INTRODUCTION

Dear Employee,

Please read this book carefully. The book covers essential first aid techniques from life
saving resuscitation procedures to the treatment of insect bites. It is stressed that the
practice of effective first aid is based on knowledge, training and experience.

The advice given in this booklet has been based on guidelines agreed and issued
internationally in 2000 for first aid treatment and resuscitation techniques.

If you need any clarification in any of the techniques or details pertaining to first aid in
this booklet, please contact the Medical Clinic. We hope this booklet will be of use to you
and to your family, in the unfortunate event of any injury or illness or accident.

With Compliments From:

SADAF Medical Department.

On behalf of Sadaf health & safety awareness committee.

WHAT IS FIRST AID?

FIRST AID is the skilled application of accepted principles of treatment of any injury or
sudden illness, using facilities or materials available to you at the time.

It is the approved method of treating a casualty until placed, if necessary, in the care of a
Doctor or removed to a hospital.

WHY IS IT GIVEN?

First Aid Treatment is given to a casualty

1. To preserve life
2. To prevent condition worsening
3. To promote recovery
 RESUSCITATION 1
In cases of heart attack, drowning, suffocation, electric shock and over doses of drugs,
either the heart or breathing may stop. This is called cardio-pulmonary arrest. (‘Cardio’
means heart, ‘respiratory’ means breathing).

SIGNS OF CARDIO-RESPIRATORY ARREST:

1. Collapse with loss of consciousness.

2. Absence of breathing.
3. No pulse (carotid).

WHAT TO DO:

Basic cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a simple procedure, as simple as A-B-C.

Airway, Breathing and Circulation.

PRECAUTION:

In electrocution, switch off current before starting CPR.

A. AIRWAY

If you find a collapsed person, discover if he is

conscious by shaking the shoulder and shouting, “are
you alright?” if no response, call for help. If the person
is not flat on his back, roll him over, moving the entire
body at one time, as a total unit. Then open the airway.

To open the airway, tilt the chin gently with one hand,
while pushing down on the forehead with the other to
tilt the head back. Once the airway is open, place your
ear close to the casualty’s mouth.

LOOK - at the chest and stomach for movement.

LISTEN - for the sounds of breathing.

B. BREATHING
FEEL - for breathing on your check.
Using the mouth-to-mouth technique. Take your hand that
If none
is on of this signs
the person’s is and
forehead present,
turn itthe person
so that you is
cannot
pinch
breathing.
the nose shut, while keeping the heel of the hand in place to
If opening
maintain thetilt.
head airway does hand
Your other not cause
shouldthe person
remain to his
under
begin to breathe
chin, lifting spontaneously
up. Immediately youtwo
give must provide
slow rescue
breaths.
breathing.
 c. CIRCULATION
After giving two slow breaths, Artificial circulation is
provided by external chest compression.

Place the heel of one hand approximately two inches above

the lower end of the breastbone.

Place your other hand on top of the one in position. Be sure

to keep your fingers off the chest wall. You may find it
easier to do this if you interlock your fingers directly over
the breastbone as you press downward, keeping your arms
straight. Depress the breastbone about 1 ½ to 2 inches for
an adult victim.

Then relax pressure on the breastbone completely.

However, do not remove your hand from the victim’s
breastbone but do allow the chest to return to its normal
position. Between compression should be of equal duration.

If you are the only rescuer, you must provide both rescue
breathing and external chest compression. The proper ratio
is 15 compression to 2 slow breaths.

If there are two rescuers to help you, position yourselves on opposite sides of the
patient if possible. One of you should be responsible for giving two breaths during
the relaxation, after 15th compression. Unconscious casualties who are breathing and
whose hearts are beating should be placed in the recovery position.

NOTE: Irrespective of the fact whether there are two rescuers or one rescuer the chest
compression to breathing ratio is 15:2. (New guidelines.)
RECOVERY POSITION 2
The RECOVERY POSITION ensures that the casualty maintains an open airway,
that the tongue cannot fall to the back of the throat, that the head and neck remain in an
extended position so that the air passage is wide, and any vomitus or fluid will drain
freely.

IF THE VICTIM IS UNCONSCIOUS DO NOT GIVE ANYTHING BY MOUTH.

See diagram A.

Diagram A

You will notice the casualty is lying on his side, supported by one leg and one arm. In the
case of head or ear injury, keep the injured side down.

