FIRST AID - Examples

Here are a few examples where basic first aid knowledge might enable you to help someone until medical care is
available.
Bleeding wounds: Applying firm pressure with a pad or bandage will stop bleeding from most wounds. Wherever
possible, avoid coming into direct contact with blood spills. Occasionally the bleeding can be from an artery, squirting with
every pulse. Quite marked blood loss can occur quickly and much firmer pressure is required. If arterial bleeding is from
an arm or leg, applying a tourniquet can be lifesaving; in an emergency any old rag or tie can be used to stop until medical
help arrives.
Nosebleeds: Most nosebleeds come from blood vessels on the front part of the dividing wall that separates the nasal
passages. The bleeding usually stops quickly if the soft end-bit of the nose is firmly squeezed between the thumb and
index finger. If the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes or so it is better to see your doctor or go to casualty, in case
further treatment is required.
Burns: Put the burnt part straight under a cold running tap for several minutes. This can reduce the amount of swelling
and skin damage. There is no need to apply creams or bandages initially; if the burn looks significant go to the local doctor
or casualty. When clothing catches on fire the person should stop, drop to the ground and be rolled in a blanket or
something similar to put out the flames. It is likely that an ambulance will be required to take the person to hospital.
Bites: Usually beestings and wasp stings just need cold compresses and analgesics. If a bee's stinger is still be in the
skin, lever or scrape it off without squeezing the sac. If there has been a lot of local pain or swelling, antihistamines can
help. Rarely, a serious allergic reaction to beestings can occur; this may be a medical emergency requiring resuscitation
and emergency transport to hospital. Spider bites in Victoria are usually managed like wasp stings initially. However, quite
marked local skin damage may follow certain bites.
Snakebites are another matter altogether and require special first aid technique. After quickly assessing whether CPR is
needed, a pressure-immobilization bandage should be applied. For a bite on an arm or leg, a crepe bandage is firmly
wrapped around the entire length of the limb. Then a splint should be applied. It is important not to cut or wash the wound,
or move the limb unnecessarily. Urgent transport to hospital is essential, in case antivenom and intensive care monitoring
is required. Identification or description of the snake can also help.
Sudden collapse: Most people's worst fear is to be thrown into a situation where a family member falls to the ground and
becomes unconscious, appearing not to breathe. This is an emergency where CPR ( cardiopulmonary resuscitation ) may
be required while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. It is important to know how to quickly check for a pulse and then
immediately work through A for Airway, B for breathing and C for circulation. It is not really a technique that can be learnt
from a book. It is far better to actually do a first aid course and become very proficient at CPR.
Car accidents: The number one rule here is to make sure that further accidents and injuries are not caused by those
trying to help. Warning traffic from all directions is vitally important. If there is any sign of injuries, make sure that the
ambulance and police are immediately notified. If there is any possibility of neck or spinal injury, take special care not to
move the person's neck or back; permanent spinal damage may result.

You see a car accident! A man is lying on the ground

outside an open car door. The car has obviously hit a
tree. There is blood on the ground. People are milling
about. What should you do next?

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