Providing first aid during emergencies can be stressful, but following proper procedures is critical to prevent further harm. This lesson explores common mistakes made during first aid interventions and offers clear guidelines for effective care.
Bleeding
Don’t: Lean back for nosebleeds. Tilting your head back forces blood down the throat, potentially leading to irritation or choking.
Do: Sit upright and lean forward slightly. Pinch the soft part of the nose firmly for at least 5 minutes with your thumb and forefinger. Apply a cold compress to the bridge of the nose to promote constriction of blood vessels. If bleeding persists after 20 minutes, seek medical attention.
Don’t: Apply greasy substances like butter to burns. These can trap heat and bacteria, worsening the burn.
Do: Run cool water over the burn area for 10-15 minutes to cool the skin and alleviate pain. Gently cleanse the burn with mild soap and sterile dressings. For larger burns, burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or any burns with blisters, always seek medical attention.
Wounds
Don’t: Remove deeply embedded objects from wounds. Attempting removal can cause further tissue damage and bleeding.
Do: Apply gentle pressure around the wound with a clean cloth or bandage to control bleeding. Leave the object in place and stabilize it with bandages to prevent movement. Seek immediate medical attention for professional removal of the object.
Don’t: Remove blood-soaked gauze pads from a wound. These pads may adhere to the clot forming beneath, and removing them can disrupt clotting and cause renewed bleeding.
Do: Apply additional sterile dressings over the blood-soaked pad to absorb further bleeding. Do not remove the original gauze, as it helps maintain pressure on the wound. Seek medical attention for proper wound cleaning and dressing.
By following these essential do’s and don’ts of first aid, you can ensure you are providing safe and appropriate care to those in need until professional medical help arrives. Remember, first aid training empowers you to act effectively in emergencies and potentially minimize injury severity. Below are some extra dos and don’t for first aid, can you sort them by the correct terms?