HEART ATTACK 3
Warning signs of heart attack

1. The symptoms of heart attack vary but the most common is prolonged
oppressive pain or unusual discomfort in the center of the chest, behind the
breastbone.
2. The pain may radiate to the shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw. Sometimes the
symptoms may subside and then return.
3. There may also be sweating, weakness, nausea and shortness of breath.

TREATMENT

ALL CASES OF CHEST PAIN SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.

If the above symptoms occur, an ambulance should be called at once.

1. If the casualty is conscious, reassure, gently support with pillows, and place in
a half-sitting position with knees bent.

2. DO NOT ALLOW the casualty to move un-necessarily.

3. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck, chest and waist.

4. If you have an ASPIRIN tablet at home (300mg. Or 500mg.) put one tablet
under the tongue in the mouth.

5. Remove to hospital immediately.

BLEEDING 4
 PROTECTING YOUR SELF
Try to use disposable gloves. Wash hands well before, and after, treatment.
Cover sores or open wounds with a waterproof adhesive dressing.

TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS ARE:

 To control the bleeding
 To prevent and minimize shock
 To minimize the risk of infection
 To arrange urgent removal of the casualty to hospital.

1. Remove or cut clothing to expose the

wound. Watch out for sharp objects, like
glass, that may injure you.

2. Apply direct pressure over the wound with

your fingers or palm, preferably over
sterile dressing or clean pad-but do not
waste time hunting for dressing.

If you cannot apply direct pressure, for example, if an object is protruding, press
down firmly on either side.
3. Raise and support the injured limb above
the level of the casualty’s heart. Handle
the limb very gently if there is fracture.

4. Lay the casualty down. This will reduce blood flow to the site of injury
and minimize shock.

5. Leave any original pad in place, apply a sterile dressing. Bandage it in

place firmly, but not so tightly as to impede the circulation. If the bleeding seeps
through the dressing, bandage another firmly over the top.

6. Secure and support the injured with bandage.

7. DIAL 997 FOR AN AMBULANCE. Treat the casualty for shock. Check the
circulation beyond the bandage.

NOSEBLEED 5
TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS:
 To control blood loss.
 To maintain an open airway

1. Sit the casualty comfortably, leaning

forward with a dish under the nose.
2. Encourage mouth breathing and
discourage nose blowing, wiping, rubbing,
speaking and movement.
3. If bleeding continues for more than twenty
minutes, or increase in volume, seek
medical help. DO NOT let his head tip
back; blood may run down
his throat and induce
vomiting

FOREIGN BODY IN THE NOSE

TREATMENT

1. Sit the casualty up. Request him to blow his nose. If unable, seek immediately
medical help.
Never try to remove a foreign body from the nose with a tweezers or forceps.

SHOCK 6
The shocked casualty may feel weak, faint, giddy, maybe anxious or restless, may feel
sick and may vomit. Skin may become pale, cold, and clammy, sweating may develop.
Breathing can be shallow and rapid, and unconsciousness may develop.

TREATMENT

1. If breathing and heart beat stops, begin the A-B-C of resuscitation immediately,
(see Resuscitation).
2. If the breathing becomes difficult, if vomiting seems likely or if the casualty
becomes unconscious, place in the recovery position, and continue to observe
him, (see Recovery Position).
3. Check the breathing and pulse every ten minutes.
4. Search for and if possible, treat the cause of shock, (See under Fractures, Burns,
Bleeding, and Electrocution).

DO NOT give a hot water bottle.

DO NOT move him unnecessarily.
DO NOT give anything to eat or drink.

FAINTING is a brief loss of consciousness

TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS ARE:

 To improve blood flow to the brain.
 To reassure the casualty as he recovers and make him comfortable.

1. If the breathing and heart beat stopped, begin the A-B-C of resuscitation
immediately (see CPR)
2. If the casualty is unconscious but breathing normally, lay him down, elevate the
legs or place in the recovery position.
3. Loosen tight clothing at the neck, chest and waist to assist breathing.
4. Check and treat any minor injury sustained in falling (see Bleeding).
5. Reassure the casualty while regaining consciousness, gradually rise to sitting
position.
DO NOT give anything to eat or drink until fully conscious, only have sips of
cold water.

FRACTURES 7
Fracture is a break or crack in a bone.
Types of injury
Bones may be broken (fractured), displaced at a
joint (dislocation) or both. Muscles and tendons that
attach them to bones, may be strained or torn, and
the ligaments holding the joints together can tear. If
you have any doubt about which type of injury are
you dealing with, it is best to opt for the most FIXATION FOR FRACTURE OF
ELBOW OR CLAVICLE
serious, which is generally a fracture.

