FIRST AID - BURNS AND SCALDSACTION

IMMEDIATELY

nIf clothing is on fire, smother in blanket, rug or large coat. Make casualty lie down and keep stillnIn case of scalds, remove any

clothing soaked in hot liquids.nDO NOT remove any burned clothes

that stick to the skin.

DRESSING MINOR BURNS

nClean thoroughly with soap and water.n Cover with a loose non-adhesive or

dry dressing (preferably sterile) nDO NOT smear with antiseptic

ointment

nRemove any tight clothing etc. from burned area. Loosely cover burn with a clean dressing. A sterile dressing is best, but a clean sheet, pillowcase or handkerchief will do..nDO NOT touch the burn, specially if

the skin is broken.nDO NOT burst or break blisters.nDO NOT apply cotton wool or any

other fluffy material to burned area.

nDo this as quickly as possible. If burn or scald is small, run under a cold tap for at least 10 minutes, or until pain is less severe..nIf burn area is large, pour water over

it from a jug or bucket.nIf running water is not available, use

a damp cloth, sponge, or immerse in water. (Any mild cold liquid such as milk will do)nDO NOT apply lotion, grease, butter

or antiseptic ointment.

COOL BURNED AREA

PREVENT INFECTION

nBurn does not appear to be healing within three days.nCasualty has other injuries. nCasualty shows signs of SHOCK

nBurn covers area larger than the palm of the hand.nThe skin has been burned away.nIn any doubt, specially if burn is on

CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP IF - Phone. No.

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FIRST AID - BLEEDING Cuts and Wounds ACTION

IMMEDIATELY

CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP IF nCasualty has lost a lot of blood nBleeding does not stop after 15 minutesnWound has splinters of glass, metal, dirt, gravel or other foreign bodies in it that cannot easily be removednCasualty shows signs of SHOCK (cold, sweating skin, dizziness, faintness or nausea)nYou suspect other injuries (broken bones etc)nYou suspect INTERNAL BLEEDING (bruising, swelling, a pale, cold and sweating skin)nCut or wound is deep nWound does not seem to be healing within seven days

nRaise up and support a bleeding limb, unless you suspect a broken bone. Make the casualty rest.

nWASH your hands before attending to the cut and avoid coughing or breathing on the wound.

nREMOVE obvious dirt and other foreign bodies from the cut. Trim off damaged skin.

nTEMPORARILY COVER wound with clean dressing and thoroughly wash surrounding skin, always wiping away from the cut. Use clean cloths and a mild antiseptic solution.

nCLEAN the wound thoroughly making sure that ALL foreign matter and dead skin is removed. If possible use running water; if not a mild antiseptic solution.

nCleaning a wound can be painful, but it will be far more effective in helping the wound to heal quickly that any antiseptic ointment.

nDO NOT use cotton wool to dry the wound or as part of the dressing.

nCOVER the wound with a sterile dressing. Use EITHER a dry surgical gauze where there is no risk of the dressing sticking to the wound OR a non adhesive dressing, particularly on scrapes where an area of skin has been damaged and is weeping or bleeding.

nKEEP PRESSURE on wound by using either plaster or bandages to hold the dressing down. Leave the dressing on until the wound has healed. Most minor wounds will heal within between 7 - 10 days.

DRESSING MINOR CUTS AND WOUNDS

KEEP CASUALTY STILL

nPut PRESSURE on the wound by pressing the edges together. Use a cloth if there's one handy if not, use your fingers.

nKeep pressure on until the bleeding has stopped. This can take up to 15 minutes.

nIf there are splinters of glass or metal or other foreign bodies in the wound that you cannot remove, don't press on the wound itself, press round it..

nRemove anything embedded in wound (glass, metal fragments etc.) as long as it comes out easily.

nAvoid causing further injury if you have to move casualty.nIf bleeding is very severe, act fast.

