dwitiya sopan first aid
Life of any living being is very precious in this world. The Scouts/Guides are very helpful to anybody under any difficult situations. Hence the knowledge of first aid for the Scouts/Guides is very much essential.
knowledge of wounds
Types of wounds :
Let the casualty be flat and lie still. Wash wound with plain water or with soap and water to wash out as much dirt as possible. Apply antiseptic lotion or cream. Cover with dressing and bandage to keep the dressing on. Minor scratches can be painted with any antiseptic lotion.
- Incised (Clean Cut)
- Lacerated (torn)
- Punctured (stab)
- Contused (hemorrhage beneath)
Let the casualty be flat and lie still. Wash wound with plain water or with soap and water to wash out as much dirt as possible. Apply antiseptic lotion or cream. Cover with dressing and bandage to keep the dressing on. Minor scratches can be painted with any antiseptic lotion.
Note:- Don't apply any antiseptic in large wounds. This may get absorbed and cause reactions.
bleeding
When blood come out of a blood vessel, it is called bleeding. Bleeding is the immediate complication of a wound and must be treated promptly.
Types of Bleeding:-
Bleeding is classified by the blood vessel that is damaged.
Types of Bleeding:-
Bleeding is classified by the blood vessel that is damaged.
- Arteries:- If any artery is damaged, bleeding may profuse.
- Veins:- If a major vein is damaged, blood may gush from it profusely.
- Capillaries:- Occurs with any wound, bleeding may be brisk, but blood loss is usually slight.
BURNS AND SCALDS
Burns are caused by dry heat, corrosive substances and friction. Scalds are caused by wet heat – hot liquids and vapors. Burns can also be produced by extreme cold, and by radiation, including the sun’s rays. Burns may be related to, or a result of, a more life-threatening situation. Fires may be started accidentally by victims of drug or alcohol overdose. An explosion, or jumping from a burning building, may cause other serious injuries. When burns have been treated, the casualty should be thoroughly examined.
DO NOT overcool the casualty; this may dangerously lower the body temperature.
DO NOT remove anything sticking to the burn; this may cause further damage and cause infection.
DO NOT touch or interfere with the injured area.
DO NOT burst blisters.
DO NOT apply lotions, ointment, or fat to the injury.
- Superficial burns (1st Degree): These involve only the outer layer of the skin, and are characterised by redness, swelling and tenderness. Typical examples are mild sunburn, or a scald produced by a splash of hot tea or coffee. Superficial burns usually heal well if prompt first aid is given, and do not require medical treatment unless extensive.
- Partial-thickness Burns (2nd Degree): These damage a ‘partial thickness’ of the skin, and require medical treatment. The skin looks raw, and blisters form. These burns usually heal well, but can be serious, if extensive. In adults, partial-thickness burns affecting more than 50% of the body’s surface can be fatal. This percentage is less in children and the elderly.
- Full-thickness Burns (3rd Degree): These damage all layers of the skin. Damage may extend beyond the skin to affect nerves, muscle and fat. The skin may look pale, waxy, and sometimes charred. Full-thickness burns of any size always require immediate medical attention, and usually require specialist treatment.
DO NOT overcool the casualty; this may dangerously lower the body temperature.
DO NOT remove anything sticking to the burn; this may cause further damage and cause infection.
DO NOT touch or interfere with the injured area.
DO NOT burst blisters.
DO NOT apply lotions, ointment, or fat to the injury.
- Lay the casualty down, protecting the burned area from contact with the ground, if possible.
- Douse the burn with copious amounts of cold liquid. Thorough cooling may take 10 minutes or more, but this must not delay the casualty’s transmission to hospital.
- While cooling the burns, check airway, breathing, and pulse, and be prepared to resuscitate.
- Gently remove any rings, watches, belts, shoes, or smouldering clothing from the injured area, before it starts to swell. Carefully remove burned clothing unless it is sticking to the burn.
- Cover the injury with a sterile burns sheet or other suitable non-fluffy material, to protect from infection. A clean plastic bag or kitchen film may be used. Burns to the face should be cooled with water, not covered.
- Ensure that the emergency service is on its way. While waiting, treat the casualty for shock. Monitor and record breathing and pulse, and resuscitate, if necessary.
sprains
It is caused by sudden jerk, straining or tearing the ligaments and tissues around the joint.
SIGNS:
If the persons cannot bear cold fomentation try hot fomentation i.e. bathing with water as hot as can be borne.If the ankle gets sprained during a walk, do not remove the shoes keep them as support and tie a figure of eight bandage around. The foot with the shoe still on can be dipped in cold water.
SIGNS:
- Pain at the joint.
- Inability to use the joint.
- Swelling and later on discoloration.
- Immobilize the joint, place it in comfortable and elevated position.
- Expose the joint and apply firm cold bandage.
If the persons cannot bear cold fomentation try hot fomentation i.e. bathing with water as hot as can be borne.If the ankle gets sprained during a walk, do not remove the shoes keep them as support and tie a figure of eight bandage around. The foot with the shoe still on can be dipped in cold water.
stings
Wasps, bees, scorpions stings, also some plants.
- If the sting is present remove it with a sterilized needle tweezers. Wash the part with a solution of soda bicarbonate, for wasps, Vinegar and onion juice are effective remedies.
- If the sting is inside the mouth wash the mouth with a solution of two teaspoonful of soda bicarbonate to one glass of water.
Bites
snake bite :
There are more than 2500 different kinds of snakes. Only about 200 of them are poisonous. All snake bites are not fatal. Only a very small quantity of the venom might have been injected. Most people die not because of the venom, but from fear. However all snake bite cases are to be treated as if bitten by poisonous ones.
Aims of First Aid:
Aims of First Aid:
- To reassure the patient.
- To stop spreading of the venom.
- To obtain medical aid.
- Lay the patient down, give him/ her complete rest, Calm and reassure him, never make him/her walk nor sleep.
- If the bite is on the arm or leg, apply a constrictive bandage on the heart side of the bite tight enough to obstruct and stop the flow parts of the body.
- Wash the wound with soap and water, Flush the wound with lot of water.
- Cover the wound with a sterilized dressing.
- Get medical aid or send the person on a stretcher to the hospital as quickly as possible. If the snake has been killed, carry it to the hospital for identification. Should breathing fail, commence artificial respiration.
dog bite:
dog bites are sometimes very serious. They may cause infection. If the animals is suffering from rabies it will be transmitted to the person. The condition is known as Hydrophobia. The dog should not be killed. It must be chained, and must be kept under observation for ten days. Rabies is also caused by infected cats, monkey and jackals.
Aims of First Aid:
Aims of First Aid:
- To prevent rabies or other infections.
- To get medical aid.
- All dog bites must be treated as potentially bite by a rabid dog.
- Wipe the saliva away from the wound.
- Wash the wound thoroughly with plenty of soap and water.
- Cover the wound with a dry, sterile light dressing.
- Get medical aid or send the patient to the hospital for proper treatment.