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Basic solutions for little scrapes |
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Preparing a first aid kit and practicing some basic skills will help you take control and help others. Preparing your own first aid kit before you need it is the wisest step you can take to be ready for any of life's emergencies - big and small. Your kit can be very basic or fully stocked; it can be store-bought or homemade. No matter how you assemble it, just remember: (1) where the kit is stored, (2) what it includes and (3) how to use the supplies. A solid, waterproof, labeled container is all you need to hold your supplies, but adding a few dividers can make it easier to organize. Once you've assembled the contents, store the kit out of reach of young children. Then, check your kit regularly. At the beginning of each season is a good marker. Be sure all your supplies are still there, and verify expiration dates. Dialing poison control If you don't know the number of your local poison control center, call (800) 222-1222 and get it. If you, your child or someone else has ingested a toxic substance, the best place to get the most accurate information and advice is from poison experts. So, put the number next to your phone or in your speed dial. And use it when you need it. Calling for help The first rule in first aid is to know whom to call. Most communities have 9-1-1 emergency lines. But if you live in an area that doesn't, find out your local emergency number before you need it. If you're visiting someone or baby-sitting in someone else's home, know the address so you can repeat it quickly if necessary. Helping the helpers Remain calm. The operator needs to take down information; the quicker he or she does it, the faster you'll get help. Don't hang up until the operator tells you to. He or she may need more information. Be sure your address is visible. Or have someone waiting outside for the emergency team. You don't want to waste time having people search for you. Caring for the little stuff What if someone gets hurt - but it's not serious enough to warrant 9-1-1? Here are a few quick tips to follow: Abrasions (or scrapes). These can hurt but usually aren't serious. Clean the area well, removing any debris (dirt, gravel, sand). Pour water over the scrape, allowing it to run off to flush out tiny bits of dirt and cut down any pain. You can cover the area with antibiotic ointment and a bandage or gauze (which will speed healing as well as reduce pain). |
If these are not available, you can leave it open to air while keeping it dry and clean. Bleeding from cuts, even minor ones, can be scary but is easily addressed. Minor cuts. Clean the area with water as you would for a scrape. Use mild soap to clean the skin around the wound, trying to avoid the cut itself since it might be painful. Cover with a bandage or gauze, which can be changed if it gets wet or dirty. You may also leave the cut open to air. If the wound becomes red or swollen, or it seems to be infected, check with your family physician. Major cuts. Clean the area with water and cover with a bandage or gauze. To slow bleeding, apply direct pressure for at least five minutes. If blood seeps through the bandage, layer a new one over it and continue to apply pressure. Don't use a tourniquet. If the cut is on an arm or leg, you can raise the limb above heart level to help slow the bleeding. See your doctor if the cut doesn't stop bleeding, if there seems to be something inside, if the wound was caused by a particularly dirty object, or if the cut is deep or longer than a half an inch. Caring for burns Burns are one of the most common household accidents. First-degree burns leave the skin red and sore. Second-degree burns blister the skin. Third-degree burns go much deeper and must be treated in the hospital. Here are some DOs … • Remove clothing from the burned area if it is easily taken off. • Run cool water over the burn or apply a cool compress to slow down the burning process (NO ICE!). • Apply a bandage or sterile gauze to cover the burned area. • Call the doctor if the burn is on the face (especially around the eyes or mouth), if it's large, or if it's a second-degree burn. • Call for emergency help if it's a third-degree burn. Here are some DON'Ts … • Pull on any clothing that seems stuck. • Put ice or any home remedy, like butter, on a burn. • Break any blisters. Sunburns can be serious, too. So apply cool compresses to ease the heat. If there's blistering, call your doctor. Marijke Vroomen-Durning, R.N., of Quebec, Canada, is a registered nurse, science writer and former first aid instructor for the Canadian Red Cross.
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