STOP THE BLEEDING

COVER THE WOUND

nMaintain pressure on the wound by adding a dressing and bandage.

nIf you have used a cloth to press the edges of the wound together, add some kind of padding like gauze before bandaging firmly but not too tightly.

nIf the cloth is soaked with blood and bleeding clearly hasn't stopped, don't remove the cloth. Press another on top of it before applying the bandage.

nBuild up a dressing around any foreign bodies still in the wound, so that pressure is on the wound but not on the foreign bodies

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FIRST AID - FRACTURES DISLOCATIONS AND SPRAINS

ACTIONSPRAINS

nAny change in the colour (to white or blue) of fingers or toes below a fracture.

nAny loss of feeling below the injury. nA weak pulse at wrist or ankle.

nLoosen any tight dressings and straighten limb.

n Remove tight clothing or footwear.

nIF CIRCULATION IS IMPAIRED

CHECK FOR IMPAIRED CIRCULATION

nRemove tight clothing or footwear from the joint as quickly as possible.

nApply cold compresses (e.g. clean handkerchief soaked in cold water) to check the swelling.

nBandage the joint firmly (not tightly) in the most comfortable position.

nCheck bandage frequently for correct tightness loosen immediately if it causes numbness, tingling, or inability to move fingers and toes.

nAs pain lessens, encourage gentle, gradually increasing movement of the joint.

nIf pain and swelling are severe see a doctor.

nSIGNS OF A SPRAINED JOINTnSwelling nDiscolorationnLimited ability to move joint, and pain on doing so nIf in any doubt as to severity, treat as a dislocation rather than a

sprain.

FRACTURES

nUse clean dressing (a freshly laundered handkerchief will do) and carefully and gently bandage in place.

nIf a broken bone is visible, build up dressing around, not on top, so that no pressure is applied directly to bone.

nSIGNS OF A FRACTUREnSevere pain or tenderness nSwellingnInability to move without severe pain casualty may feel fracture

grating. nDiscoloration/bruising nMisshapen or abnormal appearance (compare with uninjured

side); bone may protrude.

COVER OPEN WOUNDS

STOP ANY MOVEMENT nUse pillows, cushions, coats or

blankets to immobilize a fractured leg or arm and prevent further injury.

nMake casualty rest.nKeep him warm but do not overheat.nDO NOT attempt to straighten the

limb.nDO NOT move the casualty

unnecessarily.nDO NOT attempt to force any bones

back together.

WATCH FOR SIGNS OF SHOCKnFractured bones may cause severe internal bleeding which will

cause SHOCK. Any unnecessary movement will make bleeding worse.

DISLOCATIONnSIGNS OF DISLOCATION

nSUPPORT THE JOINT

nMisshapen or abnormal appearance (compare with uninjured joint)

nSwelling nDiscoloration/bruisingnInability to move the joint, or severe pain on doing so. Dislocated

bone may be fixed in the position you find it by spasm of the attached muscles.

nIf in any doubt, treat as a fracture rather than a dislocation.

nUse cushions, pillows or coats to support the joint in the most comfortable position probably the position in which you find it.

nAlternatively, support a dislocated arm by securing it to the body with large bandages. But DO NOT do this if it means moving the arm, unless it is essential to move the patient.

nDO NOT try to force a dislocated bone back into the joint.

TYPES OF SLING

ARM SLING

For fractures of forearm, wrist and

hand

TRIANGULAR SLING

For fractures of collar bone and

shoulder.

COLLAR AND CUFF SLING

For fractures of upper arm and

elbow

CALL FOR MEDICAL HELPnEven if you are not sure that there are fractured bones, an X-ray

may be necessary to check this.nIf you suspect a spinal injury to the back or neck, the spinal cord

can be easily damaged. This can cause permanent disablement. So DO NOT move the casualty unless his life is otherwise at risk.

nAny dislocation needs proper medical attention, even if only a small joint in the finger is injured.

nGet casualty to hospital as quickly as possible if one of the major joints is affected.

nDO NOT move the casualty any more than is necessary. If you have to move him, make sure the dislocated bone is properly supported first.

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FIRST AID - FITS, CONVULSIONS AND CHOKING ACTION

nIf casualty is about to fall, try to lower him gently to the ground .nMove any hard or sharp objects out of the way, so that the

casualty cannot hurt himself on them.nUse cushion, pillows or coats to cover sharp edges nearby.nTry to guide casualty away from danger , glass doors or

windows, stairways, fires, etc.nDO NOT try to restrain him in any other way.nDO NOT force anything into his mouth (even to stop him biting

his tongue).nDO NOT leave him unattended.

CHOKING

nMake sure that casualty can breathe freely.

nTry to hold his head back so that he cannot 'swallow' his tongue; pull head back firmly and bring lower jaw upwards and forwards to meet upper jaw

nIf necessary pull his tongue forward to clear the airway.

nDO NOT put anything in his mouth.

n Jerky, uncontrolled movements nLimbs becoming rigidnFoaming at the mouthnLoss of bladder or bowel controlnApparent lack of response to normal stimulinCoughing or choking.

