What is First Aid?
It is essential to know the basics of first aid. First aid is the immediate, simple medical treatment given to the victim of an accident or somebody who has suddenly fallen ill. Often, correct or prompt first aid can save a person's life.
How to make your own first aid kit?
Take a small tin or cardboard box. Cover it neatly with white paper and draw a near red cross on it.
Put in it: a roll of sterile gauze; a reel of adhesive tape; adhesive bandages in two or three sizes; a roll of elastic bandage; a roll of medicated cotton; hand sanitizer; a cake of unscented soap; a dozen band-aids; a bottle of antiseptic solution (such as Dettol or Savlon); a tube of antiseptic cream; tweezers; a pair of sharp scissors; safety pins; calamine lotion; a thermometer; a pair of disposable gloves (ensure that you check the expiry dates on all these items).
What is cut?
Most small cuts do not pose any danger, but bleeding from large cuts may require immediate medical treatment. If it is an artery cut, the blood will flow in spurts and will be bright red. If it is a vein, then the blood will be dark red and will flow evenly.
In case of cuts:
Rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water to remove dirt.
To stop the bleeding, apply pressure around the area. If the flow is continuous, tie a piece of cloth tightly, just above the wound.
Place a piece of sterile gauze or clean cloth over the entire wound. Apply another gauze on top of it and continue applying pressure.
Call a doctor.
Burns
Burns are of three types. First-degree burns happen as a result of brief contact with heat. For example, when you touch a hot dish or iron, you get first-degree burns. There is redness, pain, and some swelling. Second-degree burns are more serious and result in blisters. Third-degree burns are much deeper but may be painless due to nerve damage.
In case of burns:
Remove the clothing around the burn, except if it is stuck to the wound.
Pour cool (not cold) water over the burn to relieve pain.
Tie a gauze bandage lightly if it is a first-degree burn. If it is severe, consult a doctor.
Heat exhaustion and Heatstroke
Many of us suffer heatstroke in summer. It occurs when we lose too much body fluid. So make sure that you drink plenty of fluids and wear light-colored, loose clothes.
In case of a heatstroke:
Bring the victim indoors or into the shade.
Loosen their clothes.
If the person is still alert, cool them down with a cool sponge bath and ask them to take frequent sips of clear fluids.
If the victim is vomiting, turn them on their side to prevent them from choking.
Fainting
A person faints when there is a temporary reduction of blood flow to their brain. It could be caused by pain, fright, bad news, exhaustion, or lack of food.
In case a person faints:
Lay the person down on their back and slightly raise their legs.
As they recover, help them sit up slowly.
If they start to feel faint again, let them sit in a chair, place their head between their knees, and take deep breaths.
Insect stings
A bee’s or wasp’s sting is usually more painful than dangerous and can be treated with first aid. However, if the victim has been stung on the mouth or throat, you must contact a doctor immediately as the swelling can obstruct the victim’s breathing.
In case of an insect sting:
Using a pair of sterilized tweezers, remove the sting if it is still inside the victim’s body.
Apply a cold compress to relieve pain and reduce the swelling. The important thing to keep in that giving first aid is an emergency measure. The victim in all the cases discussed above should be taken to a doctor as soon as possible.
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