First Aid Advice For Minor Injuries

Wounds

There are basically four types of wounds:

Abrasions occur when the outer layer of skin is scraped against a hard surface. Skinned knees or elbows are common abrasions.

Lacerations, also commonly called cuts, occur when a wound extends through the top layer of skin to the tissue below. Lacerations bleed more severely than abrasions. Paper or knife cuts are common lacerations.

Punctures occur when a sharp object pierces the skin. Puncture wounds do not bleed freely and infection may be a greater concern. Splinters, nail punctures, and animal bites are common puncture wounds.

Amputations occur when a body part, such as a finger, is partially or completely cut off. Similarly, avulsions occur when a portion of a body part is torn away. Amputations and avulsions require urgent medical intervention. Place any separated body parts in a clean, damp, cool cloth and take them with the victim to the nearest hospital emergency department.

First Aid For Minor Wounds

1. Place clean, absorbent material over the wound and apply light pressure to control bleeding.
   
2. Clean the wound with warm soapy water taking care to wash in the direction away from the wound.
   
3. Apply antibiotic ointment and a clean, dry bandage.
   
4. Observe wound site for symptoms of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, heat, pain, foul-smelling drainage, or fever.
   
5. If wound is serious or excessive bleeding occurs, seek medical attention.
   
6. Verify that the injured person has a current tetanus vaccination - ten years for minor wounds; five to ten years for severe or contaminated wounds.
   

Stings

Insect stings produce a burning sensation followed by reddening and itching at the site. Swelling and pain may occur.

First Aid For Stings

Be alert for symptoms of systemic allergic reactions, such as hives all over the body, breathing difficulties, swelling, or high anxiety. If these symptoms exist, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911. If there is no evidence of systemic allergic reactions, then treat the sting as follows.

1. Remove stinger by pulling it straight out with a clean pair of tweezers.
   
2. Apply an ice pack or cold compress to sting for at least 15 minutes.
   
3. To alleviate itching, apply a poultice made of a mixture of meat tenderizer or baking soda and water. Or, apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.

Burns

Thermal burns caused by heat are the most common type of burn, but burns can also be caused by radiation, chemicals, electric current, and extreme cold.

Problems associated with severe burns include infection, shock, fluid loss, and breathing difficulties (associated with facial or neck burns). Infections are marked by increased redness, swelling, heat, pain, foul-smelling drainage, fever, or shock. Shock is marked by decreased blood pressure and decreased blood flow to the heart, brain, and kidneys. These problems increase in seriousness according to the degree and amount of body surface that has been burned. If any of these symptoms should appear, seek medical attention.

First Aid For Minor Burns

1. Remove any clothing that covers the burned area.
   
2. Cover the burn with a clean cloth and saturate the cloth with cold water.
   
3. Clean the burn with cool soapy water and pat dry with a clean cloth.
   
4. Apply antibiotic ointment, such as Mycitracin or Bacitracin, to small burns.
   
5. If a burned area should blister, do not break the blisters. Keep the area covered with a clean dressing. Seek medical attention for extensive burns and blisters.
   
6. Burns may worsen in appearance 24 to 48 hours after injury. Medical attention may be necessary.
   

Poisonings and Overdoses

Poisoning is a serious medical emergency most often caused by the ingestion of food, drinks, drugs, and various household products. Poisons may also enter the body through inhalation, injection, and absorption.

First Aid For Ingested Poisons

1. Have the container(s) of the substance(s) ingested in front of you.
   
2. Call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222) or local hospital emergency department. Follow all treatment instructions given to you by medical personnel.
   
3. After administering emergency treatment, take the victim to the nearest health care facility. Be sure to take the container(s) of the ingested substance(s) and any vomitus with you.
   

First Aid For Inhalation Poisoning

1. Call 911, a poison control center (1-800-222-1222), or a local hospital emergency department for direction.
   
2. As a rescuer, do not place yourself at risk. If you are confident that there is no danger of contamination to yourself (and 911 emergency professionals concur) attempt to remove the victim from the area of noxious fumes or vapors.
   
3. Take the victim to the nearest hospital emergency department.
   

First Aid For Absorption Poisoning

Absorption poisoning occurs when poisonous substances, such as insecticides, cleaning fluids, acids, or other chemicals, come in direct contact with the skin. Treat the affected area as follows:

1. Remove any clothing that is saturated with the substance or that covers the affected skin. Be sure that the treatment area is well ventilated.
   
2. Call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222) or hospital emergency department for treatment directions.
   
3. Rinse the affected skin area thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes.
   
4. Take the victim and the substance container to a health care facility or as directed by medical professionals.
   

Sprains

A sprain occurs when a joint is twisted or stretched beyond its normal limits, causing a tearing of the various tissues. Sprains typically involve the ligaments. Pain will vary with the degree of severity and will increase with any movement of, or weight put on the sprained part. Discoloration or bruising may also occur due to internal bleeding in the joint or soft tissues.

First Aid For Sprains

1. Elevate the sprained part above the level of the heart.
   
2. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
   
3. Seek medical attention if swelling is significant and there is pain with weight bearing.
   
4. Keep the sprained joint elevated and continue to treat with ice packs for 48 to 72 hours.
   
5. After 48 to 72 hours of cold treatment, alternate heat and cold treatments. Apply heat with warm towels or a heating pad for 15 minutes, then apply an ice pack for 15 minutes. Repeat this treatment two to three times per day for up to a week to reduce swelling and increase mobility.
   
6. Wrapping the sprained joint in a constricting bandage, such as an Ace Bandage, for support may be helpful. The bandage should only be worn during the day and should be loosened periodically.
   

Head Injuries

Anyone who sustains a head injury should be closely observed for possible aftereffects for 24 hours after the injury occurs. Evidence of a serious injury may not be obvious during the initial injury examination. All head injuries that include loss of consciousness (i.e., where the victim has been "knocked out"), changes in alertness, or wounds to the head or neck need medical evaluation. If in doubt about the need for medical attention, call Olin Health Center Phone Information Nurse (517.353.5557) or go to the closest Emergency Department.

During the initial 24-hour period after injury, the victim should be awakened every 2 hours to check his or her condition. If any of the following symptoms develops, seek immediate medical attention at a health care facility.

• increased drowsiness, difficulty in arousing the victim
  
• irritability or marked restlessness
  
• confusion, slurred speech, or double vision
  
• one pupil appears to be larger than the other
  
• severe and/or persistent vomiting
  
• drainage of blood or clear fluid from the ears or nose
  
• increasing headache
  
• convulsions or loss of strength in the extremities
  

A head injury victim should eat only light meals and drink no alcoholic beverages in the 24-to 48-hour period following the injury. In addition, the victim should take only medication prescribed by a physician for the injury or over-the-counter acetaminophen, such as Tylenol.

Rarely, delayed head injury problems may evolve months after the initial injury. Seek medical attention if any concerns develop.

Eye Concerns

Foreign Bodies In The Eyes

Foreign bodies in the eyes may be dust particles or other airborne matter. Injuries may also occur from flying objects, such as toys or balls, that have hit the eye.

First Aid For Foreign Bodies In The Eyes

1. Advise the victim not to rub the eye, but rather to blink frequently.
   
2. If blinking does not dislodge a particle, wash the eye with a gentle stream of water.
   
3. Seek medical attention if the particle cannot be dislodged, if the eye has been bruised or lacerated, or if an irritated feeling persists. Do not use an eye patch unless recommended by a health care professional.
   

Eye Infections

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, is a highly contagious infection believed to be caused by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms include inflammation and redness of the eye surface, as well as sensations of burning, itching, and grittiness or sand in the eye.

First Aid For Eye Infections

1. Apply cold compresses to the eye to temporarily alleviate symptoms.
   
2. Seek medical attention.
   

Burns To The Eyes

Burns to the eyes are usually caused by chemicals that are splashed or sprayed into the eyes. Inappropriate use of sunlamps may also cause burns to the eyes.

First Aid For Burns To The Eyes

1. For chemical burns to the eyes, flush eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Allow a gentle flow of water from a faucet to run over the eyes. Use only water.
   
2. Cover the eyes with a clean, dry dressing.
   
3. Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health care facility.
   

First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit typically includes the following supplies:

• 3-inch constricting bandage, such as an Ace Bandage
  
• adhesive tape
  
• adhesive bandages
  
• cotton
  
• 2-inch roll gauze
  
• 3-inch or 4-inch gauze pads
  
• heating pad or hot water bottle
  
• hydrogen peroxide
  
• syrup of ipecac
  
• antibiotic ointment
  
• scissors
  
• thermometer
  
• tweezers
  
• acetaminophen, such as Tylenol
  
• moleskin
  
• latex gloves
  
• instant chemical ice pack

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