IMMEDIATELY

SIGNS OF FITS AND CONVULSIONS

PREVENT CASUALTYFROM INJURING HIMSELF

nTO STOP THE CHOKING nTry persuading casualty to hold his

breath for a few seconds, or to take a sip of water and then to breathe quietly. It's rather like trying to stop hiccups.

nDO NOT give him anything to eat to help force an obstruction down.

nChoking can be frightening to watch, but in most situations it will clear itself. But there are occasions when help is vital:

nPlace casualty in RECOVERY POSITION nIf casualty is drowsy or falls asleep, DO NOT interfere, but keep

him under close observation.nIf fit has been brought on by a fever remove his clothing and

sponge body with tepid water to help bring the temperature down.

nDO NOT leave him unattended.

AFTER A FIT OR CONVULSION

IF CASUALTY'S FACE OR LIPS TURN BLUE

nAct quickly, especially if casualty's own coughing fails.nIf he's choking on something solid strike him sharply 3 or 4 times

between shoulder blades with heel of your hand.nIf an adult is lying down, roll him on his side before striking his

back.nIf he's choking on a liquid (any drink or even vomit) lie him down

on his side with head pointing down towards feet.nLay face down across your knees and strike him on his back.nRepeat the blows after a few seconds if nothing happens.nDO NOT continue the blows if he starts to cough.

IF BLOCKAGE REMAINS

nDO NOT try to remove a throat obstruction with tweezers or other pointed instruments if you have to remove something, use your fingers.

nIf all else fails, stand behind casualty with your arms around his waist. clench your fists together just under his ribs. Give 4 sharp up thrusts with your fists; don't squeeze with your arms.

ALWAYS CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP IF:

nFit or convulsion lasts for more than a few minutes.nCasualty has no previous history of epilepsy.nCasualty has injured himself in other ways or damaged his throat

after choking.nCasualty is sick as well, or fit was brought on by poisoning, head

injury, heat stroke or high fever.nIf these measures fail .nIf breathing stops. Give ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION nAfter a bout of serious choking, see a doctor to check that there's

no damage.

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FIRST AID - ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION (For life-saving procedures if breathing is stops for any reason)

ACTION

3 - IF BREATHING HAS STOPPED

n Place casualty on his back, then pull head back firmly and bring lower jaw upwards and forwards to meet the upper jaw.

n Clear throat of any obstruction that would restrict breathing.

n Pinch casualty’s nostrils togethern Cover whole mouth with yours, and

breathe into casualty’s mouth.n Check that air is reaching his lungs by

watching his chest rise and fall. If it does not it means airway is still blocked.

n Give four quick breaths in to the casualty’s mouth.

n Continue with 10 to15 breaths a minute - probably your own normal breathing rate.

n When he starts to breathe himself, time your breaths to coincide with his. Only stop once his breathing is strong and steady.

4 - IF HEART HAS STOPPED

nFind lower part of breastbone (the bony part in middle of chest just above stomach)

nPlace heel of your hand over it, and heel of other hand on top. Keep palms and fingers off chest.

nWith straights arms, rock forward, pressing filmily on breastbone.

nRepeat once every secondnCombine with mouth-to-mouth respiration.

I f you are a lone g ive 15 hear t compressions, then two quick mouth-to-mouth breaths.

nWhen casualty starts breathing and heart is beating steadily, place in RECOVERY position.

nKeep watch on casualty’s breathing and pulse until help arrives, if either stops, turn him on his back and resume heart compression and moth - to - mouth respiration.

5 - CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP - Phone. No -

2 - CHECK BREATHING AND HEARTBEAT n If casualty is

i n g a s o r smoke - filled room, get him into fresh air as quickly as possible.

n If in water, get casualty onto dry land as fast as possible

1 - IMMEDIATELY

nListen for sounds of breathing from casualty’s nose and mouth.

nLook for movement of chest or upper part of abdomen.

nCheck pulse.nIf casualty is unconscious and

not breathing normally, check for blockage to air passage. Use your fingers, handkerchief or tissue to scoop out anything that is blocking throat - blood, vomit, false teeth - then place casualty in RECOVERY position, with head tilted down.

