Safety & First Aid Procedures

Being safe and knowing what to do when emergencies occur can help make those unfortunate times easier to handle. Knowing first aid, as well as how to be safe when dealing with a medical emergency, allows the victim to receive the care she needs and can help reduce the risk of further injury and damage. Those who have learned first aid tend to remain calmer and panic less when emergencies happen, making it less traumatizing for the victim.

Keeping Safe

• Beehive with swarm

  Safety is an important part of first aid. Lack of safety during a medical emergency can lead to additional victims if an unsafe environment or situation causes the rescuer to become a victim. Looking for dangers, such as heavy traffic, downed power lines, animals, or animal habitats like a beehive, when first arriving on the scene of a medical emergency can alert the rescuer that the area where the incident is located may not be a safe place to begin first aid treatment and assistance. If the scene of the emergency is unsafe, the victim must be moved to a safe environment prior to beginning treatment. For example, if a victim has been stung by a bee which caused him to have an allergic reaction and the rescuer sees a beehive near the victim the scene is considered unsafe. In this case, the victim should be moved away from the area where the hive is located prior to beginning treatment. Allowing the victim to remain in the area during treatment is dangerous because the bees may swarm and attack both the victim and rescuer.

First Aid Procedure for an Allergic Reaction

• One Cause of an Allergic Reaction

  An allergic reaction can range from minor to severe. Minor reactions generally consist of redness, itching, and hives in the area where the reaction occurs. A severe reaction can result in swelling of the tongue and airway which can lead to death if untreated. The first step in treating an allergic reaction is to stop the reaction from getting worse by removing whatever caused it from the body. For example, if an allergic reaction was caused by a bee sting and the stinger is still present in the skin, gently remove the stinger.

  Wash the affected area with soap and water. Cortisone cream can be applied to the affected area. An antihistamine, such as Benadryl, can be taken orally to help battle the reaction. Cold compresses can be used to reduce swelling and can help relieve itching. Severe allergic reactions that involve a victim's airway require treatment from health care professionals like paramedics.

First Aid Procedure for Applying a Bandage

• Bandaged Hand

  A bandage is used to cover an injury. Gauze squares and rolls of gauze are used to make a bandage. First, place gauze squares over the injured area. Hold the gauze squares in place with a finger and wrap the rolled gauze around the injured area to secure the squares. The rolled gauze should be applied tight enough to hold the squares in place without compromising circulation to the injured area. If discoloration, numbness, or the injured area becomes cool to the touch, then circulation may be compromised and the gauze is too tight. When applying a bandage to the hands make sure to leave the fingertips exposed, if possible, so they can be checked for symptoms of compromised circulation.

First Aid Bleeding Control

• Bleeding Cut

  Bleeding can occur anytime the skin is broken. Cuts, punctures, and scrapes may cause bleeding. Clean the cut using soap and water. This allows the cut to be seen and helps remove dirt and bacteria from the wound. Direct pressure is the first step in bleeding control. Use clean, dry gauze or a cloth to cover the wound and press firmly (direct pressure). If the gauze becomes saturated with blood, apply additional gauze over the top of the saturated gauze. Minor wounds that are controlled quickly can be covered with antibiotic cream followed by a band-aid or bandage. Further treatment may be necessary to control heavier bleeding. Elevate the injured body part above the level of the heart when possible. Elevation can help slow the blood flow allowing the wound to clot. A cold compress can be used over the bandage (gauze) in conjunction with direct pressure to help control bleeding. Simply apply the cold compress directly over the bandage and apply direct pressure. A medical professional should treat severe bleeding.

First Aid Procedures for Treating Burns

• Burned Skin Chart

  Thermal burns refer to burns caused by a heat source and are classified into three main groups: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree. First-degree burns are the least severe and symptoms include reddened skin that turns white when pressed and is painful to the touch. A mild sunburn is an example of a first-degree burn.

  Treatment for burns begins by first removing the heat source. Stop the burning process by running water over the affected area or by soaking the affected area in water for several minutes. Dry the area and apply a clean, dry bandage to the injury. Burn gel, which aids in relieving pain, and antibiotic cream may be used to treat minor burns.

  Second-degree burn symptoms include blistering of the skin, pain, redness, and swelling. Third-degree burns may result in white or charred (blackened) skin and generally involve very little pain due to nerve damage caused by the severe burn. Apply antibiotic ointment to second-degree burns and cover them with a non-adhesive bandage. A medical professional should care for third degree burns. Cover a third degree burn with a wet, sterile bandage until it can be treated by a health care provider.