first aid and safety measures

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I. First Aid on Bites TREATMENT - The priority is to ensure the safety of yourself and bystanders. If the animal is still a risk, do not approach it but call the local Animal Control Service through your police department. For serious wounds: 1) Help the injured person sit down to help reduce shock. 2) Treat any bleeding by: - Looking in the wound - Applying direct pressure - Elevating the site if it is a limb 3) Take or send the person to hospital. For smaller wounds and scratches: 1) Wash the wounds thoroughly with soap and water. 2) Dry the wound with clean gauze or other non-fluffy material and cover with a dressing. 3) Seek medical advice. II. First Aid on Cuts and Wounds - Minor cuts and puncture wounds can be treated at home. Take the following steps. FOR MINOR CUTS: 1) Wash your hands with soap or antibacterial cleanser to prevent infection. 2) Wash the cut thoroughly with mild soap and water. 3) Use direct pressure to stop the bleeding. 4) Apply antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage that will not stick to the wound. FOR MINOR PUNCTURES: 1) Wash your hands with soap or antibacterial cleanser to prevent infection. 2) Use a stream of water for at least 5 minutes to rinse the puncture wound, then wash with soap. 3) Look (but do NOT probe) for objects inside the wound. If found, DO NOT remove -- go to the Emergency Department. If you cannot see anything inside the wound, but a piece of the object that caused the injury is missing, also seek medical attention. 4) Apply antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage that will not stick to the wound.

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Page 1: First Aid and Safety Measures

I. First Aid on Bites

TREATMENT- The priority is to ensure the safety of yourself and bystanders. If the animal is still a risk, do not

approach it but call the local Animal Control Service through your police department.

For serious wounds:1) Help the injured person sit down to help reduce shock.2) Treat any bleeding by:

- Looking in the wound- Applying direct pressure- Elevating the site if it is a limb

3) Take or send the person to hospital.

For smaller wounds and scratches:1) Wash the wounds thoroughly with soap and water.2) Dry the wound with clean gauze or other non-fluffy material and cover with a dressing.3) Seek medical advice.

II. First Aid on Cuts and Wounds

- Minor cuts and puncture wounds can be treated at home. Take the following steps.

FOR MINOR CUTS:1) Wash your hands with soap or antibacterial cleanser to prevent infection.2) Wash the cut thoroughly with mild soap and water.3) Use direct pressure to stop the bleeding.4) Apply antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage that will not stick to the wound.

FOR MINOR PUNCTURES:1) Wash your hands with soap or antibacterial cleanser to prevent infection.2) Use a stream of water for at least 5 minutes to rinse the puncture wound, then wash with soap.3) Look (but do NOT probe) for objects inside the wound. If found, DO NOT remove -- go to the Emergency

Department. If you cannot see anything inside the wound, but a piece of the object that caused the injury is missing, also seek medical attention.

4) Apply antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage that will not stick to the wound.

III. First Aid on Internal Bleeding

TREATMENT1) Treatment for shock. Keep the person warm. Place him in a comfortable position, preferably lying down with the

legs slightly raised. Reassure him. Treat any external bleeding or bleeding from orifices.2) Call 911 as soon as possible and explain what has happened.

- Monitor and record the person’s pulse and breathing rates. This information will be useful for the medical staff in determining the extent of the injury.

- If the person becomes unconscious, place in recovery position and monitor airway and breathing. Be prepared to resuscitate if necessary.

IV. First Aid on Nose Bleeding

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HOW TO TREAT NOSEBLEEDS:1) Lean the child forward and encourage her to spit blood into a handkerchief or some other receptacle.2) Pinch the child’s nose just below the hard part at its top to and apply firm pressure for 10 minutes (this is the

amount of time it takes for a clot to form). If the bleeding has not stopped after 10 minutes, apply pressure for two further periods of 10 minutes. If bleeding continues then take the child to hospital.

