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First Aid
Online
Principles and Practice of First Aid
[ Introduction
]- [ CPR ]- [ Wounds ]- [ Fractures ]- [ Burns ]- [ Poisoning ]- [ Rescue
]
Bleeding Bleeding may occur externally or internally.
Signs and
symptoms:-
- Face and lips become pale.
- Skin is cold and clammy.
- casualty feels faint or dizzy.
- Breathing becomes shallow.
- Pulse is rapid, becoming
weaker.
Controlling blood loss:-
- Direct pressure you should apply pressure
directly on a wound immediately.
- Indirect pressure you should apply pressure
on the artery which supplies the area.
- elevation.
Internal
bleeding:-
Internal bleeding has probably occurred if
any of the following signs appear.
- Coughing with foamy, red blood.
- Vomiting with red or brown coffee ground
material.
- bowel movements containing red or black
tar-like material.
- red or brown urine.
A . If the person is unconscious, is vomiting or is
bleeding in or around the mouth, lay him on his side to keep his airway
open. b . In all other situations, have the person lie on his back with
his legs elevated 20 - 30 cm. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Important - read first :- Do not give the person anything to eat or drink, as surgery may
be necessary. Conserve body heat by covering the person lightly. A blanket
should be placed underneath him if the ground is cold. but do not overheat
the person.
Wounds A wound is a break in the continuity of the tissues
of the body, either external or internal.
Classification of
wounds.
- Open is a break in the skin or the mucous
membrane.
- Closed involves injury to underlying tissues
without a break in the skin or a mucous membrane.
Type of
wounds:-
- Incised or clean cut cased by a sharp
instrument such as a knife or razor. They may bleed profusely.
- Lacerated, caused by such things as
machinery or barbed wire. The edges of the wound are torn and irregular.
dirt is more likely to be present.
- Contused or bruised : caused by a blunt
instrument, falling against a hard surface or by crushing.
- Punctured: caused by a sharp pointed
instrument such as a dagger or needle. These wound have small opening
but may be deep.
- Gunshot wounds, a small entry may be
associated with extensive internal injuries and with a large exit
wound.
Treatment:-
- Expose the wound and check for the presence
of foreign bodies. Apply direct pressure to control bleeding by pressing
with fingers or palm of hand. If the wound is large, squeeze the edges
together.
- Lay the casualty down. If the wound is on
Limb and you don't suspect a fracture, raise and support it.
- If the injury is on a limb and direct
pressure is ineffective, apply indirect pressure to the main artery
which supplies the limb.
DO NOT Apply
indirect pressure for any longer than 15 minutes nor apply a
tourniquet.
- Place a sterile, un-medicated dressing over
the wound. Making sure that it extends well beyond the edges of the
secure with a bandage. Tie bandage firmly enough to control bleeding but
not so tight as to cut off circulation. Immobilize the injured part. If
no suitable dressing is available, place a piece of gauze over the
wound, cover it with a pad of cotton wool and bandage firmly. An
improvised dressing can be made from any suitable material like a clean
shirt.
- If bleeding continues, apply further
dressing or pads on top of the original ones and bandage firmly.
- Remove to hospital immediately.
Nosebleeds
(spontaneous) Bleeding may be caused
by a blow but sever spontaneous bleeding, especially in the elderly, may
be assign of some medical condition, e.g. high blood pressure. Bleeding is
common from the area in the front part of the nose and due to a minor
condition, e.g. when blowing or picking dry crusts, or when associated
with high fever or a cold. A fracture of the base of the skull may also
cause blood to trickle from the nose.
Treatment
:-
- support the casualty in a sitting position
with his head slightly forward.
- Instruct him to breathe through his
mouth.
- Tell him to pinch firmly the soft part of
his nose for about ten minutes.
- Loosen clothing about neck and chest.
- Warn him not to blow his nose for some
hours.
- Don't disturb the clot.
If bleeding dose not stop within a short time, or
recurs, the casualty should receive medical attention.
Amputation: Recent advances in surgery have made the
reattachment of amputated limbs, fingers and toes possible. the chances of
a good result are greater the sooner the casualty and the severed part are
removed to hospital always place the severed part in a suitable container
to protect it. Inform the immediately so that the hospital can prepare for
the specialist surgery required.
AIM:-
Control bleeding and remove casualty to
hospital as soon as possible with the severed part.
Treatment
:-
- Control bleeding using direct pressure, take
great care not to damage the stump.
- Place the severed part in a clean plastic
bag to keep it clean and prevent it drying out. If possible put the bag
in container of ice. However, the bag must be wrapped in suitable
material to prevent the severed part touching the ice. Note:- Mark the package clearly with the
casualty's name and the time the amputation occurred.
- Remove to hospital immediately.
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