FIRST AID TIPS (PART II)

Following on from our first post on essential first aid tips, here are some more key essential practices to enable you to help someone who needs it.

CHOKING

Choking occurs when the upper airway is blocked by food or other objects. When this happens the patient is unable to breathe normally. If you come across someone choking do the following:

• Encourage them to continue coughing to release the object
• If this does not work position yourself to the side and deliver five back blows with the heel of your hand between the shoulder blades
• Check after each to see if object is releases.
• If not position yourself behind them and deliver five abdominal thrusts. To do this you make a fist with one hand and turn the thumb inside. Place your other hand on top with palm side down. Position just above the belly button and deliver abdominal thrusts checking after each to see if object is dislodged.
• Continue to alternate between the above until the object is dislodged or the patient becomes unresponsive.
• Advise the patient to seek medical attention especially after delivering abdominal thrusts.

JELLYFISH STINGS

The problem with jellyfish is that they sneak up on their victims. If you get stung do the following:

• Rinse the area of the sting generously with vinegar for at least 30 seconds. If you don’t have vinegar use a baking soda slurry
• Immerse the affected area in hot water, as hot as you can tolerate for at least 20 minutes or until the pain goes away
• Do not use pressure bandages

ANAPHLYACTIC SHOCK

Anaphalyactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can occur after an insect sting or eating certain foods, such as peanuts and shellfish. The reaction can be very fast, within seconds or minutes of contact with the allergen.Symptoms and effects can include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Rash or hives on the skin
• Flushed or pale skin
• Breathing difficulties
• Swelling of face and limbs

If you suspect someone is having an anaphalatic reaction call 112 straight away. Sit them down and encourage them to use their medication. (Epi pen) Monitor their vital signs and keep them comfortable until medical help arrrives. Always be prepared to resusitate.

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