3) Once the bleeding has stopped, advice the child not to scratch, pick, or blow her nose, not to drink hot liquid, and not to exert herself, because all these activities can dislodge the clot and cause the bleeding to start again.

V. First Aid on Slashed Body Parts / Amputation

TREATING AMPUTATION1) Your priority is to stop any bleeding at the site of the injury. Apply direct pressure and raise the injured stump.

An amputation high on the arm or leg can be accompanied by severe arterial bleeding, particularly if caused by a twisting or tearing movement. Be prepared to apply continuous pressure using several pads as necessary.

2) If the bleeding comes under control, cover the wound with a sterile dressing or clean non-fluffy material tied in place with a bandage.

3) Treat for shock and reassure the person.4) Call 911, advising that there is an amputation.

FOR THE AMPUTED PARTA surgeon may be able to reattach amputated part.

1) Wrap the part in a plastic and wrap the bag in a clean cloth.Place the cloth-wrapped bag in ice and place into a sturdy container. Do not let the ice come into close contact with the amputated part, because this will damage the flesh. Do not wash the amputated part.

Label the container with the time of injury and the victim’s name and make sure that you personally hand it over to medical staff.

VI. First Aid on Asthma Attack

TREATMENTAn asthma attack should not be underestimated. While the preventive treatments are very effective, and the

drugs to relieve attacks usually work very well, left untreated, a serious attack can be fatal. The strain of a serious asthma attack can cause the breathing to stop or the heart to cease beating. You should be prepared to resuscitate.

1) Reassure the victim as this will have a positive effect on his breathing.2) Help the victim into a sitting position, leaning slightly forward, as most of people with asthma find this an easier

position for breathing.3) If the victim has a medication, enable him to use it. Inhalers are the main form of treatment.

If this is the first attack, the medication does not work within 5 minutes, or the victims is in severe distress and then call an ambulance. Help the victim to take the medication every 5-10 minutes.

If the attack eases and the person finds it easier to breathe, he will not need immediate medical attention but should advise a doctor of the attack. A person will often be very tired following an attack so it is best to ensure that he is accompanied home to rest.

VII. Fractures

First-aid

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Depends on type & location of fracture

For open fractures1) Control bleeding before treatment2) Rinse and dress the wound3) For open / closed fractures4) Check the breathing 5) Calm the person 6) Examine for other injuries7) Immobilize the broken wound 8) Apply ice to reduce pain / swelling9) Consult a doctor

VIII. BURNS

Care for Burns 1) Stop the burning. Put out flames or remove the victim from the source of the burn. 2) Cool the burn. Use large amounts of cool water to cool the burn. Never use ice except on small superficial

burns, because it causes body heat loss. If the area cannot be immersed, like the face, you can soak a clean cloth and apply it to the burn, being sure to continue adding water to keep the cloth cool.

3) Cover the burn. Use dry, sterile dressings or a clean cloth to help prevent infection and reduce pain. Bandage loosely. Do not put any ointment on a burn unless it is very minor. Do not use any other home remedies, and do not break any blisters. For minor burns or burns with broken blisters that are not severe enough to require medical attention, wash the burned area with soap and water, keep it clean and apply an antibiotic ointment. Remember, some people can be allergic to topical ointments, so if you have any doubts, call your doctor for advice. For a victim of severe burns, lay him or her down unless he or she is having trouble breathing. Try to raise the burned areas above the level of the victim's heart if possible, and protect the victim from drafts.

IX. CHOKING

First Aid for Choking (For Adults, Pregnant Woman and Obese Person) 1) Stand behind the victim and place your arms around him. Make a fist and place it against the victim’s

abdomen, thumb side in, between the navel and the breastbone. 2) Hold the fist with your other hand, and push upward and inward, four times quickly. 3) For victims who are pregnant or obese, place your arms around the chest and your hands over the middle of

the breastbone. Give four quick chest thrust. 4) A victim who is lying down should be rolled over onto his or her back. Place your hands on the abdomen and

push in the same direction on the body that you would if the victim were standing (inward, and toward the upper body).