TREATMENT

USE THIS METHOD IF ELBOW

CANNOT BE BENT

1. Difficulty in breathing, severe bleeding and

unconsciousness must be dealt with before
broke bone.

2. If removal to hospital, gently support the

injured part by hand, place the casualty in a
comfortable position, and support with
rolled up blankets.

3. If transportation is delayed, immobilize the

injured part by securing it to some part of
the body with padding and bandages.

SEE THE PICTURES. FIXING FRACTURED LIMB

USING THE OTHER LIMB

SPRAINS AND STRAINS 8

Sprains and strains are two of the most common sports-related injuries.
SPRAINS: joint injuries
A sprain is an injury to a joint ligament. Common signs of sprain are pain, bruising,
swelling, and difficulty of moving the affected joint.

STRAINS: muscle injuries

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon-the tissue that anchors a muscle to a bone.

Strains are caused by a twist, pull and/or tear of the muscle fibers.

TREATMENT FOR SPRAINS AND STRAINS

Follow the “RICE” procedure to treat the sprains, strains, and deep bruising initially. If
you are in doubt as to the severity of the injury, treat it as for a fracture.

THE RICE PROCEDURE

R Rest the injured part.
I Apply Ice or cold compress
C Compress the injury
E Elevate the injured part.

YOUR AIMS ARE:

 To reduce swelling and pain.
 To obtain medical aid if necessary.

1. Rest, steady, and support the injured part in the easiest position for the casualty.
2. Cool a recent injury with ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling, bruising,
and pain.
3. Apply gentle, even pressure, or compression, to the injured part by surrounding
the area with a thick layer of soft padding, such as cotton wool or plastic foam,
secured with bandage.
4. Raise and support the injured limb, to reduce blood flow to the injury and to
minimize bruising.
5. Get the casualty to hospital or if a minor injury, advise him to rest the injury and
see his doctor if necessary.

HEAD INJURIES 9
All head injuries are potentially dangerous and need assessing, particularly if
consciousness is impaired. A scalp wound may be obvious, but deeper damage may not
be. Unconsciousness can result from head injury or consciousness may be lost for another
reason.
TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS ARE:

 To resuscitate if necessary
 To maintain an open airway
 To arrange urgent removal of the casualty to hospital.

1. If the casualty is unconscious, open the airway, check breathing and be prepared
to resuscitate if necessary. Place him in the recovery position.
2. Help a conscious casualty lie down, with head and shoulder raised.

If there is discharge from an ear, position the casualty so that the affected ear is
lower. Cover the ear with a sterile dressing or clean pad, lightly secured with a
bandage. Do not plug the ear.

3. Control any bleeding from scalp. Look for, and other injuries. DIAL 997 for an
ambulance.
4. Record breathing, pulse and responses every ten minutes until help arrives. Make
sure your notes accompany the casualty to hospital.

BURNS AND SCALDS 10

TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS ARE:

 To stop the burning and relieve pain.
 To maintain an open airway.
  To treat associated injuries.
 To minimize the risk of infection.
 To arrange removal to hospital.

1. Lay the casualty down. Protect the burned

area from contact with the ground if possible.
2. Douse burn with cold liquid for at least 10
minutes or use a cooling gel. Don’t delay DO NOT touch or otherwise
removal to the hospital. interfere with the injured area.
3. While cooling the burn, watch for signs of DO NOT burst any blisters.
difficulty of breathing; be ready to DO NOT apply lotions, ointment,
resuscitate. fat, or adhesive tape to the injury.
4. Gently remove any rings, watch, belts, shoes,
or smouldering clothing from the injured area,
before it begins to swell. Carefully remove
burned clothing unless it is sticking to the
burn.
5. Cover the injury with sterile dressing or
suitable material to protect it from germs and
infection.
PICTURE
If there is a facial burn, do not cover it. Cool a facial
injury with water to relieve the pain until help arrives.

CHEMICAL BURNS 11
Some chemicals irritate, harm, or are absorbed through skin, damage can be fatal. Unlike
thermal burns, signs develop slowly, but first aid is the same.

Chemical burns can occur at home, especially from paint stripper, oven cleaner and
dishwasher products. These burn are serious and may need urgent hospital treatment. Try
to note the substance’s name. Ensure your safety, some chemicals have deadly fumes.
TREATMENT

1. First make sure that the area is safe. Ventilate the area and, if possible, seal the
chemical container. Remove the casualty from the area if necessary.
2. Gently remove any contaminated clothing while flooding the injury.
3. Take or send casualty to hospital, watch airway and breathing. Pass on any details
about the chemical.

NEVER attempt to neutralize acid or alkali burns unless trained to do so.

DO NOT delay starting treatment by searching for antidote

FOREIGN BODY IN THE NOSE / EAR 12

Young children may push small objects up their noses. These can cause blockage and
infection and, if sharp, may damage the tissues of the nostrils. Do not try to extricate
these items; you may cause injury or push the object in further.

TREATMENT

YOUR AIM IS:

 To obtain medical attention.
 1. Keep the casualty quiet and calm. Tell him to breathe through the mouth at the
normal rate.
2. Arrange to take or send the casualty to the hospital.

DO NOT attempt to remove the foreign body

with your fingers or any instruments, even if
you can see it.

FOREIGN BODY IN THE EAR

An object lodged in the ear can block the ear canal and cause temporary deafness, or may
damage the eardrum. Young children often push object in their ears; people leave cotton
wool in the ear after cleaning it. Insects can fly or crawl into the ear and cause alarm.

TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS ARE:

 To prevent injury to the ear
 To obtain medical attention for a lodged foreign body
 To remove a trapped insect.

FOR LODGED FOREIGN BODY

Arrange to take or send the casualty to hospital as
soon as possible. Reassure the casualty during the DO NOT attempt to remove the
journey, or until medical help arrive. object. You may cause serious
injury and push it even further.

FOR INSECT IN THE EAR

TREATMENT

FOREIGN BODY IN THE EYE /

13
1. Reassure the casualty, and sit him down.
2. Gently flood the ear with tepid water so that insect floats out.
CHEMICAL IN THE EYE
3. If this is unsuccessful, take or send the casualty to hospital.

A speck or dust, loose eyelash, or a contact lens can literally float on the white of the eye,
and usually easily removed. However, anything that sticks to the eye, penetrates the
eyeball, or rests on the colored part of the eye (the pupil and the iris) should not be
touched.

TREATMENT

YOUR AIM IS:

  To prevent injury to the eye.

1. Advise the casualty not to rub his eye. Sit him down facing the light.
2. Gently separate the eyelids with your finger and thumb. Examine every part of his
eye.

If the foreign body is sticking to or embedded in the eye, cover the eye with an eye
pad and a bandage, then take or send the casualty to a hospital.

3. If you see an object on the white of the eye, pour clean water from a glass or
eyebath into the corner of the eye.
4. If this is unsuccessful, providing the foreign body is not stuck in the place, lift it
off with a moist swab, or damp corner of a tissue or clean handkerchief.

DO NOT touch anything sticking to, or embedded in, the eyeball, or

the colored part of the eye.

CHEMICAL IN THE EYE

TREATMENT

1. Wash away the chemical as quickly as possible by holding the affected side of the
face under cold water, so that the water drains away from face. Continue this for
10 minutes.
2. If washing is not possible, lay the casualty down, protect the uninjured eye, and
gently pour water into the open affected eye to drain away the chemical.
3. Lightly dress the eye with sterile eye pad or clean cloth.

ELECTROCUTION 14
NEVER TOUCH THE CASUALTY WITH BARE HANDS UNLESS YOU ARE
SURE THERE IS NO DANGER TO YOURSELF

TREATMENT

1. Switch off the electrical supply if possible or remove fuse. Remove the casualty
from contact with electrical source, using non-conductive articles.
2. If breathing and heartbeat have stopped, begin the A-B-C of resuscitation
immediately (see Resuscitation).
 3. If the casualty is breathing, but unconscious, place him in the recovery position,
(see recovery position).
4. Transfer to hospital in all cases.

CONVULSION

A convulsion, or fit, consists of involuntary muscle contractions, caused by disturbances

in the brain. Convulsions usually result in loss of, or impaired consciousness.

There are number of causes, including head injury, brain damage and lack of oxygen to
the brain. In babies and young children, fits may be due to high temperature. Fits are also
feature of epilepsy.

No matter what the cause of the fit, do not move the casualty unnecessarily or leave him
alone; protect him from harm during a fit, and arrange appropriate care.
Recognition

 Sudden “ switching off”; the casualty may be staring blankly ahead.

 Slight or localized twitching or jerking of the lips, eyelids, head, or limbs.
 Odd “ automatic’ movements for example, lip smacking, chewing, or making
noises.

