Emergency First Aid

EMERGENCY FIRST AID

• Poisons on the Skin • Poisons in the Eye • Inhaled Poisons • Swallowed Poisons • Snake Bites • The Recovery Position  

 

Dermal Decontamination

1. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and warm water, as soon as possible after contact with the agent. Please avoid the use of any neutralising chemicals such as milk or any other acids and alkalis, the use of these items may cause further damage.
2. Repeat washings if necessary.
3. Should this not cease to alleviate any symptoms, consult with a physician.

 

Ocular Decontamination

1. Flush the victim’s eye with large amounts of running water, preferably for about 15 minutes. If any eye wash solution is available it may be used.
2. Should the victim be wearing contact lenses, have them remove it.
3. In washing, tilt the victim’s head so that the water does not run into the other eye. This can be done by aiming a gentle stream of lukewarm water on the forehead above the affected eye. If both eyes are affected, aim the stream at the bridge of the nose. Eyes do not have to be held open. Opening and closing the eyes repeatedly during the irrigation will help carry the water to all the surfaces of the eye.
4. Call the emergency health services at 8-1-1

 

Inhaled Poisons

Immediate medical attention is needed!!!

Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide or other inhaled poisons are: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, weakness, chest pain, convulsions and changing levels of consciousness.

1. Immediately remove the victim from the source and to a well- ventilated area.  Loosen tight clothing around neck or chest.
2. Call the emergency health services at 8-1-1 even if the victim starts to recover.
3. Monitor the victim’s breathing and be ready to give Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Only if you are properly trained and should the victim need it.
4. Put an unresponsive but breathing victim to lie on their left side or in the Recovery Position.

 

Swallowed Poisons

Immediate medical attention is needed!!!

Signs and symptoms: Nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness, dizziness, disorientation, changing levels of responsiveness.

• Try to determine what was ingested, when and how much. This can be done by finding any empty bottles, checking refill dates on prescriptions et c.
• Put the breathing and unresponsive victim to lie on their left side or in the Recovery Position.
• Do not try to induce vomiting or give the victim anything to eat or drink in an attempt to neutralise the poison, doing so may cause further injury. Do not follow first aid instructions on any household chemicals labels; they may be incorrect or out-dated.
• If a responsive victim has corrosive burns on the mouth, you may rinse the person’s mouth with cold water, DO NOT allow the victim to swallow.
• Immediately call the emergency health services at 8-1-1 if you suspect the person is in a lie-threatening condition or if the person is unresponsive.

 

Snake Bites

Immediate medical attention is needed!!!

The early application of pressure-immobilization first-aid, especially in the out of hospital situation, may slow onset of systemic toxicity following a snake bite.

1. Reassure the patient and ensure they remain still.
2. Remove items such as watches, rings and anything else that may cause constriction, in the event of swelling due to the bite.
3. A broad compression bandage should be applied over the bitten area about as firmly as that used for a sprained ankle. Elasticized bandages are preferable, but crepe bandages, clothing strips, or pantyhose will suffice in an emergency
4. It is very important that the patient is not moved. If clothing cannot be cut from a bitten limb then a compression bandage should be applied over the clothing - rather than move an arm or leg.
5. A second bandage should then be applied, starting from the tip of the limb (fingers or toes) and heading toward the body, as firmly as used for a sprained ankle. Elasticized bandages are ideal for this purpose, but crepe bandages, strips of clothing, or towels may be used. The pressure is sufficient if the bandage is snug but a finger can be easily slipped under it.
6. Immobilize the arm with a sling or the leg with a splint and then bandage the splint to the limb to prevent movement. Ensure the patient is told not to move at all.
7. Transport (preferably an ambulance) should be brought to the patient to prevent movement. If this cannot be done, the patient should be carried rather than walk.
8. Do not give alcohol, fluid, or food by mouth. If the patient will not reach medical care for a long period, only water should be given by mouth.
9. Tourniquets should not be used. The bite site should not be washed, cleaned, cut, sucked, or treated with any substance.

 

The Recovery Position

Helps to keep the airway open, allows fluids to drain from the mouth and prevents the person from choking on their vomit.

1. Kneeling next to the victim put the person’s arm that is furthest away from you, straight over their head.
2. Put the other arm across the chest.
3. Bend the victim’s nearer leg at the knee.
4. Put your forearm under the victim’s shoulder, putting your hand around the back of the neck to support the victim’s head and neck.
5. Carefully roll the victim away from you by gently pushing on the victim's flexed knee while stabilizing the head and neck. The victim's head is now resting on the raised arm. Position the victim's other hand palm down with fingers under the armpit of the raised arm.
6. Bend both legs so that the victim's position is stabilized.
7. With the victim in this position, open the mouth to allow drainage and monitor breathing.