5) If you are not successful, open the mouth by lifting the jaw and tongue, and look for the swallowed object. If you can see the object, sweep it out with your little finger. Note: Never try to remove an object you can’t see because you may push it in more tightly.

6) If the victim does not begin to breathe after the object has been removed from the air passages, use mouth to mouth resuscitation.

7) Call for help, and repeat these steps until the object is dislodged and the victim is breathing normally.

First Aid for Choking (For Young Children)1) Kneel next to the child who should be lying on his or her back.

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2) Position the heel of one hand on the child’s abdomen between the navel and the breastbone. Deliver six to ten thrust inward and toward the upper body.3) If this doesn’t work, open the mouth by lifting the jaw and tongue, and look for the swallowed object. If you can see the object, sweep it out with your little finger. Note: Never try to remove an object you can’t see because you may push it in more tightly.4) If the victim does not begin to breathe after the object has been removed from the air passages, use mouth to mouth resuscitation. 5) Call for help, and repeat these steps until the object is dislodged and the victim is breathing normally.

First Aid for Choking (For Infants) 1) Hold the infant along your forearm, face down, so that the head is lower than the feet. 2) Deliver five rapid blows to the back, between the shoulder blades, with the heel of your hand. 3) If this doesn’t work, turn the baby over and, using two fingers, give four quick thrusts to the chest.

X. CONVULSIONS and SEIZURES

1) When a seizure occurs, the main goal is to protect the person from injury. Try to prevent a fall. Lay the person on the ground in a safe area. Clear the area of furniture or other sharp objects.

2) Cushion the person's head. 3) Loosen tight clothing, especially around the person's neck. 4) Turn the person on his or her side. If vomiting occurs, this helps make sure that the vomit is not inhaled into

the lungs. 5) Look for a medical I.D. bracelet with seizure instructions. 6) Stay with the person until he or she recovers, or until you have professional medical help. Meanwhile, monitor

the person's vital signs (pulse pulse, rate of breathing).

*In an infant or child, if the seizure occurs with a high fever, cool the child gradually with tepid water. You can give the child acetaminophen (Tylenol) once he or she is awake, especially if the child has had fever convulsions before.

*DO NOT immerse the child in a cold bath. See fever convulsions fever convulsions.

DO NOT: * DO NOT restrain the person. * DO NOT place anything between the person's teeth during a seizure (including your fingers). * DO NOT move the person unless he or she is in danger or near something hazardous. * DO NOT try to make the person stop convulsing. He or she has no control over the seizure and is not aware of

what is happening at the time. * DO NOT give the person anything by mouth until the convulsions have stopped and the person is fully awake

and alert.

XI. DIZZINESS

- Dizziness may be a symptom of something dangerous and should always be discussed with a doctor.

At home, it is recommended for the patient to do the following:- Get plenty to drink, have regular meals, and get plenty of rest.- Standing up more slowly may help dizziness associated with position changes.- Reassurance can help an anxious person who feels dizzy.- Make your home safe for a chronically dizzy person.- Banisters, a walker or cane, and tub mats are safety measures that may help avoid injury to the patient.- Secure rugs and carpeting to avoid falls.- A doctor can recommend resources for a professional home-safety consultant visit.

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XII. FAINTING

1) Lower the head between the knees, if the patient is sitting on a chair.2) Or, let him lie flat with the head lower than the feet. This is done to draw blood to the head.3) Check pulse and respiration to see if breathing and pulse is strong. If the breathing is rapid and the pulse is

strong, get a paper or plastic bag big enough to cover the face. Hold the bag over the nose and mouth and let patient breathe in and out slowly in the bag for a few minutes. If he does not recover after 15-20 minutes, bring the patient to the nearest hospital or clinic for medical attention.

