THE TEN "FIRST AID" COMMANDMENTS
Choking
1.Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
2. Check the mouth quickly after each one and remove any obvious obstruction. If the obstruction is still present:
Stand behind the victim with arms wrapped around the abdomen. Grasp one fist with the other hand and place thumb side of fist between navel and the tip of the breast bone, press fist up into abdomen and thrust, REPEAT five times. With babies under one year old, turn face down, support head and neck, deliver sliding blows with heel of hand between shoulder blades (five times). Check the mouth quickly after each blow to remove any obstruction.
External Bleeding
Place CLEAN BANDAGES over the bleeding area while applying CONSTANT direct pressure. Continue to place additional bandages over the blood soaked ones to enhance the clotting process which reduces further bleeding.
Poisoning
After swallowing poison (CAUSTIC AND/OR NON-CAUSTIC). Identify the poison or carry the container with you. AVOID inducing vomiting, if the poison swallowed is paraffin oil.
- Do NOT give an unconscious person anything by mouth.
For poisoning by swallowing:
- Check and monitor the person's airway, breathing, and pulse. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR
- Try to make sure that the person has indeed been poisoned. It may be hard to tell. Some signs include chemical-smelling breath, burns around the mouth, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or unusual odors on the person. If possible, identify the poison.
- Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.
- If the person vomits, clear the person's airway. Wrap a cloth around your fingers before cleaning out the mouth and throat. If the person has been sick from a plant part, save the vomit. It may help experts identify what medicine can be used to help reverse the poisoning.
Burns
Pour cold water on the burnt area immediately. DO NOT break the blisters. Do not put any chemicals on the burn. Cover the injury using a sterile dressing such as a clean non fluffy cloth or kitchen film, and seek medical advice
Fits
Do not refrain. Protect from hard or sharp objects, fire, pits, water (pools and rivers). Turn head to side if vomiting and do not try to place anything between the teeth.
DO NOT
· Try to move them unless they are in danger
· Give them anything to eat or drink until they are fully recovered
· Attempt to bring them round
Fever
Remove excess clothing e.g. sweaters, socks and expose. Use lukewarm water for sponge baths to cool temperature over 4ODC/104F . Use paracetamol/panadol as instructed on packaging to relieve fever
Eye Injuries
Flush with clean water for 10 to 15 minutes while holding eyelids open. (CHEMICALS) . Get to the hospital as soon as possible
Objects In The Eye
Wash out with clean water if object is on the eyelid or floating in the eye.
Sprains
Hold injured limb high apply ice for 20 minutes every 2 hours for 24 hours and rest Wrap (not too tightly) with elastic bandage for support .
Nose Bleeds
Sit down, lean forward pinching nose shut until bleeding stops. Do not blow nose for 48 hours. Breathe through the mouth.
