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. Here are a few basic first aid tips.

• Make sure your household has a first aid kit. It should have basic medicines which are readily accessible  
• Keep your first aid kit, all medications, including non-prescription drugs out of children's reach.
• Before assisting a victim, protect yourself first. Assess the scene and determine the prevalent hazards, if any. Whenever possible, wear gloves to protect yourself from blood and other bodily fluids.
• When an emergency occurs, make sure the tongue does not block the victim's airway and that the mouth is free of any secretions and foreign objects. It's  important that the person is breathing freely. And if not, 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, swallowed poison or his heart or breathing has stopped. Remember every second counts.
• It's vitally important not to move a person with serious neck or back injuries unless you have to save him from further danger. If he has vomited and there is no danger that his neck is broken, turn him aside to prevent choking and keep him warm by covering him with blankets or coats.
• Have someone call for medical assistance while you apply first aid. The person who calls the doctor should explain the nature of the emergency and ask for advice on what should be done by the time the ambulance arrives.
• Be calm and give psychological support to 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 to find out if the victim is allergic to medicines or has any serious health problems that require special care.