TREATMENT

1. Help the casualty to sit down in a quiet place. Remove any possible sources of
harm, for example, hot drinks or sharp objects, from the immediate vicinity.
2. Talk to him calmly and reassuringly. Do not ask lots of questions. Stay with him
until he is himself again.

ASTHMA 15
IF the casualty does not recognize his condition, advise to see his doctor as soon as
possible.

This is when the air passage muscles go into spasm and the airway lining swells. The
airway then narrows and breathing becomes difficult. Many asthmatic carry “relieving’
inhalers, most of which have blue caps. Some carry inhalers with brown or white caps to
TREATMENT
prevent attacks. The drugs in the inhalers dilate the air passages to ease breathing.

1. Keep calm and reassure the casualty. Asthma

can be frightening but a reliever inhaler
usually works within a few minutes.

2. Let him adopt the position that the most

comfortable, which is often sitting down. Ask
him to breathe slowly and deeply; this may
help.
IF the attack is mild and eases within 5-10 minutes, ask the casualty to ask another dose
from the same inhaler. Immediate medical help is not vital, but he should tell his doctor
about the attack.

IF this is the first attack, or if it is severe, and

 The inhaler has no effect after 5-10 minutes
 The casualty is getting worse
 Breathlessness makes talking difficult
 He is getting exhausted
DIAL 997 FOR AN AMBULANCE.
Help him to take his inhaler every 5-10 minutes. Record his breathing and pulse every 10
minutes.

IF the casualty stops breathing, loses consciousness, open the airway and check
breathing; be ready to resuscitate if necessary.

EFFECTS OF EXTREME HEAT 16

When atmospheric temperature is the same as body temperature, the body cannot lose
heat by radiation or evaporation. If the atmosphere is also humid, sweat will not
evaporate from the body. In these conditions, particularly during exercise when the body
generates more heat, heat exhaustion and heatstroke can occur.

A. HEAT EXHAUSTION
This condition usually develops gradually and is caused by salt and water loss from the
body through excessive sweating. It usually happens to people who are unaccustomed to
a hot, humid environment. Those who are unwell, especially with illness that cause
vomiting and diarrhea, are also vulnerable.

TREATMENT

1. Help the casualty to a cool place. Lay him down and raise his legs.
2. Give water.
3. Even if he recovers quickly, ensure he sees a doctor.

IF no response, deteriorate; place him in the recovery position.

DIAL 997 FOR AN AMBULANCE

B. HEAT STROKE

This is caused by failure of the brain’s “thermostat”. The body can be overheated by
fever or prolonged exposure to heat. It can follow heat exhaustion when sweating stops
and the body is not cooled by evaporation. It can occur suddenly, causing the loss of
consciousness in minutes. Feeling uneasy and ill may signal this.

RECOGNITION

 Headache, dizziness, discomfort, restlessness, and confusion.

 Hot, flushed and dry skin, a rapid deterioration in the level of response.
 A full bounding pulse, body temperature above 40 degrees C.
TREATMENT

YOUR AIM
 To lower the casualty’s body temperature as quickly as possible.
 To arrange removal of the casualty to hospital.

1. Quickly move the casualty to a cool place. Remove outer clothing if possible.
2. Wrap him in a cold, wet, sheet, until his temperature falls to 38 degree C
(armpit). If no sheet is available, fan the casualty or sponge him with cold water.
3. When the temperature falls to a safe level, replace wet sheet with a dry one.
Monitor casualty until help arrives. If the temperature rises again, repeat cooling
process.

IF the casualty’s responses deteriorate, or he becomes unconscious, open the airway, and
check the breathing; be prepared to resuscitate if necessary. Place him in recovery
position.

FOOD POISONING 18
This may be caused by eating food-containing bacteria or by toxins produced by bacteria
already in food.

TYPES OF FOOD POISONING

Bacterial food poisoning is often caused by the Salmonella group of bacteria (associated
with farm animals and poultry). Symptoms may appear rapidly or be delayed for a day or
so.
Toxins produced by the bacteria group of Staphylococcus frequently cause toxic food
poisoning. Symptoms usually develop rapidly, possibly within two to six hours.

RECOGNITION

 Nausea and vomiting

 Cramping and abdominal pain.
 Diarrhea (possibly bloodstained)
 Headache or fever
 Features of shock
 Collapse

TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS ARE

 To encourage the casualty to rest.
 To seek medical advice or aid.
 To give the casualty plenty of bland fluids to drink.

