How to provide first aid in the following cases?

Burns and Scalds

Burns are injuries caused by contact with dry heat (fire), moist heat (steam or liquid), chemicals, and electricity, lighting or ultraviolet rays of the sun. Burns caused by moist heat are called as scalds as boiling water, steam, hot oil or tar.

Burns are classified as first, second and third degree, depending upon the intensity of the affected area. A first degree burn involves the reddening of the skin area only. In the second degree burn, skin is blistered (like boils). A third degree burn is the most serious type involving damage to the deeper layers of the skin. Many burns need medical attention because of the risks of infection and shock. A young child or a sick or an old person should always be taken to a doctor.

Minor burns

For a first degree or minor burn, immerse the affected area in clean cold water for 3 minutes or apply ice cubes for the same amount of time or apply a sterile gauze pad or clean cloth soaked in a solution of two tbsp of baking soda dissolved in a quart of Iuke warm water. Bandage the dressing loosely. If the first degree burn involves a large area, prompt medical attention should be given.

Major Burns

A person who receives a major burn covering a large part of the body, usually suffers from shock, which can be reduced by having the victim to lie down on a rug or sheet and also preventing the burnt area from touching the ground. Doctor should be called in urgently. The head and chest should be kept a little lower than the rest of the body.

Wash your hands and apply dressings of sterile gauze over the burnt areas. If sterile dressing is not available, apply at least four layers of clean cotton cloth. Protecting the burn from air helps to relieve pain, and the application of sterile dressing reduces the danger of infection. Do not attempt to remove clothing from a burned area but cut around it. Do not use absorbent cotton, oily substance or antiseptic on a burn. Do not open or disturb blisters in any way. If the victim is conscious and can swallow, give frequent sips of cold water to replace lost fluid.

Electric Shocks

If someone receives an electric shock at home or at work, cut off the sources of electricity before doing anything else. If there is no way to switch off, stand on a dry insulating material such as a thick layer of newspaper, a rubber mat or a wooden box and push the victim’s limbs away from the source, with a broom or wooden chair. Alternatively, loop a rope or any dry fabrics around the victim’s feet or under the arms, and pull her free. If the victim is unconscious put her in the recovery position (face flat on the ground) and call the doctor immediately. Loosen clothiers and rub arms and legs vigorously.

Foreign bodies in the eye

If a person has something in his eye, particles of household dust, coal dust, sand metal splinters, or loose eye lashes on the eyelids or under the eyeball, severe discomfort or later inflammation may occur giving a lot of pain to the eye. So, prevent any rubbing of the eye. Sit in front of the casualty and turn his/her face to the light. With your thumb and forefinger push the eyelids away from the eyeball. Ask the casualty to look left, right up and down, while you look for the object.

1. If the foreign body is seen and does not appear to be embedded or adherent to the eyeball, remove it with the corner of a clean handkerchief, preferably white, twirled up and moistened with clean water.

2. If the foreign body is embedded in or adherent to the eyeball, do not attempt to remove it but instruct the casualty to close his eyelids. Apply a soft pad of cotton wool and secure it by a bandage. Get medical help.

3. If the foreign body has not been found and is suspected to be under the upper eyelid instruct the patient to blink his eyelids under water. If the foreign body is still not dislodged, medical aid should be taken immediately.

Drowning

Death by drawing happens, because as the victim struggles for breath, water enters the airways. So, quick action by artificial respiration can save a victim’s life.

Reviving a drowning person

If a drowning person has stopped breathing start mouth to mouth respiration as quickly as possible. Begin while still in the water, if necessary- as soon as you can stand up or sooner if you are a strong swimmer. Remove any debris or food particles, with your index fingers, tilt the head back and begin breathing into the mouth. Either presses your cheek against the victim’s nose to stop air escaping or pinch the nose between fingers and thumb. Move towards land between breaths. Once out of water continue artificial respiration or begin if it not already underway.

Victims of drowning sometimes swallow water, which is brought up with food during artificial respiration. Turn the head to one side and regularly clear the mouth of any debris. Once the breathing has restarted turn the victim into the recovery position (face and body flat on the ground). Cover her body and treat if any injuries exist. Get medical help as soon as possible.