FIRST AID TIPS (PART I)

You never know when you will be in the situation where you will need to apply first aid, which is why we are going to share with you over the next three posts some key essential practices to enable you to help someone who needs it.

BURNS

• The first step to treating a burn is to stop the burning process.
• Heat needs to be cooled down with running water.
• Do this for ten minutes. Apply a light gauze bandage.
• Do Not apply ointments, butter or oily remedies to the burn.
• Do Not break any blisters that may have formed.
• Seek medical attention.

BLEEDING

• Regardless of how severe, almost all bleeding can be controlled. If severe bleeding is not controlled, it may lead to shock and eventually death.
• Use the acronym PEEPS
• Posture – ensure the patient is sitting/lying down
• Elevate – elevate the affected limb
• Examine – examine the wound
• Pressure – using a sterile dressing, apply direct pressure to the wound
• Swelling/Shock – check for swelling and shock
• If bleeding persists, do not remove blood soaked dressings but add clean ones on top and seek medical attention.

NOSE BLEED

Nose bleeds are very common and occur following blunt trauma, picking or blowing.

• Ask the patient to sit down and tilt their head forward
• Pinch the soft part of the nose just below the hard area
• Do this for 10 minutes and refrain from coughing/talking/swallowing
• If bleeding persists after 10 minutes repeat for another 10 minutes
• If bleeding continues call 112 and seek medical attention

For more information on our First Aid Responder course, click here.