First Aid

Teens should have information about basic first aid since emergencies can happen at anytime to anyone. Only a limited amount of information about a few selected topics in first aid is presented in this chapter. Other chapters may have information on first aid. For more extensive information and training, teens may take courses in first aid for a nominal fee from a local chapter of the American Red Cross. The topics are arranged in alphabetical order with basic first aid instruction. This information is not intended to be substituted for the medical advice of trained health professionals.

Animal bites

• Clean the wound for five minutes with soap and running water
• Cover the wound with a sterile bandage if available or a clean cloth. Continue to apply pressure if the bleeding is persistent
• Seek medical attention promptly for further treatment

Bleeding

• Firmly press a sterile or clean cloth directly onto the area that is bleeding
• Continue applying pressure to the bleeding source; if a limb is bleeding, then elevating it above the level of the heart may help to stop the bleeding
• Do not disturb any blood clots
• A pressure bandage may be placed over the compress by using a cloth strip or tie and wrapping it around the compress and knotting it over the compress. Do not tie the knot so tightly that arterial circulation is stopped

Blisters

• If the blister is intact and small, cover it with a sterile bandage or clean cloth
• If the blister breaks, clean the remaining skin with soap and water and cover with a sterile bandage
• Large blisters should be evaluated by a medical professional

Broken bones

• It is important that broken bones not be moved since the fracture may worsen and the victim
  Movement is prevented by the application of a splint
• There are splints recommended for each type of fracture; courses or books on first aid have diagrams of these splints. However, the area may be wrapped in a towel or soft cloth. A splint may be made with cardboard or other rigid material to hold the arm or leg in place.
• Neck injuries are potentially extremely serious; do not move the patient; call 911
• Injuries where the fracture has broken through the skin can be potentially serious; call 911
• Seek a medical professional’s assistance as soon as possible

Bruises

• Apply cold compresses or an ice bag to the affected area
• If the bruise is on an arm or leg, then elevating the limb will help reduce the swelling
• Warm and moist heat, such as wash clothes warmed with water and wrung out can be applied to the bruise twenty-four hours after the injury
• Any bruise that is large, very painful or otherwise concerning should be evaluated by a medical professional

Burns

• First-degree burns are red and painful, but the skin is intact. The burn should be placed under cold running water immediately or cool clothes can be placed directly on it until the pain decreases. Do not use ice. Cover the burn with a sterile bandage; do not apply ointments or butter.
• Second-degree burns are more significant than first degree. Beside pain, swelling and redness, there usually is blister formation. Initially, place the burned area under cool running water or use cool cloth compresses. Do not use ice. Gently dry the area with a clean towel, and then apply a dry, preferably sterile bandage. Do not break the blisters. Elevate burned extremities; then seek medical assistance.
• Third degree burns are more serious than first or second degree burns. All layers of the skin are usually burned including the nerves, so the pain may be limited. A medical professional must evaluate all third degree burns. First either call 911 or arrange for transportation to the nearest medical facility. Cover the burn area with cool water or cool compresses. Do not give the patient any fluids; keep him or her warm and continue reassurance while awaiting immediate transportation to a health facility.

Dislocation

• Do not place the dislocated bone back into place since this movement can cause extensive damage.
• Place the injured individual in a comfortable position
• Immobilize the injured part by either a splint, pillow or sling
• Seek medical attention immediately

Eye injury

• If one can see a foreign body imbedded in the eye, do not attempt to remove it
• If anything is splashed in the eye, it may be flushed gently with water for at least 15 minutes
• Cover both eyes with either sterile dry compresses or clean cloths and tape gently in place
  
• Take the victim to medical care immediately

Head injury

• Any movement of the head in a patient who has a neck injury can lead to serious injury or death. Preferably, call 911 for emergency assistance.
• If the victim must be moved because of immediate danger to his or her life, then use a rolled towel or rolled newspapers around four inches wide and place them around the neck keeping the head as still as possible. Tie the particular wrap in place, but not tight enough to choke the victim. Use other materials including stones, bricks, boards, sandbags, blankets or clothing to ensure that the victim’s head and neck will not be moved during the transport.
• Keep the victim warm while awaiting emergency assistance

Insect stings

• Carefully remove the stinger, if visible, by scraping the skin with a dull knife-edge, card, or finger. Do not squeeze the stinger
• Wash the area carefully with soap and water
• Ice compresses or cold cloths will relieve pain, reduce spread of the venom and reduce swelling
• If, after a sting, a victim has difficulty breathing, hives, itchiness, swelling in other areas of the body, coughing, wheezing or stomach cramps, then call 911 immediately. If the victim has an emergency kit for stings, then administer it following the directions in the kit while awaiting the 911 responses.

Nosebleed

• Have the victim sit up and lean forward keeping the mouth open
• Squeeze the soft sides of the nose together for ten minutes
• After ten minutes, release slowly; the victim should not blow his or her nose
• If bleeding resumes, then compress the soft sides of the nose together for another five minutes
• Placing a cold cloth or ice bag over the bridge of the victim’s nose may help to slow the bleeding
• If the bleeding persists, then seek medical attention. Medical attention is also needed if there is a possibility of nasal fracture or significant loss of blood.

Puncture Wound

• One should not remove large objects such as a knife or stick from a wound
• Contact medical assistance by calling 911 if there is a large object in the wound

Shock (anaphylactic)

• Anaphylactic shock is a severe and life threatening condition that may result from an insect bite or sting, medication or food. The victim may have weakness, difficulty breathing, hives, itchiness, stomach cramps, dizziness, collapse or unconsciousness. If this type of shock is suspected, then call 911 immediately. Keep the victim lying down, ensure an open airway and keep the victim comfortable.
• If the victim has an anaphylactic shock emergency kit, then help him or her administer it or do it yourself. Then call 911.

Splinters

• One should remove small splinters with tweezers
• After removal, wash the area with soap and water and apply local antiseptic

Tick bite

• To remove a tick, use tweezers to grab the tick’s head as close to the victim’s skin as possible. If possible, one should wear gloves. One should use gentle pressure to firmly and steadily remove the tick in one piece. After the tick is removed, then it should be placed in alcohol in case the clinician wishes to examine the tick.
• Wash your hands
• Then clean the wound with soap and water or other antiseptic
• A clinician should be consulted to see if any further evaluation or treatment is necessary

Tooth (knocked out)

• Rinse off the tooth in cool water without soap and then replace it into the tooth socket holding it in place with a clean piece of gauze or piece of washcloth
• If the tooth cannot be placed back into its socket, then put it in milk or saliva in order to keep it alive
• If the victim continues to bleed from the wound, then place a piece of sterile gauze or clean cloth over the wound, and have the victim close the teeth tightly for twenty to thirty minutes to maintain firm pressure
• Take the victim immediately to a dentist or emergency room for further treatment

Related topics:

Accidents, allergies, animal bites, athletic injuries, dental problems, electricity safety, eye problems, head injuries, sun safety