Treating Burns
Burns can range from minor to severe and require different approaches based on their severity.
Types of Burns
1. First-Degree Burns: Affect only the outer layer of the skin, causing redness and pain.
2. Second-Degree Burns: Affect both the outer and underlying layers of the skin, causing blisters, swelling, and severe pain.
3. Third-Degree Burns: Affect all layers of the skin and underlying tissues, causing white or charred skin and numbness due to nerve damage.
First Aid for Burns
1. First-Degree Burns: Cool the burn with running water for at least 10 minutes. Apply aloe vera or a moisturizing lotion to soothe the skin, and cover with a sterile bandage if necessary.
2. Second-Degree Burns: Cool the burn with running water for at least 10 minutes. Do not break any blisters. Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick bandage, and seek medical attention.
3. Third-Degree Burns: Do not attempt to treat severe burns yourself. Cover the burn with a clean cloth or bandage, and seek immediate medical help.
Dealing with Choking
Choking occurs when an object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking airflow. Knowing how to respond can save lives.
Signs of Choking
– Inability to speak or cry out
– Difficulty breathing
– Coughing or wheezing
– Clutching the throat
– Skin turning blue or pale
First Aid for Choking (Heimlich Maneuver)
For Adults and Children Over 1 Year:
1. Determine if They Can Cough: If the person can cough forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing to dislodge the object.
2. Perform Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver): Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the navel. Grasp your fist with the other hand and perform quick, upward thrusts until the object is expelled or the person becomes unconscious.
For Infants Under 1 Year:
1. Perform Back Blows: Hold the infant face-down on your forearm, supporting their head and neck. Give five firm back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
2. Perform Chest Thrusts: Turn the infant face-up, supporting their head and neck. Use two fingers to give five quick chest thrusts just below the nipple line.
3. Alternate Back Blows and Chest Thrusts: Continue alternating five back blows and five chest thrusts until the object is expelled or the infant becomes unconscious.
Handling Fractures and Sprains
Fractures and sprains are common injuries that require careful handling to prevent further damage.
Identifying Fractures and Sprains
Fractures:
– Severe pain
– Swelling and bruising
– Deformity or unnatural position of the limb
– Inability to move the limb
Sprains:
– Pain and tenderness
– Swelling and bruising
– Limited range of motion
– A popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury