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FIRST AID - SHOCK ACTION

nMake him as comfortable as possible.nImmobilise broken bones by placing

cushions round limbs.nLoosen tight clothing, but do not allow

casualty to become chilled.nIf injuries permit, raise casualty's legs about

12 inches higher than heart. Use a rolled up blanket or coat, or place his feet on a low chair.

CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY IF

Shock is a serious complication which can follow many injuries. So it is vital to recognize the signs. Shock can develop as a result of any severe injury. The characteristic signs are:

nPale, ashen or grey skin colour nCasualty feels cold but is sweatingnFaintness, giddiness or nauseanShallow breathing, or deep gasping breathsnFast but weak pulse nCasualty is unnaturally quiet and reacts

slowly. His speech may be affectednSHOCK is serious and needs urgent

treatment

SIGNS OF SHOCK

MAKE CASUALTY REST

nDO NOT move him unless there is danger of further injury.nTreat obvious injuries like severe

BLEEDING or serious BURNS first

TREAT CASUALTY WHERE HE IS

nPlace a light coat or blanket over him to keep him warm.

nIf he is lying on a cold surface, gently push a blanket underneath him as well.

nDO NOT overheat casualty by adding extra blankets or hot water bottles.

nDO NOT move him near a fire, or bring a fire closer.

KEEP CASUALTY WARM

nReassure him. Speak calmly and confidently. If there's been a road accident, don't allow other people to crowd in on him.

nIf casualty panics, calm him down. Explain what you are doing to help.

nIf casualty is very thirsty, get him to suck a clean handkerchief that has been dampened with water.

nDO NOT give him anything else to drink not hot sweet drinks; no alcohol.

KEEP CASUALTY CALM

nCasualty has serious injuries like burns, broken bones, or is bleeding severely.

nShock is severe, despite apparently minor injuries.

nShock appears to be getting worse.nCasualty has been unconscious or lapses

into unconsciousness.

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FIRST AID - HEART ATTACKS ACTION

IF BREATHING HAS STOPPED

nSudden collapse.nCrushing vice - like pain starting

in center or left side of chest.nPain spreads to left arm and both

sides of throat and jaw.nCasualty has difficulty breathing,

or is breathless. He may feel his heart beating irregularly.

n Weak, irregular or non existent pulse.

nPale and clammy skin.nCasua l t y may a l so fee l

nauseated.

SIGNS OF HEART ATTACK

nStart artificial respiration nLay casualty on his back pull head back firmly and pull

lower jaw upwards and forward to meet upper jaw.nClear any throat obstructions.nPinch nostrils together.nCover the whole of his mouth with your own, and breathe

into his lungs. Check that his chest rises and falls. (if it doesn't the airway is still blocked and you must try clearing it again.)

nGive four quick breaths into his mouth.nStart continuous mouth to mouth respiration keeping

casualty's nose pinched at the rate of 10 - 15 breaths a minute.

nWhen casualty starts to breathe by himself, time your breaths to coincide with his. Carry on until his breathing is steady and strong, then place in RECOVERY position.

nCheck for breathing and heartbeat.nListen for breathing by putting your ear close to casualty's

nose and mouth.nLook for movement of his chest or upper abdomen.nCheck pulse.nIf he is breathing, check that the air passage to his lungs is

clear. Use your fingers, handkerchief or tissue to scoop out anything that may block it.

nPlace him in the RECOVERY position with head downwards or tilted to one side. If he recovers consciousness, prop him in sitting position to help his breathing.

nIf casualty is not fully alert, treat him as if he were unconscious.

IF CASUALTY IS UNCONSCIOUS

IF HEART STOPS

nStart heart compression: nPlace the heel of your hand over the lower part of the

breastbone just above the stomach, and the heel of your other hand on top. Keep your palms and fingers off casualty's chest.

nRock forward with arms straight, pressing firmly on casualty's breast - bone.

nRepeat once a second.nGive mouth to mouth respiration as well. If you have no

help, give 15 heart compressions, and follow this with two quick mouth to mouth respirations each time.

nWhen casualty starts breathing and heart is beating steadily, place in RECOVERY position.

KEEP CASUALTY UNDERCLOSE OBSERVATIONnWatch his breathing and pulse until medical help arrives.