4) If the patient is not breathing and his pulse cannot be felt, prepare to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Have someone call a doctor or get ready to transport the patient to the nearest hospital. If someone is able to do CPR, give CPR while the patient is being transported to the hospital. Stop only when the patient’s pulse becomes palpable and he is already breathing.

5) Check if the patient is diabetic or not. Ask the family.

XIII. DROWNING

TREATMENT OF A NEAR-DROWNING VICTIMYour priority is to ensure an open airway and that the person is breathing.1) Open the airway by tilting the head, checking the mouth, and lifting the chin. Check for breathing for up to 10

seconds.2) If the victim is breathing, place into the recovery position.3) If the victim is not breathing, provide rescue breathing before moving on to an assessment of circulation and full

CPR as necessary.

XIV. EAR INJURIES

- Follow the steps below, depending on the type of ear emergency.

OBJECT IN THE EAR * Calm and reassure the person. * If the object is sticking out and easy to remove, gently remove it by hand or with tweezers. Then, get medical

help to make sure the entire object was removed. * If you think a small object may be lodged within the ear, but you cannot see it, DO NOT reach inside the ear

canal with tweezers. You can do more harm than good. * Try using gravity to get the object out by tilting the head to the affected side. DO NOT strike the person's head.

Shake it gently in the direction of the ground to try to dislodge the object. * If the object doesn't come out, get medical help.

INSECT IN THE EAR * DO NOT let the person put a finger in the ear, since this may make the insect sting. * Turn the person's head so that the affected side is up, and wait to see if the insect flies or crawls out. * If this doesn't work, try pouring mineral oil, olive oil, or baby oil into the ear. As you pour the oil, pull the ear

lobe gently backward and upward for an adult, or backward and downward for a child. The insect should suffocate and may float out in the oil. AVOID using oil to remove any object other than an insect, since oil can cause other kinds of objects to swell.

* Even if an insect appears to come out, get medical attention. Small insect parts can irritate the sensitive skin of the ear canal.

RUPTURED EARDRUM

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* The person will have severe pain. Place sterile cotton gently in the outer ear canal to keep the inside of the ear clean.

* Get medical help. CUTS ON THE OUTER EAR * Apply direct pressure until the bleeding stops. * Cover the injury with a sterile dressing shaped to the contour of the ear, and tape it loosely in place. * Apply cold compresses over the dressing to reduce pain and swelling. * If part of the ear has been cut off, keep the part. Get medical help immediately. * Place the part in a clean cloth and keep it on ice. DRAINAGE FROM INSIDE THE EAR * Cover the outside of the ear with a sterile dressing shaped to the contour of the ear, and tape it loosely in

place. * Have the person lie down on the side with the affected ear down so that it can drain. However, DO NOT move

the person if a neck or back injury is suspected. * Get medical help immediately.

XV. NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS

How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?* Reduce your exposure to noise. This step is especially important for people who work in noisy places and who go to and from work in noisy city traffic. Special earmuffs that protect your ears are available for people who work in noisy environments (such as around heavy machinery). You can also reduce your exposure to noise by choosing quiet leisure activities rather than noisy ones.

* Develop the habit of wearing earplugs when you know you will be exposed to noise for a long time. Disposable foam earplugs cost about $2 a pair and are available in drugstores. These earplugs, which can quiet up to 25 dB of sound, can mean the difference between a dangerous and a safe level of noise. You should always wear ear plugs when riding snowmobiles or motorcycles, attending concerts, when using power tools, lawn mowers or leaf blowers, or when traveling in loud motorized vehicles.

* Use sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise at home and at work. Rubber mats can be put under noisy kitchen appliances, computer printers and typewriters to cut down on noise. Curtains and carpeting also help reduce indoor noise. Storm windows or double-pane windows can reduce the amount of outside noise that enters the home or workplace.

