First aid

First aid saves lives!

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Emergency Telephone Numbers Around the World

This map shows local emergency telephone numbers around the world. Emergency telephone number systems are simply telephone equipment that routes calls to the nearest public safety agency communications center, and in most cases displays the callers locati

This is so useful!!! 

(Click on 'source'.)

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HEATSTROKE

(Also known as SUN STROKE)

'Stroke' is the general term used to describe decreased oxygen flow to an area of the brain.

Heatstroke occurs when your body temperature rises rapidly and you're unable to cool down (often accompanied by dehydration). It can be life-threatening by causing damage to your brain and other vital organs. It may be caused by strenuous activity in the heat or by being in a hot place for too long.

Heatstroke can occur without any previous heat-related condition, such as heat exhaustion.

Heatstroke can be FATAL if not immediately and properly treated!

How to prevent it?

Avoid becoming dehydrated and avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather!

How can you recognise it? 

High body temperature (40°C/104°F or higher)

Red, dry or damp skin (absence of sweating)

Headache

Dizziness

Changes in behaviour: confusion, agitation or slurred speech

Nausea

What can you do?

Call for an ambulance.

Then immediately move the person out of the heat, remove excess clothing and cool them down. (Place in a tub of cool water or a cool shower, sponge with cool water, place ice packs or cool wet towel on the neck, armpit and groin, cover with cool damp sheets.)

Let the victim drink cool water to rehydrate if possible. Don't give sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, also avoid very cold drinks to prevent stomach cramps. Don't let them light a cigarette!

If victim loses consciousness and shows no signs of circulation, such as breathing, coughing or movement, begin CPR!!!

Infants, older people, athletes and people who work outside (in the heat) are more at risk for heatstroke!

Leaving infants, children or animals in cars (even in moderate weather) poses a risk for heatstroke. 

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RECOVERY POSITION

If someone is unconscious but breathing normally, put them in the recovery position. This will keep their airway clear and open, plus it ensures that any fluid such as vomit and blood can drain out of the mouth, preventing choking.

If you suspect the casualty may have a spinal injury, do not attempt to move them and call * immediately. This could be the case if the person has been involved in an accident that has directly affected their spine - such as a fall from height or being struck directly in the back.

How to put someone into the recovery position?

Kneel on the floor to one side of the victim.

Reach across to the person's knee that is furthest from you and pull it up so that their leg is bent and their foot is flat on the floor.

Gently pull their knee towards you so that they roll over onto their side, facing you. Their body weight should help them to roll over quite easily.

Move the bent leg that is nearest to you, in front of their body so that it is resting on the floor. This position will help them to balance them.

Then, place the victim's arm that is nearest to you at a right angle to their body, so that it is bent at the elbow with the hand pointing upwards.

Gently pick up their other hand with your palm against theirs (palm to palm). Turn any rings inwards to avoid scratching their face. Now place the back of their hand onto their opposite cheek (e.g.: against their left cheek if it's their right hand).

Gently raise their chin to tilt their head back slightly, as this will open up their airway and help them to breathe. Check that nothing is blocking their airway. If there is an obstruction, such as food in their mouth, remove this if you can do so safely. Stay with them, giving reassurance, until they have fully recovered.

If the victim is lying on their stomach when you have to move them into the recovery position, place your hand on their shoulder and hip to roll them over onto their back. (It's like pulling them towards you).

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HEAD-TILT/CHIN-LIFT MANEUVER

This is a very important and basic maneuver that everyone can perform. It's used to prevent the tongue obstructing the upper airways of an unconscious person. 

How to do it?

Sit down on your knees next to the victim so that your knees are facing the victim's head.

Place one hand over the victim's forehead and firmly tilt the head back with your palm.

At the same time, place your index- and middle finger under the chin and lift it up. It helps tilting the head back.  

(It's all about applying pressure to the forehead and chin in order to open the airway).

IT SHOULD BE USED WITH EXTREME CAUTION WITH SUSPECTED NECK INJURIES! 

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HEAT EXHAUSTION

Because it's really hot in most parts of the world right now, I decided to post about what heat exhaustion is, how you can recognise and treat it.

Heat exhaustion is caused by a loss of salt and water from the body, usually through excessive sweating.

A dangerous and common cause of heat exhaustion is when the body produces more heat than it can cope with.

If treated quickly, someone suffering from heat exhaustion should start feeling better quickly. But if not treated, they could develop heatstroke which can lead to death.

How can you recognise it?

Excessive sweating with pale clammy skin

Headache, dizziness, vomiting and confusion 

Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach

Severe fatigue

Loss of appetite and feeling sick

Fast, weakening pulse and shallow breathing

CAN RESULT IN A HEAT STROKE!

How can you treat it?

Help take them to a cool place and get them to lie down with their legs raised.

Then give them lots of water to help replace the salt and fluid they have lost by sweating.

Keep checking their breathing, pulse and level of response.

Even if they recover quickly, suggest they see a doctor.

If they seem to be getting worse, place them into the recovery position and call for an ambulance.

While waiting, keep checking their breathing, pulse and level of response.

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Welcome at my blog! Here, I'll be giving you first aid advice. I hope you find this blog useful! :)