Importance of first aid in day-to-day life
In this article a brief description of First Aid is given. First aid methods for certain incidents are highlighted. Methods of artificial respiration also described.
First aid is the immediate assistance given to a victim, of an accident or calamity, on the spot. Effective first aid will increase the survival chanceof the victim. All of us including school children and house wives should know the basic steps of First aidas accidents or calamities can occur at any time or anywhere. Time spent in getting medical aid could be fatal for the victim.
Most important thing is that, summer rains are on in Kerala, which are usually accompanied by severe lightning and thunder. Daily we are hearing incidents about damages and deaths caused by lightning. We should exercise caution against lightning. Precautions against lightning
1. Try to be inside home.
2. Avoid contact with electric appliances or metallic objects.
3. Unplug Television and telephone etc.
4. Use wooden chairs to sit.
5. Use dry rubber soled shoes while standing of ground.
6. Turn your main switch off.
7. If standing outside, avoid being beneath trees, huge buildings and electric poles.
8. If strong wind experiences, beware of broken electric cables.First aid methods
Snake poisoning
Calm the victim. Panic will increase blood pressure and venom will move into the system fast, Immobilize the limb. Take him to hospital immediately.Burns
Keep the burnt area in cool running water till burn subsides.Chemical burn
Remove the chemical particle present by washing. Wrap the wounded area with sterile bandage.Wounds
Stop severe bleeding by applying pressure over the wound. Cover the wound by sterile bandage. Cover again with bandage if the first bandage soaked with blood without removing the first bandage.Fracture or dislocation of bones
Support and immobilize limb.Dog bite
Wash the wound with soap and water immediately. Electric Shock
Remove the victim from the source of supply. If not breathing, administer artificial breathing. Drowning
Remove wet clothes and cover the victim with blanket. Lay him down facing downwards keeping hands above head. Raise middle portion of body to drain out water. If not breathing artificial breathing is to be administered. Artificial Breathing
Artificial breathing is a process of helping a breathless person to breath. The breathlessness can happen due accidents, electric shock or drowning. Methods of artificial respiration
cardiopulmonary resuscitation In this method the chest of the victim is pressed down at the rate of 50 to 60 compressions per minute.
Mouth to mouth In this method the air is blown to the victim's lungs through the mouth or nose of the victim.
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