Handy First Aid Tips

When someone is injured or suddenly becomes ill, there is

usually a critical period before you can get medical treatment

and it is this period that is of the utmost importance to the

victim.  What you do, or what you don't do, in that interval

can mean the difference between life and death.  You owe it to

yourself, your family and your neighbors to know and to

understand procedures that you can apply quickly and intelligently

in an emergency.

Every household should have some type of first aid kit, and if

you do not already have one, assemble your supplies now.  Tailor

the contents to fit your family's particular needs.  Don't add

first aid supplies to the jumble of toothpaste and cosmetics in

the medicine cabinet.  Instead, assemble them in a suitable,

labeled box (such as a fishing tackle box or small took chest

with hinged cover), so that everything will be handy when needed. 

Label everything in the kit clearly, and indicate what it is used

for.

Be sure not to lock the box - otherwise you may be hunting for the

key when that emergency occurs.  Place the box on a shelf beyond

the reach of small children, and check it periodically and always

restock items as soon as they are used up.

Keep all medications, including non-prescription drugs such as

aspitin, out of reach of children.  When discarding drugs, be sure

to dispose of them where they cannot be retrieved by children or pets.

When an emergency occurs, make sure the injured victim's airway is

not blocked by the tongue and that the mouth is free of any

secretions and foreign objects.  It is extremely important that

the person is breathing freely.  And if not, you need to administer

artificial respiration promptly.

See that the victim has a pulse and good blood circulation as you

check for signs of bleeding.  Act fast if the victim is bleeding

severely or if he has swallowed poison or if his heart or breathing

has stopped.  Remember every second counts.

Although most injured persons can be safely moved, it is vitally

important not to move a person with serious neck or back injuries

unless you have to save him from further danger.  Keep the patient

lying down and quiet.  If he has vomited and there is no danger

that his neck is broken, turn him on his side to prevent choking

and keep him warn by covering him with blankets or coats.

Have someone call for medical assistance while you apply first aid. 

The person who summons help should explain the nature of the

emergency and ask what should be done pending the arrival of the

ambulance.  Reassure the victim, and try to remain calm yourself. 

Your calmness can allay the feat and panic of the patient.

Don't give fluids to an unconscious or semiconscious person; fluids

may enter his windpipe and cause suffocation.  Don't try to arouse

an unconscious person by slapping or shaking.

Look for an emergency medical identification card or an emblematic

device that the victim may be wearing to alert you to any health

problems, allergies or diseases that may require special care.