If either stops, turn casualty on his back and resume heart compression and mouth to mouth respiration.

nIF CASUALTY IS CONSCIOUSnMake him rest until help arrives.nPlace him in sitting position

against pillow or rolled up coats. This will help his breathing.

nMake him breathe deeply.nCalm him down and keep him

still.nDO NOT allow casualty to exert

himself

IMMEDIATELY - CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE

nRecord his pulse rate every five minutes and note down the results. Send record with casualty to hospital.

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FIRST AID - CHEMICALS AND CAUSTICSACTION

COVER THE INJURED AREA

nOnce all traces of the chemical have been washed off the skin or out of the eye:

nDry the injury and cover with a dressing - a sterile one if possible, but you can use any clean, dry cloth like a freshly laundered handkerchief.

nBandage the dressing in place..

nTurn the head towards the affected side so the chemical cannot enter uninjured eye.

nOpen the eye fully, if necessary pulling the eyelids apart with your fingers.

nUse lots of running water to wash the chemical out a shower spray is best, (but don't point it directly at the eye) but splashing the eye with water from a bucket can be just as effective.

nWash for between 10 and 15 minutes to make sure that chemical is removed from inside of eyelids and from the eyeball itself.

IF BOTH EYES ARE AFFECTED

CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP -

Phone.No..

nWash the chemical off the skin as quickly as possible. Use running water - a kitchen tap, bath, shower, hosepipe, stream. This will also help to dilute the chemical.

nContinue washing for between 5 and 10 minutes.Remove all clothes contaminated by the chemical.

nMake sure that the water drains away freely and does not run on to other parts of the body.

nIf you cannot move the casualty, use buckets or jars to carry water to him.

nIf water is not available use milk, orange juice or another watery fluid.

nDO NOT use neutralizing solutions or home made remedies to try to deactivate the chemical.

Although the skin does not react to a corrosive chemical in the same way as it reacts to a heat burn, spilling such a chemical on the skin causes what is usually described as a 'chemical burn'.

nBurning sensation on skinnRedness or discoloration nBlistering of skin nThe treatment is similar to that for heat burns and scalds.

THE SIGNS ARE:

IMMEDIATELY

SYMPTOMS

IF AN EYE IS AFFECTED

nBend the head forward so that the water and chemical can drain out of the eyes.

nMake sure that you keep eyes open as you wash them.

CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP IF

nCasualty is still in great pain.nChemical entered eye.nAffected area of skin is large.nSkin is severely blistered or weeping.nNOTE. Some chemicals weed killers, insecticides,

fungicides or rat poisons - are only slightly corrosive when spilt on the skin, but are absorbed through the skin into the body. Although it may be some hours before symptoms appear, once inside the body these chemicals can cause nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, numbness and abdominal pain . If in doubt, consult a doctor.

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FIRST AID - EYE INJURIES ACTION

BLACK EYE

nBleeding may be profuse from any cut around the eye, so act quickly.

nCover the eye with a dressing.nBandage lightly in place.nIf the wound is serious, or if you

suspect injury to the eye itself, see a doctor.

CUT AROUND EYES

BLEEDING IN THE EYEnA blow to the eyeball itself can cause

bleeding in the front part of the eye behind the cornea (the transparent part in front of the iris and the pupil). This is serious.

nCover the eye with a pad.nSee a doctor or go to hospital as soon

as possible..

CHEMICALS IN THE EYE

nImmediately wash eye thoroughly. Splash with water, immerse or use a spray or shower.

nKeep washing for at least 5 minutes.nDO NOT spray a jet of water directly at the eye.nHold the casualty's head on one side and allow water to run into eye

from the inner corner.nHold the eyelids open or blink rapidly to ensure that water reaches

all parts of the eye and eyelids.nMake sure the water drains away freely and does not get into the

other eye.nIf both eyes are affected, alternate washing between them.nIf water isn't available, use milk.nWhen all traces of the chemical have been washed away, keep eye

shut.nHold a clean, dry pad over the eye and bandage in place.nSee a doctor..

