Excerpts from a First Aid Manual

Knowing the correct thing to do in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. First
aid (the care given before emergency medical help arrives) really helps to save lives. People should take
a first aid course to learn how to correctly apply first aid procedures. However, even if you do not have a
first aid certificate, it is important to know how to react to common injuries and emergencies.

Read this excerpt to find out more.

SEVERE BLEEDING
Uncontrolled bleeding is dangerous because it can reduce blood volume and prevent enough oxygen
from reaching vital organs, such as the heart, lungs and brain.

To control bleeding, put pressure directly over the cut. Do not use a tourniquet (a tightly tied band) to
stop the blood flow without professional training.

Watch out for an impaled object that may be causing the bleeding. An impaled object is something that
has torn the skin and remains embedded in it. Do not attempt to remove the impaled object as this may
cause more bleeding. In addition, do not put pressure directly on this object because this could make
the injury worse.

CHOKING
Choking occurs when an object becomes stuck in the trachea or airway, preventing air from going in and
out of the lungs.

When you see that a person is choking, check to see if he or she is still able to talk and cough. As long as
the person is able to cough, you don’t need to do anything. Coughing will allow the patient to expel the
object on his or her own. In other words, a person who is able to cough will usually be able to get the
object out by himself or herself.

If you see that a person is unable to speak or cough, you should apply abdominal thrusts to force the
object out. Perform an abdominal thrust by leaning the person forward slightly and standing behind him
or her. Put your arms around the person and hold your right fist with your left hand just below the ribs
and above the navel. Make a quick, hard movement inward and upward. This will help the person to
cough up the object. This maneuver, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver, should be repeated
until the person is able to breathe or becomes unconscious.

Do not give the person anything to drink because fluids may take up space needed for the passage of air.
In other words, the fluid may prevent air from moving through the airway.

POISONING
A poison is a substance which can cause injury or death. Poisonous substances can enter the body in
various ways. In some cases, poisonous gases and fumes are inhaled or breathed into the lungs. In
others, they are ingested or swallowed.
If you think that a person has inhaled a poisonous substance, first make sure that the scene is safe; for
example, make sure there are no strange smells. If there are, seek professional help immediately. If the
scene is safe, move the person to fresh air immediately. If he or she has ingested a poisonous substance,
call the poison emergency helpline. Never induce or cause vomiting. Vomiting can be dangerous if the
poisonous substance is corrosive. For example, acidic substances may cause burning of the esophagus
(tube from throat to stomach).

Also, vomit may block the airway. Make sure not to give the person fluids to drink as this may result in
dangerous reactions with certain poisonous substances.

BURNS
A burn is damage caused to the skin by heat, chemicals or radiation. Some burns are relatively harmless,
while others can be life threatening.

First-degree burns are the least dangerous kinds of burns. With these kinds of burns, the skin is red, dry
and painful. Second-degree burns are more serious than first-degree burns. In second-degree burns, the
skin typically blisters and is red and painful. Third-degree burns are the most serious kind of burns.
Third-degree burns look black or white. They often don’t hurt because the nerve endings in the skin
have been destroyed.

For first- and second-degree burns, cool the area immediately with running water for 20 minutes. This
will help cool the injured tissue. Do not apply ointments or creams or break any blisters. If there is a
suspicion of third-degree burns, however, do not apply anything to the burn. Instead, seek professional
medical help immediately.

BONE, MUSCLE, AND JOINT INJURIES

These injuries can cause swelling and pain. In some cases, the patient is unable to use the injured body
part. Again, before doing anything, make sure that the scene is safe. First, immobilize the injured body
part so that it can’t move. Then elevate it, as long as this does not cause discomfort. In other words, only
raise it if it will not cause the injured person additional pain. Then apply a cold compress over the area,
unless you observe an open fracture or break, in which case a compress is not advised, and you should
seek professional medical help immediately.

Keep reading onto the next page.

 Excerpt from a Medical Manual
Exposure to extreme cold or heat can be extremely dangerous, potentially even life-threatening or fatal
(resulting in death). Knowing what to do if someone is suffering from over-exposure to the elements,
such as sun, snow and wind, can mean the difference between life and death. The following information
will help you to identify heat- and cold-related medical conditions and carry out basic first-aid
procedures.

HEAT-RELATED CONDITIONS
Heat exhaustion is an overheating of the body, which often occurs after excessive exercise or physical
labor. Prolonged exposure to the sun, such as working or playing sports outside for too long, contributes
to heat exhaustion. Because the body perspires or sweats, it loses a great deal of water and salt. A
person suffering from heat exhaustion may therefore feel thirsty, weak and exhausted (very tired).
His/her blood pressure drops, which may cause dizziness. Heat cramps may also occur.

First make sure to get the person out of the sun or heat and into a shaded or air-conditioned area. Then
remove most of their clothing and apply cool water or ice packs to the skin. Keep the person hydrated
by giving him/her cold fluids to drink.

Although heat exhaustion is not usually life-threatening and can be treated without the help of a
medical professional, it can progress to heatstroke which, if severe, can even cause organ dysfunction
(parts of the body stop working properly), irreversible brain damage and death.

Heatstroke, sometimes called heat illness or heat injury, occurs when a person’s body is exposed to
excessive heat, but cannot cool itself. One type of heatstroke – sunstroke – is caused by the sun, but
other types of heatstroke are associated with exposure to heat from different sources. Early symptoms
of heatstroke include headaches and dizziness. Other signs that a person may be suffering from
heatstroke are that his/her body temperature rises, he/she stops sweating, and his/her heart beats very
fast. As the condition gets worse, the person’s face becomes flushed (red), his/her skin becomes hot and
dry, and his/her pulse weakens. The person may slip into a coma – the loss of consciousness.

A person with heatstroke should receive immediate medical care, preferably from a medical
practitioner. However, if no doctor is available, you will need to lower the person’s high body
temperature as rapidly as possible. In other words, try to cool the person very quickly by immersing
him/her whole body in a bathtub of ice-cold water.

COLD-RELATED CONDITIONS
Frostnip occurs during the early stages of cold exposure and usually affects the skin on the face, ears or
fingertips. These areas feel cold, numb and prickly. If a person suffers from these symptoms, take care to
warm the affected skin gradually.

Frostbite is a more severe form of cold exposure, in which the skin and the tissue under the skin freeze
due to exposure to temperatures below freezing. During the initial stages of frostbite, known as
superficial frostbite, the skin looks pale or blue and feels cold, numb, stiff or rubbery to the touch. If left
untreated, this can develop into severe or deep frostbite. During this later stage, the skin tissue
becomes black and hard. If a person is suffering from symptoms of severe frostbite, do not hesitate.
Seek medical treatment as soon as possible. It may be necessary for doctors to surgically remove
damaged tissue.

Hypothermia is a serious condition that develops as a result of extended exposure to extreme cold. Early
symptoms include shivering, rapid breathing and pale skin. As the person’s body temperature drops
further, he/she may suffer from clumsiness, apathy (lack of concern), poor judgment and shallow
breathing. The more advanced stage – severe hypothermia – occurs when the body temperature drops
to below 28 degrees. The person’s pulse becomes weak and he/she may lose consciousness.
If someone is suffering from hypothermia, you will need to take action immediately. Never leave the
person in his/her wet clothing. Remove the damp clothing quickly and warm the person by wrapping
him/her in blankets.

In the event of unconsciousness or heart failure, administer CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) only if
you are trained to do so. Don’t forget to call for emergency help too!