Before providing care, put on protective gloves or use a barrier between you and the victim, to reduce the chance of disease transmission while assisting the injured person. Cleanse your hands thoroughly with soap and water when finished.
Basic first aid treatment:
BLEEDING
- Apply direct pressure using a clean cloth or sterile dressing directly on the wound.
- DO NOT take out any object that is lodged in a wound; see a doctor for help in removal.
- If there are no signs of a fracture in the injured area, carefully elevate the wound above the victim’s heart.
- Once bleeding is controlled, keep victim warm by covering with a blanket, continuing to monitor for shock.
CLEANING AND BANDAGING WOUNDS
- Wash your hands and cleanse the injured area with clean soap and water, then blot dry.
- Apply antibiotic ointment to minor wound and cover with a sterile gauze dressing or bandage that is slightly larger than the actual wound.
UNCONSCIOUSNESS
- Assess victim’s state of awareness by asking if they are OK.
- Check the victim’s Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABC’s).
- If the victim’s ABC’s are not present, perform CPR. IMPORTANT: only a trained & qualified person should administer CPR.
- If ABC’s are present and spinal injury is not suspected, place victim on their side with their chin toward the ground to allow for secretion drainage.
- Cover the victim with blanket to keep warm and prevent shock. If victim communicates feeling warm, remove blanket.
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