PARTICLE IN THE EYE

nTry blinking rapidly for several seconds. This will encourage tear fluid to wash the particle into the corner of the eye.

nIf blinking doesn't work, the particle may be stuck to the inside of the eyelid. pull the upper eyelid down over the lower one then let it slide back into place. This also releases extra tear fluid. Blink rapidly.

nIf you still can't see the particle, ask someone to help. They should gently pull the top lid up, while you look down, or pull the lower lid down as you look up

nRemove the particle with the moistened corner of a tissue or handkerchief. Wipe towards the corner of the eye and be very gentle.

nDO NOT use cotton wool.nIf this still doesn't work, flush the eye with running water or immerse

it completely and blink rapidly.nCover with a clean dry pad.nIf the eye is still very uncomfortable after a few hours, or you could

not find the particle, go and see a doctor.nDO NOT rub the eyes to dislodge a particle. This does more

damage. nDO NOT poke any instrument into the eye.

nIf a splinter of metal or glass enters the eye this may cause only mild pain to begin with, but it needs urgent medical attention.

nIMPORTANT

BURNS AND SCALDSnUse lots of water to flush out anything

like hot fat.nImmerse the eye in water with the lids

held open. This will also help relieve the pain.

nWash the eye or immerse it completely for at least 5 minutes.

nSee a doctor or go to hospital.

AFTER AN EYE INJURYnLessen discomfort by keeping the

eyes closed. If necessary cover with a pad made from several layers of gauze and bandage in place.

nYou can make a soothing eye lotion for yourself simply by adding a pinch of salt to a glass of previously boiled water.

SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IF

nEye continues to look swollen and feels uncomfortable for more than a few hours after the injury.

nEye becomes more painful.nBlurred or double vision develops.

nThis is caused by bruising of the eye socket and lids. Both the dark colour (which can change from deep purple to yellow) and swelling are the result of bleeding beneath the skin.

nTry using an ice pack to reduce the swelling.

nIf the swelling is so great that you can't see, cover the eye with a pad.

nPlacing a raw steak over the eye won't do any more good than a pad

dampened with water. An ice pack is better.nIf any other symptoms develop headache, pain in the eye, sudden

blurred or double vision see a doctor as soon as possible.

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FIRST AID - HEAD INJURIES and NosebleedsACTION

ATTEND TO OTHER INJURIES

nCheck casualty's pulse and breathing.nIf breathing stops, give ARTIFICIAL

RESPIRATION nIf there is severe bleeding from any

head injury, cover the wound with a clean dry cloth and hold it in place.

nWatch for signs of concussion

nSevere headache nPale, clammy skinnShallow breathing

IMMEDIATELY

SIGNS OF CONCUSSION

nIf you suspect a broken jaw or damage to the inside of the mouth, gently try to remove false or loose broken teeth.

nSupport the jaw with a pad and bandage round the head.nIf a pale fluid seeps from the ear, cover ear with a clean cloth or

pad and lie casualty in RECOVERY position with that ear down.

nBandage a dressing in place to maintain pressure on a wound nIf there is bleeding inside the mouth, use gauze or a clean

cloth to apply direct pressure.nDO NOT attempt to clean a deep scalp wound yourself. Just

cover it gently.nDO NOT apply pressure to any wound where there is a

possibility of under lying skull damage. Just cover wound gently.

nIf blood is seeping from the ear, but there is no apparent injury, this may indicate a fracture of the skull. Cover with a pad or cloth and bandage in position. Make casualty lie down in RECOVERY position with bleeding ear downmost.

STOP ANY BLEEDING

NOSEBLEEDS

nIMMEDIATELYnMake casualty sit up with his head bent slightly forward.nPress a finger against the bleeding side of the nose just below

the bridge, or pinch the nostrils together.nMake casualty breathe through his mouth.nKeep pressure on for at least 10 minutes. Release pressure

slowly. If bleeding hasn't stopped, apply pressure again.nEncourage him to avoid swallowing as this could break a new

formed blood clot inside the nose.

CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP IF:

nCasualty loses consciousness even for a few seconds.nCasualty has lost a lot of blood, or wound is wide or deep.nBlood or a pale fluid seeps from the ear or nose.nCasualty becomes drowsy or confused.nYou suspect other injuries a broken jaw etc.nCasualty has difficulty breathing.nCasualty has convulsions.nCasualty has a severe headache, a stiff neck, vomits or can't

vomits or can't bear bright lights. nCasualty has a large, soft swelling on skull, not necessarily

confined to area of injury.nHead injuries often require medical attention simply because

of the POSSIBILITY of skull fractures and brain damage. The symptoms may not appear until several days after, so if in any doubt about the severity of an injury call a doctor.

nBleeding continues. Meanwhile pack at strip of clean gauze or cotton bandage into the nostril.

nA lot of blood has been lost. Make casualty lie down and keep him calm.

nFast but weak pulsenDrowsinessnCasualty seems confused

nThe severity of these symptoms will help you judge the severity of the head injury, even if there are few external signs.

nPlace him in the RECOVERY positionand keep a constant watch on his breathing and heartbeat.

nIf you suspect a serious back or neck injury, DO NOT move him UNLESS there is a real danger of further injury

nCover with a blanket or coat, but DO NOT overheat.

nDO NOT try giving anything to drink.

