Genuine First Aid's Posterous

RICE

Keep RICE in mind, as a first aid treatment for all fractures, sprains and dislocations. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Rest
Give plenty of rest to the immobilsed limb. Move it as little as possible so that there is no strain.

Ice
Apply ice to the injured area. No heat treatment or massage should be given. Use an ice pack or wrap up some ice cubes in a damp towel and apply it to the injured area. You could also use anything frozen such as a packet of frozen peas.

Do not massage the injured area, and don't apply any ointments like Iodex.

Compression
Wrap up the injured area with a crepe bandage if possible, or use any clean, fresh cloth available. Wrap it as tight as is comfortable. However, ask the doctor before bandaging the area. This will relieve the pain somewhat.

Elevation
The injured limb should preferably be raised above the level of the heart. This could be done with the help of a pillow while sleeping.

Tips for Treating Frostbite

With our headquarters in Florida, it's unlikely that we will see too many cases of Frostbite. However, this winter has been incredibly trying for our friends up North, with blizzards and below freezing conditions for much of the winter.

May none of you ever be in a situation to have to treat frostbite, but just in case here are four tips to help you in rendering vital assistance. You can read the full article at about.com.

Tips on Treating Frostbite

  1. Once you have thawed the frostbitten tissure, DO NOT allow it to freeze again. The more often tissue freezes and thaws, the deeper the damage. If the victim will soon be exposed to freezing temperatures again, wait to treat frostbite.
  2. NEVER rub or massage frostbitten tissue. Rubbing frostbitten tissue will result in more severe damage.
  3. DO NOT use any heating devices, stoves, or fires to treat frostbite. Victims cannot feel the frostbitten tissue and can be burned easily.
  4. In a pinch, body heat can be used to thaw frostbite. For example, placing frostbitten fingers under the arm.

Cold Weather Reads

I gathered a few links of some interesting blogs that will assist you during these cold months.


If you blog, or have one that you would like to share, share the link with us.

Stay warm.

genuinefirstaid.com

Media_httpwwwcertlaco_anvxq

Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.

Recognizing Frostbite
At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite:


  • a white or grayish-yellow skin area

  • skin that feels unusually firm or waxy

  • numbness

  • Get into a warm room as soon as possible.

  • Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes—this increases the damage.

  • Immerse the affected area in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).

  • Or, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers.
  • Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.

  • Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.

    These procedures are not substitutes for proper medical care. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and frostbite should be evaluated by a health care provider. It is a good idea to take a first aid and emergency resuscitation (CPR) course to prepare for cold-weather health problems. Knowing what to do is an important part of protecting your health and the health of others.

    Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.

    View this for more tips.


    • A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.

    What to Do
    If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine whether the victim also shows signs of hypothermia, as described previously. Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and requires emergency medical assistance.
    If (1) there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia and (2) immediate medical care is not available, proceed as follows:

    Hypothermia

    Hypothermia- Also called: Cold-related illness

    In cold weather, your body may lose heat faster than you can produce it. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. It can make you sleepy, confused and clumsy. Because it happens gradually and affects your thinking, you may not realize you need help. That makes it especially dangerous. A body temperature below 95° F is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated promptly.

    Anyone who spends much time outdoors in cold weather can get hypothermia. You can also get it from being cold and wet, or under cold water for too long. Babies and old people are especially at risk. Babies can get it from sleeping in a cold room.


    What to Do
    Check to make sure the victim is breathing before worrying about hypothermia. If you notice any of these signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°, the situation is an emergency—get medical attention immediately.

    If medical care is not available, begin warming the person, as follows:

    http://www.bowhunter-ed.com/images/graphics/ch8_wind_chill.gif


  • Get the victim into a warm room or shelter. One of the first steps in treating a hypothermia victim is to reduce the cold exposure. Moving the victim from the cold and removing wet clothing helps to stop the victim from getting any colder.
  • Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. Or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
  • Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
  • After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
  • Get medical attention as soon as possible.

    Side Tips:

    Drinking alcohol increases cold exposure and makes hypothermia worse.

    If you are stranded in extreme cold, save your energy. Exertion will just lead to decreased energy and a lower body temperature.

    • Crush Wounds

    Minor crush injuries can usually be treated with basic first aid, such as cleaning and bandaging the wound. Medical treatment is needed for a more serious crush injury. This treatment is needed to prevent loss of function, restore circulation to the injured area, and prevent infection. An example of a minor crush injury is getting a finger caught in a door. A crush injury is more serious when it involves a large force, such as a foot being run over by a car.

     

    The crush injury is cleansed with soap and water. If there is bleeding, pressure is applied to control the bleeding. Ice is applied. An x-ray is required to determine if the bone was damaged.

