the following principles to prevent injury from blood borne viruses

• Treat all blood as potentially dangerous
• Remember anyone can be infected with HIV, Hepatitis B and C virus and anyone can be involved in an accident
• Wear gloves where contact with blood/body fluids is expected
• Wash hands before and after using gloves
• Take sharps box and injection to the patient
• Dispose of the needle and syringe immediately after use into the sharps box with the needle pointing downwards
• Ensure you know which patients are known “biters and scratchers” and treat them with caution
• Cover all body fluid spillages with “Virkon” granules and leave for 10 minutes. Brush up and dispose of into clinical waste bag/bin
• If you are at risk of exposure to blood and/or body fluids consider Hepatitis B immunisation


If you are injured by a used/dirty sharp or bite, immediately:

• encourage the area to bleed
• wash the area with soap and water
• apply a waterproof dressing
• splashes should be washed from eyes and mouth with water
• report the incident to the manager in charge of the department and complete an Adverse Incident Report Form
• as soon as possible arrange to attend Occupational Health for advice or attend Accident and Emergency
• If an injury has occurred from a known HIV, Hepatitis B or C patient, go immediately to Accident and Emergency and inform Occupational Health and Infection Control.