IF CASUALTY IS UNCONSCIOUS

nMake him rest.nIf he has blood in his mouth, sit him

down with his head well forward so that blood can drain away, or place him in the RECOVERY position.

IF CASUALTY IS CONSCIOUS

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FIRST AID - ARM AND HAND INJURIESACTION

SEVERED FINGER

SLINGS

nFor any serious hand, arm or shoulder injury, use a sling to keep the limb supported and elevated while waiting for medical help. This reduces bleeding and swelling and minimizes movement or strain on the limb. Encourage casualty to use his good arm as a support in the meantime.

nnTreat injury itself; stop and dress any bleeding, steady and splint a

fracture.nDO NOT use a sling if casualty is lying down.nDO NOT bother with a sling if medical help is due to arrive in a few

minutes. Just keep casualty still.nnUse a triangular bandage to make the sling or, if bandage is not

available improvise as diagrams.nUse plenty of padding around the injured area.nDO NOT force casualty to bend his elbow to put on a sling if elbow is

extremely painful.nCHECK CIRCULATIONnKeep a check on casualty's circulation. If his fingers or tingling,

loosen dressings slightly or lower the arm to restore blood supply.

IMMEDIATELY

MAKE A SLING

nSplinters can occur anywhere, but are commonest on the fingers and hands.

nTo remove a splinter, use sterile fine pointed tweezers or sterile needle.

nSterilize by boiling in water for 5 minutes or holding in a flame until red hot for 2 minutes.

nWash the skin around the splinter and your hands with soap and water.

nIf the splinter can be gripped with the tweezers, gently pull it out at the same angle at which it went in.

nIf the splinter can't be gripped easily, tease away the overlying skin with the needle, then gently pull it out at the same angle at which it went in.

nWash area again with soap and water and cover with a dressing.nDO NOT try to remove a very deep or dirty splinter. Consult a doctor

a tetanus injection may be necessary.nnThis common injury is usually the result of hitting thumb or finger

with a hammer, or catching it in a door. nIf the fingernail tears and bleeds, clean the wound and cover it with

dressing Keep it covered with fresh dressings until the new fingernail grows.

nIf the injury is painful or becomes infected, consult a doctornDO NOT pull the fingernail off.

BROKEN, BLEEDING OR TORN FINGERNAIL

nA deep or extensive cut that goes through an artery can cause bleeding that is so severe you may not be able to stop it by the usual methods. There is a danger that the casualty may go into SHOCK or even die through loss of blood.

nIn such emergencies, stop or slow the blood flow by pressing on the brachial artery, which supplies most of the arm with blood.

nUsing your fingers, press hard on the inside of the arm half way between the shoulder and elbow you may be able to feel the artery pulsating there. Close off the artery by squashing it closed against the underlying arm bone.

nMeanwhile, continue attempts to stop BLEEDING by usual methods

nRelease pressure on the artery frequently to check whether bleeding is still severe. If it has slowed down, do not continue with arterial pressure.

nDO NOT use a tourniquet.nDO NOT use artery pressure point until you have tried direct

pressure on wound by pressing the two edges of the wound together to stem flow of blood.

nDO NOT use artery pressure point on its own, but in conjunction with direct pressure on wound itself.

SEVERE BLEEDING

SPLINTERS

CALL FOR MEDICAL HELP - Phone.No..

nMOVING THE CASUALTYnIf you have to move the casualty in an emergency or wait some time

for medical help, put a splint on the injury to prevent further movement.

nUse whatever is available as a splint a piece of wood, rolled up newspaper or magazines. Use plenty of padding to prevent straining.

nPut the arm in a sling if possible.

nCALL FOR MEDICAL HELPnTake any severed part of the body finger, hand, arm to hospital

with the casualty; it may be possible to reattach it using micro surgical techniques.

nMeanwhile treat casualty - STOP BLEEDING nIf severed part is dirty, wash briefly in clean tap water.

BROKEN ARM, WRIST, OR FINGER

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