Handy tips for treating an injury or allergy

Handy tips for treating an injury or allergy

Having some knowledge of First Aid is always a great skill to have and while we can’t qualify you to be a First Aider, these tips will help if there is an emergency and you’re waiting for a FirstAider or emergency services to arrive.

If isn’t recommended to do CPR or give mouth to mouth or offer any medical advice if you haven’t had formal training unless absolutely necessary, so if you are in a situation where you feel unsure about anything or it is more than you can handle, make sure to get help as a first priority. Sometimes, just sitting with the injured person and talking to them is the best thing for them until other help can arrive. It is always a good idea to take note of where any defibrillators nearby, so you know where they are if you need to use them. These often give you step by step instructions and when you call 999, they will be able to tell you where the nearest one is and how to access it. The operator will also stay on the line with you until help arrives, so the most important thing is to remain calm.

If you find yourself in a situation which isn’t that serious but you’re waiting for a First Aider or other help, here are a few things you can do to support someone with an injury.

Make sure any situation is safe before you try and offer help and support
– If you can see broken glass, live wires or anything else that could endanger you and the injured person, move to a safe place to call for help and only attempt to help them once you’re sure there is no risk to yourself or them. A professional will be thankful that you are assessing the scene, so don’t feel like you’re not helping by not jumping straight in.

Bleeding
– Most bleeds that you are likely to come across will be shallow and superficial, but if they are more substantial, you can offer some help while you wait for paramedics or the registered First Aider, press firmly on the wound using a clean fabric, ie a towel, and raise it so it is higher than their heart, but not so much that it will cause discomfort.

Allergic reactions
– If you know there is someone with an allergy, it is always a good idea to know where they keep their medication and what the symptoms are, so you can avoid a situation entirely. If they do end up being exposed to something that triggers a reaction, clear the area, removing the allergy trigger from them as soon as possible. Get them to sit down and lean forward slightly, especially if they are having difficulty breathing. Call 999 as soon as you can and if they have medication or an EpiPen, administer it immediately.

Asthma attacks
– Asthma is a common complaint and anyone with it will likely have an inhaler with them at all times and will already know when to take their medication. Sometimes though, the medication isn’t enough to prevent an attack, especially if they are somewhere dusty for instance. While you’re waiting for a First Aider or other help to arrive, make sure to get them to sit down and help them use their reliever inhaler as soon as you can. If they’re no better after a few minutes, get them to keep taking it every few minutes until they start to feel an improvement.

Of course, if you come across someone who has fallen ill and you don’t have First Aid training the most important thing is to get help. Call for an ambulance and if you are somewhere like a public place or a school, raise the alarm so that the registered First Aider can look after them. It is important not to move people if you can help it and to keep watch in case the situation worsens. When it comes to most injuries, use common sense, such as staunching the blood flow or helping the injured person access their medication if they have it to hand. Otherwise, don’t try to be a hero, you’re helping just as much by being there, alerting someone knowledgeable and offering reassurance.

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