* Don't use several noisy machines at the same time. Try to keep television sets, stereos and headsets low in volume. Loudness is a habit that can be broken.* Don't try to drown out unwanted noise with other sounds. For example, don't turn up the volume on your car radio or headset to drown out traffic noise or turn up the television volume while vacuuming.* Have your hearing checked. Persons at risk for hearing loss should have their hearing tested every year. You are at risk if you are regularly exposed to loud noise at work or play.

XVI. EYE INJURIES

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First Aid for Eyes and Chemical Exposure- If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately if you get chemicals in your eyes. Keeping them in

your eyes may hold the chemical against the cornea, causing unnecessary damage and pain.

* If you suspect chemicals have entered your eye, begin flushing it immediately with cool water and continue to do so for approximately 15 minutes.

* Seek immediate medical attention by dialing 9-1-1 or going to the nearest emergency room. If possible, take the container of the offending substance with you so that you can tell your doctor what you have been exposed to.

First Aid When You Have Something in Your Eye- If you have an object in your eye, do not irritate your eye by rubbing it. You may try to remove the

particle if it is not embedded in the eye. But, follow these first aid tips first:

* First wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This will prevent further contamination or infection.* Try flushing the eye with water. Using your finger and thumb, gently pull the upper eyelid down over the top of

the lower eyelid. This should cause tearing and flush the object out. You may need to repeat this several times.

* If you can see the object, you may try to remove it from your eye with a washcloth. Gently lift the upper or lower eyelid, and use a clean, wet washcloth to wipe the object away. If this does not work, seek immediate medical attention.

XVII. HEART PROBLEMS

ANGINA- Is a cramp-like pain caused by a reduction in oxygen reaching the heart. It is usually brought on by

exercise or excitement. For a relatively large number of people, angina is an ongoing problem that has a familiar pattern. Casualties usually respond well to rest and medication.

You may notice:* Crushing chest pain.* Pain may spread to the jaw, arms and hands.* A feeling of weakness.* Shortness of breath.* A tightening sensation in the jaw, arms and hands.* A sensation of heaviness in the arms.

Treatment:* Sit the casualty down on the spot.* Assist the casualty to take his medication.* Allow the casualty to rest until he has completely recovered.

When to call an ambulance:* This is the casualty's first angina.* The pain is more severe and extensive than the casualty normally experiences.* The pain does not respond to the casualty's medication.* The pain starts when the casualty is resting.

HEART ATTACK

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- Heart attacks usually occur because a part of the heart is suddenly starved of oxygen. It is usually due to a blood clot blocking an artery.

You may notice:* Central chest pain, often described as a tight band around the chest, or intense pain under the breastbone.* Abdominal discomfort, often mistaken as indigestion.* Breathlessness.* Pale, cold and clammy skin.* Faintness or dizziness.* Rapid, weak pulse that's often irregular.

Treatment:* Treat the casualty immediately.* Make the casualty comfortable in a semi-sitting position; ensure good support.* Dial emergency services.* Never leave the casualty unattended and always be ready to start resuscitation.* If the casualty has no objections and isn't allergic, give him an aspirin tablet to CHEW.* Constantly be aware of the casualty's overall condition, particularly if he seems to 'doze off'. Very often, collapse

into cardiac arrest is sudden and unremarkable.

HEART FAILURE- The heart muscle becomes inefficient and the circulation through the lungs becomes 'sluggish' causing

fluid to gather in the lungs. Heart failure may occur following a heart attack or it could be a symptom of other heart diseases. The attacks often occur at night.

You will notice:* Breathlessness, often severe.* Pale, cold and clammy skin.* Abdominal discomfort.* Central chest pain.* A blue tinge to the skin, especially the ears and lips.* Rapid deterioration, even collapse.

Treatment:* Help the casualty into a semi-sitting position and ensure good support.* Dial emergency services.* Be prepared to perform resuscitation.

CARDIAC ARREST- This is a sudden and unexpected stopping of the heart's pumping action. It could be due to a heart attack

or because of other conditions, like electrocution or anaphylactic shock. When the heart doesn't pump, oxygen can't circulate through the body and the heart and brain will be rapidly damaged. The first-aider will have to perform resuscitation immediately and until emergency services have arrive.

