Emergencies - What To Do

Sudden Accidents
1. Don't crowd around a stricken person. Give him as much room to breath as possible.
2. Don't let a person who has fallen sit up or stand. Don't move him. He might have some broken bones or he might be bleeding internally.
3. In case of internal bleeding, keep a thumb on the source of the bleeding. A piece of gauze will he fine if you are squeamish about touching open wounds. Stopping the bleeding has often saved lives.
4. Don't give a stricken person any water to drink.
5. When a person has fainted, loosen his clothes especially around tile chest and neck. Keep his head lower than the rest of his body.
6. Since most accidents involve shock, keep the patient as warm as possible with extra clothing or blanket. A light massage may be helpful.
7. In case of scratches or small wounds, clean with cool boiled water or hydrogen peroxide.
8. Hold head upright in case of nosebleed. Apply a piece of cloth dampened with cold water over the nose. Wet the forehead and the nape of the neck with cold water.

CPR
1. Place the person who has stopped breathing on his back.
2. Clean the mouth and throat completely to insure an open airway to the lungs.
3. Tilt the head back so that the chin points upward and lift his lower jaw from beneath and behind so that it juts out.
4. Start artificial respiration immediately. The most important lifesaving action is to get air into the person's lungs either through his mouth or his nose. Open your mouth wide and place it tightly over the person's mouth. Pinch his nose shut. Or you may close the victim's mouth and place your mouth over his nose. With an infant or small child - place your mouth over both his nose and mouth, making an airproof seal.
5. Blow into the mouth or nose, continuing to hold the unconscious person's lower jaw, so that it juts out to keep the air passage open.
6. Remove your mouth from the patient's mouth. Turn your head to the side and listen for the return of out-flowing air coming from the patient's lungs. If you hear breathing, you will know that an exchange of air has occurred.
7. You can then continue your breathing for the patient. Blow vigorously into his mouth or nose 12 times a minute for an adult and about 20 times a minute for an infant.
8. If you are not getting an exchange of air, turn the person on his side and strike him several times between the shoulder blades. This will help to dislodge any obstruction in the air passages.
9. Normal breathing may start anytime. If it does not, you should continue the artificial respiration until you are positive life is gone.

Fainting
1. Keep the patient lying down and give him/her breathing space.
2. Loosen any tight clothing and check for other injuries.
3. Do not give anything to eat or drink until the patient has been revived.
4. Do not pour water over the victim's face. Instead bathe the face gently with cool water.
5. Seek medical attention if the patient is unresponsive.

Fracture

A fracture results from a bone tear or even breakage. Symptoms include the inability to move the joint, severe pain, immediate and pronounced swelling, tenderness at the surrounding area of the fracture, obvious deformity and popping sound at the time of injury. To treat a fracture:

1. Seek medical attention immediately.
2. Keep the injured part immobile by using splints or bandages.
3. Avoid moving the injured part. The more you move the part, the more pain will be felt. There is also the risk of further injury if you do not immobilize the fractured segment.

Overheating
1. Place the patient in a well-ventilated area.
2. Elevate the legs slightly.

Exhaustion
1. If the patient is conscious and is not vomiting, 4-6 oz. of water may be given every 15 minutes until he/she is fully recovered.
2. In addition to liquid replenishment, juices or sports beverages replace lost minerals and electrolytes.