     

    A tetanus shot should be given if the person has not had one in the past 10 years. Antibiotics may be given to prevent infection.

     

    A severe injury may need surgery and even removal of the body part.

     

    First Aid Tips for Haiti Relief Part One: Puncture Wounds

    When someone suffers an injury such as those sustained in Haiti during and after the recent earthquake, professional medical attention should of course be sought. However, as is all too horribly evident, in many cases such basic facilities just are not available to Haitians in dire need.

    For the next few days, we will be posting a multi-part blog which will briefly go over some basic techniques that you can use in the worst of times, when you are the only medical attention present.

    Part 1: Puncture Wounds
    A puncture wound doesn't usually cause excessive bleeding. Often the wound seems to close almost instantly. But these features don't mean treatment isn't necessary, especially because of the risk of infection.

    You can provide assistance for a puncture wound using the following 6 steps:

    • Stop the bleeding.
    • Clean the wound. Properly cleaning the wound and removing particles can reduce the risk of tetanus.
    • Apply the antibiotic (if available).
    • Cover the wound. Exposure to air speeds healing, but bandages can help keep the wound clean and keep harmful bacteria out.
    • Change the dressing.
    • Watch for signs of infection.

    First Aid for Shock

      If you suspect shock, take the victim to the nearest hospital emergency room. If this is not possible, call for an ambulance immediately. While waiting for medical help, start
    these first aid measures:

  • Keep the victim lying down and covered with a blanket or coat to maintain warmth.
  • Do not move the person if injury to the head, neck, or spine may have occurred. Movement can cause further damage and should be done only by trained medical personnel.
  • In the absence of such injuries, elevate the feet 8 to 10 inches to increase blood flow to the trunk. You can prop the feet on pillows, books, or other such items. If nothing is available, simply hold them up with your hands.
  • If the person shows signs of a heart attack -- chest pain, difficult breathing, profuse sweating -- do not elevate the feet. Instead, raise the head and shoulders 8 to 10 inches.
  • If an arm or leg is bleeding severely, apply direct pressure to the wound. Bright red blood that is gushing or spurting indicates an injured artery. If pressing on the wound does not stop the bleeding, apply pressure to the appropriate point along the artery.
  • If nausea occurs, turn the person's head to one side so that vomiting won't cause choking.
  • If the victim falls unconscious and is not breathing, maintain an open airway and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately.


    • http://www.firstaidtopics.com/shock/
    www.genuinefirstaid.com

    First Aid for Dehydration

    What is dehydration?
    Dehydration is when the body doesn’t have enough fluid. Children and people over 60 are particularly susceptible to dehydration. Dehydration (from the Greek hydor (water)) and the Latin prefix de- (indicating deprivation, removal, and separation) occurs when more water and fluids are exiting the body than are entering the body.

    What causes dehydration?
    Under normal conditions, we all lose body water daily through sweat, tears, urine and stool. In a healthy person, this water is replaced by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. When a person becomes so sick with fever, diarrhea, or vomiting or if an individual is overexposed to the sun, dehydration occurs. This is caused when the body loses water content and essential body salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium bicarbonate and phosphate.
    Occasionally, dehydration can be caused by drugs, such as diuretics, which deplete body fluids and electrolytes. Whatever the cause, dehydration should be treated as soon as possible.

    What are the symptoms of dehydration?
    The most common symptoms of dehydration (each individual may experience symptoms differently) may include:


  • thirst, though you do not have to experience thirst to be dehydrated
  • less-frequent urination
  • dry skin
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • light-headedness
  • confusion
  • increased heart rate and breathing
  • •dry mouth and mucous membranes

    • In children, additional symptoms may include dry mouth and tongue, no tears when crying, no wet diapers for more than 3 hours, sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks, high fever, listlessness, irritability, skin that does not flatten when pinched and released.

    Treatment for dehydration:
    Dehydration can often be treated at home under a physician's guidance if it’s caught early. In children, directions for giving food and fluids will differ according to the cause of the dehydration, so it is important to consult your pediatrician.
    In cases of mild dehydration, simple rehydration is recommended by drinking fluids. Many sports drinks on the market effectively restore body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance.
    For moderate dehydration, intravenous fluids may be required, although if caught early enough, simple rehydration may be effective. Cases of serious dehydration should be treated as a medical emergency, and hospitalization, along with intravenous fluids, is necessary. Immediate action should be taken.

    How can dehydration be prevented?
    Take precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of dehydration, including:


  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun.
  • Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing.
  • Try to schedule physical outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day.
  • Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance.
  • For infants and young children, solutions like Pedialyte will help maintain electrolyte balance during illness or heat exposure.

    • How much water do you need? http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm

    http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153363.php
    http://www.umm.edu/non_trauma/dehyrat.htm
    http://genuinefirstaid.com/