Make sure that you First Aid kit is accessible and stocked up.
This is NOT intended to be a First Aid Course! (It is advice only – based on current first aid training)
During these festive times there are many things to do and jobs left until the last minute that may end up being rushed! So make a plan and try to stick to it as best as you can. However, things tend not to run too smoothly sometimes and a moments lack in concentration can have unexpected results! This is particularly important to keep in mind during the Christmas period. Knowing what to do will be a huge help and could save a life!
BURNS: When preparing food be careful not to burn yourself – but if you do, knowing how to treat it will be a big help. Immediately cool the area that is burned the best way that you can. If it is a finger or a hand cool the burn by running it under cold water for at least 15 to 20 minutes – not just 30 seconds! A larger area burn will need the same cooling but maybe in the shower or tub. If the burned area is the size of your palm or bigger then you need hospital treatment. Do not put ointment or any greasy substance or ice on a burn – it is likely to make it worse.
CUTS: These are always a risk when using knives to prepare food. If you cut yourself it will bleed! If you take ‘blood thinners’ it will bleed more than you might expect. If it is a small cut and it is clean running it under cold water will probably reduce the amount of bleeding. If it is contaminated running it under warm water will encourage blood loss and help to flush out dirt. Have dressings or band aids readily available. Cover the wound and keep pressure on the dressing over the cut.
CHOKING: If someone appears to be choking, be ready to act immediately. Ask them if they are choking, if they can still speak encourage them to keep coughing until the object comes out. If they cannot cough, speak or breathe, then they are choking and you must be ready to help. If possible stand the person up, stand at their side and bend them forward and deliver 5 good back blows between the shoulders to try to dislodge the object. If the object does not come out, stand behind the person and wrap your arms around them, make a fist (place your thumb inside the fist) and place that on the stomach just above the naval and well below the ribs. Give 5 good ‘Abdominal Thrusts’ by squeezing the stomach inwards and upwards. Do this quickly one after the other. If necessary repeat the 5 back blows and 5 Abdominal Thrusts.
Make sure that someone has called 911– you can always cancel if they are not needed.
CHEST PAIN: Chest pain may be a symptom of a heart attack. If you suspect that this is a heart attack call 911 immediately do not waste time. Give the person two 81mg Aspirin tablets or 1 regular Aspirin to chew – they must be chewed. Make a note of the time the pain started, what the person was doing when it started and what time the Aspirin was given.
STROKE: If you suspect that someone has suffered a stroke remember the acronym FAST.
FACE: Ask the person to smile (they cannot) also look for the face drooping to one side.
Arm: Ask the person to raise their arms – does one drop quicker than the other or drift sideways.
Speech: When the person speaks are they slurring their words or having difficulty speaking.
Time: Call 911 immediately – this is a ‘time critical’ condition that needs hospital treatment.
REMEMBER ‘FAST’
IF IN DOUBT ALWAYS CALL 911.
Make sure that someone is outside in order to meet EMS. Put an outside light on at night and make sure that your house number is easy to read!
Thanks for reading and stay safe.
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