Dial emergency services as soon as possible.

XVIII. HEAD, NECK OR SPINAL INJURIES

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Head Injuries- A casualty suffering a head injury needs to be seen by a doctor. A casualty that was or is unconscious will

be admitted to hospital for observation.- Scalp wounds bleed profusely and may indicate underlying injuries. The most useful indicator that a

casualty suffered a head injury is an altered state of consciousness. There are four levels of consciousness; use the AVPU method to determine the casualty's level of consciousness.

AVUP Method

A - Alert: Normal level of consciousness.V - Voice: The patient responds to your voice, but may be drowsy, keeps his eyes closed and may not speak

coherently.P - Pain: The patient is not alert and does not respond to your voice, but a painful stimulus, e.g. shaking the

shoulders or possibly pinching an ear lobe, elicits a response.U - Unresponsive: Unconscious.

*If the casualty is unconscious, ensure that the casualty's airway is open, that the casualty is breathing and that the casualty has a carotid pulse. Act appropriately.

Recognizing a Spinal Injury:Always consider the possibility of a spinal injury following an accident.The following accidents should always alert the first-aider to the possibility of a spinal injury:

A fall from a height. A dive into shallow water. The casualty was thrown from a horse, motorbike or bicycle. Any traffic accident that causes rapid or sudden deceleration. Pedestrians hit by a vehicle. A heavy object fell on or across the casualty's back. Head or chest injuries.

You may notice:

Complaint of neck or back pain. An abnormal shape to the spine. Tenderness over the affected part of the spine. Abnormal sensation of heaviness, stiffness, tingling and weakness. No sensation. Reduced, or loss of, control in limbs. Difficult or abnormal breathing. Incontinence.

Treatment: Check the casualty's mouth for any loose objects (like teeth) and remove. Check for breathing and a

carotid pulse. Act accordingly. If resuscitation is necessary, move the head and neck very gently and with GREAT care. Never move the casualty as this could damage the spinal cord even further. Never tug or pull at the casualty's head. Do not lift the casualty's head. Do not support the neck with anything. Do not place your hand in the nape of the casualty's head. Tell the casualty (if he is conscious) not to move. Dial emergency services.

XIX. STROKE

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Signs of a stroke include: * Weakness, paralysis (inability to move) or numbness of the face or limbs, particularly on one side of the body; * Vision suddenly becoming blurred or decreased, especially in one eye; * Difficulty talking or understanding speech; * Sudden difficulty swallowing; * An unexplained fall, dizziness or loss of balance — someone suffering from stroke may resemble a drunken

person; * Sudden severe headache with no known cause; and * Drowsiness, confusion or loss of consciousness.Follow the DRABC Action Plan

- St John Ambulance Australia recommends you follow the ‘DRABC Action Plan’ in every emergency. It helps you determine whether someone has a life-threatening condition and what first aid is needed.

- The following plan assumes you have at least one other person to assist you. If you are alone with the casualty, work down the plan to ‘breathing’, check for breathing and turn the person into recovery position (see below) before calling an ambulance. Then resume the plan, starting mouth-to-mouth breathing if necessary.

D — check for DANGER * To you. * To others. * To the affected person.R — check RESPONSE

Ask the person their name. If someone has had a stroke, they may not be able to talk, so grasp both their hands and ask them to squeeze — they may respond by squeezing one of your hands.

Does the person respond? If so, they are conscious: follow the directions at the end of the page while you wait for help to arrive.

If the person does not respond, they are probably unconscious. Make sure someone has dialed 000 for an ambulance, and then continue.