1. Help the casualty to lie down and rest. Call a doctor for advice.
2. Give the casualty plenty to drink, and a bowl to use if he vomits.

IF the casualty’s condition worsens, dial 997 for an ambulance.

PREVENTING FOOD POISONING

 Ensure frozen poultry and meat are fully defrosted before cooking.
 Cook meat, poultry, fish, and eggs thoroughly to kill bacteria.
 Never keep food lukewarm for long.
 Wash hands before preparing food.
 Wear protective gloves or waterproof plasters if you have cuts.
HOUSE HOLD POISONS 19
Most households contains potentially poisonous substances, such as paint stripper,
bleach, dishwasher detergent, and weed killer. These can be spilled, causing chemical
burns, or swallowed, causing poisoning. Children in particular are at risk from poisoning
by household products.

TREATMENT
YOUR AIMS ARE
 To maintain the airway, breathing, and circulation
 To remove any contaminated clothing.
 To identify the poison.
 To obtain medical aid.

FOR SWALLOWED POSIONS

1. Check and if necessary, clear the casualty’s airway.

IF the casualty becomes unconscious, check breathing and be prepared to
resuscitate.
Place him in the recovery position
IF you need to give mouth-to-mouth ventilation and there are chemicals on the
casualty’s mouth, use a plastic shield, if possible, to protect yourself. To use a
face shield, place the oval tube between the casualty’s teeth. Seal your lips around
the top of the tube to begin mouth-to-mouth respiration.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO INDUCE VOMITING

2. DIAL 997 FOR AN AMBULANCE or call a doctor. Give information about the
swallowed poison, if possible.
IF corrosive substances burn conscious casualty’s lips, give him frequent sips of
cold water or milk.

HOW TO PREVENT POISONING

 Keep toxic chemicals out of children’s reach.
 Lock up medicines.
 Leave poisonous substances in original containers. Do not store poisons
in soft drinks bottles, children may drink them.

ANIMALS BITES
 Dispose of unwanted medicines appropriately. 20
Buy medicines and household substances in children-resistant containers.

Bites from sharp teeth cause puncture wounds that carry germs into the tissues. Hitting
bites also crush the tissues.

TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS ARE

 To control the bleeding
 To minimize the risk of infection both to the casualty and yourself.
 To obtain medical attention.
FOR SERIOUS WOUNDS

1. Control bleeding by applying direct pressure and raising the injured part.
2. Cover the wound with sterile dressing or a clean pad bandage in place.
3. Arrange to take or send the casualty to hospital.

FOR SUPERFICIAL BITES

1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water.

2. Pat the wound dry with clean gauze swabs and cover with an adhesive dressing or
small sterile dressing.
3. Advise the casualty to see a doctor in case inoculation is needed.

POTENTIAL INFECTION
Rabies is a potentially fatal infection spread in the saliva of infected animals. If
bitten by for example cat or dog which is diseased or a wild animal (stray),the
casualty must receive anti-rabies injections and the animal be examined. Seek police
help to secure a suspect animal.

INSECT STINGS 21
Bee, wasp, and hornet stings tend to be more painful than dangerous. Mild swelling and
soreness, which first aid can relieve, follow an initial sharp pain. Some people are allergic
to sting and can rapidly develop the serious condition of anaphylactic shock. Multiple
stings can be dangerous. Sting in the mouth or throat are serious, as swelling can obstruct
the airway.

TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS ARE

 To relieve the swelling and pain.
  To remove to hospital if necessary.

FOR A STING IN THE SKIN

If there are signs of anaphylactic shock, DIAL 997 FOR AN AMBULANCE.

1. If the sting is still in the wound, pluck it out firmly with fine tweezers.
2. Apply a cold compress to relieve the pain and swelling. Advice casualty to see his
doctor if these persist.

FOR STING IN THE MOUTH

1. Give the casualty ice to suck or cold water to sip, to minimize swelling.
DIAL 997 FOR AN AMBULANCE. Reassure the casualty.
 FIRST AID KIT FOR HOUSEHOLDS

The essence of first aid is improvisation. Use, what you

have at the time. However, it is essential that every
household has an accessible first aid box with the following
basic content:

Alcohol swabs.
Analgesic tablets (pain killers)
Antiseptic wipes
Band-aid strips
Cotton tipped swabs
Crepe bandages (big and small)
Gauze pads (big and small)
Gauze bandages (big and small)
Swabs
Plasters
Bandage scissors
Tweezers
Rubber gloves