A — check AIRWAY * Is the airway clear of objects? * Is the airway open?If the airway is not clear, turn the person into recovery position. * Kneel beside the person. * Put their arm that’s farthest from you out at right angles to their body. * Place their nearer arm across their chest. * Bend their nearer leg up at the knee; the other leg should be straight. * While supporting their head and neck, roll the person away from you. * When they are on their side, keep their top legs bent at the knee, with the knee touching the ground.

B — check for BREATHING * Tilt the head back. * Is the person’s chest rising and falling? * Can you hear the person breathing? * Can you feel their breath on your cheek?

If the person is not breathing: * turn the casualty onto their back; * tilt their head backwards; * lift the chin, pinch the nose closed and give 2 initial mouth-to-mouth breaths;

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* make sure the chest rises and falls with each breath; and * If breathing does not return and there are no signs of life, go to the next step (step C).If the person is breathing, follow steps below under ‘while waiting for help’.

C — give CPR * Kneeling beside the person, give 30 chest compressions on the lower half of the breastbone. Use 2 hands with

the fingers interlocked. * Then tilt the head backwards, tilt the chin and give 2 mouth-to-mouth breaths while pinching the nose shut. * Keep alternating between 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the person shows signs of life or medical help

arrives.

While waiting for help

XX. HEAT RELATED ILLNESS

What are heat-related illnesses?

- Exposure to abnormal or prolonged amounts of heat and humidity without relief or adequate fluid intake can cause various types of heat-related illness. Children adjust more slowly than adults do to changes in environmental heat. They also produce more heat with activity than adults, and sweat less. Sweating is one of the body's normal cooling mechanisms. Children often do not think to rest when having fun and may not drink enough fluids when playing, exercising, or participating in sports.

- Children with chronic health problems, or those who take certain medicines, may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Children who are overweight or wear heavy clothing during exertion, such as marching band or football uniforms, are also more susceptible.

There are three types of heat-related illnesses: * Heat cramps. * Heat exhaustion. * Heat stroke. What are heat cramps?

Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat injury and consist of painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur during or after intense exercise and sweating in high heat.

What is heat exhaustion?Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps and results from a loss of water and salt in the body. It

occurs in conditions of extreme heat and excessive sweating without adequate fluid and salt replacement. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is unable to cool itself properly and, if left untreated, can progress to heat stroke.

What is heat stroke?Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, occurs when the body's heat-regulating system is

overwhelmed by excessive heat. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms and first-aid measures for heat injuries:- The following chart contains the most common symptoms of heat-related injuries. However, each child

may experience symptoms differently. In addition, specific treatment will be determined by your child's physician and may include some, or more, of the following:

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How can heat stroke be prevented?Some general guidelines to help protect your child from heat-related illnesses include the following:

* Drink plenty of fluids during vigorous or outdoor activities (including sunbathing), especially on hot days. Drinks of choice include water and sports drinks; avoid fluids with caffeine such as tea, coffee and cola, as these can lead to dehydration.

* Dress your child in light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing on hot days. * Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day. * Take rest periods in shady or cool areas. * Protect children from the sun by having them wear a hat and sunglasses. Use a sunscreen that is at least SPF

(sun protection factor) 15.

* Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your child's body used to the heat. * Teach children to take frequent drink breaks and "wet down or mist themselves with a spray bottle to avoid

becoming overheated. * Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days. * Do not leave children unattended in a hot automobile. * If your child has a medical condition or is taking medication, consult your child's physician for further advice for

preventing heat-related illnesses.

XXI. INFECTION

Treating a Finger Infection Treatment

- Because finger infections have the potential to become severe, home care is limited. A very minor paronychia may be managed at home if you have no other complicating medical illness, such as diabetes. All of the other infections require urgent evaluation and treatment by a doctor. Because delay in treatment may result in disability or loss of the finger, you should not hesitate to obtain medical care.

- A small, simple paronychia may respond to frequent warm water soaks and elevation of the hand. However, if no improvement is noticed in one to two days, you should see your doctor at once.

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First Aid and Safety Measures

Ayllon, Mark Anthony C. III

III-1

NSTP-1