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North Country Cabins - First Aid Forum Page
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First
Aid Kit Supplies
Here's a checklist
you can use for building your own first aid kit.
| Plastic
bandages |
Transpore tape |
Alcohol preps |
| Adhesive
bandages |
Micropore tape |
Gauze |
| Extra large
plastic bandages |
Iodine prep
pads |
Fingertip
bandages |
| Sterile pads |
Antiseptic
towelettes |
Knuckle
bandages |
| Antiseptic
ointment |
Ammonia
inhalant |
Sponge packs |
| Instant ice
packs |
Sterile eye
wash |
Elastic
bandages |
| Eye pads |
Safety pins |
First aid
cream |
| Bandage
scissors |
Tweezers |
Butterfly
bandages |
| Water tight
utility box for contents |
Burn gel to
treat burns |
Burn bandages |
| Adhesive spots |
Extra large
strips |
Surgical tape |
| Sponges |
Pain reliever |
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Nosebleed
A nosebleed is sudden bleeding from
one or both nostrils, and may result from a variety of events: a punch in
the nose, breathing dry air, allergies, or for no apparent reason. To stop
the flow of blood from a common nosebleed, use these steps:
1. Sit or stand
upright to slow the flow of blood in the veins of the nose. Do not tip
your head back.
2. Pinch your
nose with your thumb and forefinger for 10 minutes without relieving
pressure. Breathe through your mouth during this time.
3. If the
bleeding continues despite these efforts, consult your doctor or call
911.
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Cuts
and Scrapes
Small cuts and
scrapes usually don't demand a visit to the emergency room of your local
hospital, but proper care is necessary to keep infections or other
complications from occurring. When dealing with minor wounds, keep the
following guidelines in mind:
1.
Stop the bleeding by applying pressure using a gauze pad or clean cloth.
If the bleeding persists after several minutes of applying pressure, get
immediate medical attention.
2. Keep the wound clean by washing the area with mild
soap and water and removing any dirt. Dry the area gently with a clean
cloth, and cover the wound with a protective bandage. Change the bandage
at least once a day. If the wound becomes tender to the touch and red or
oozes fluid, see your doctor.
3. If your cut is more serious and the bleeding does not
stop on its own or the cut is large, deep, or rough on the edges, try to
stop the bleeding by applying pressure directly to the injury using a
sterilized gauze pad or clean cloth. Maintain pressure on the wound until
the bleeding stops. Then consult your physician. A tetanus booster may be
required if you haven't had one for a while.
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Severe
Bleeding
To stop
serious bleeding, follow these steps:
1.
Lay the affected person down. If possible, the person's head should be
slightly lower than the trunk of his or her body or the legs should be
elevated. This position increases blood flow to the brain. Elevate the
site of bleeding, if possible to reduce the blood flow.
2. Do not attempt to clean the wound.
3. Apply steady, firm pressure directly to the wound
using a sterile bandage, a clean cloth, or your hand. Maintain pressure
until the bleeding stops, then wrap the wound with a tight dressing and
secure it with adhesive tape. Most bleeding can be controlled this way. Call
for emergency help immediately.
4. If the bleeding continues and seeps through the
bandage, add more absorbent material. Do not remove the first bandage.
5. If the bleeding does not stop, apply pressure to the
major artery that delivers blood to the area of the injury (see Major
Arterial Pressure Points).
6. When the bleeding has stopped, immobilize the injured
portion of the body. You can use another part of the body, such as a leg
or torso, to immobilize the area. Leave the bandages in place and take the
person for immediate medical attention or call for emergency help.
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Burns
Burns can be caused by fire, the sun, chemicals, heated objects or fluids,
and electricity. They can be minor problems or life-threatening
emergencies. Distinguishing a minor burn from a more serious burn involves
determining the degree of damage to the tissues of the body. If you are
not sure how serious the burn is, seek emergency medical help.
First-degree burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is
burned. The skin is usually red and some swelling and pain may occur.
Unless the burn involves large portions of the body, it can be treated at
home.
Second-degree burns are those in which the first layer of skin has been
burned through and the second layer of skin is also burned. In these
burns, the skin reddens intensely and blisters develop. Severe pain and
swelling also occur. If a second-degree burn is no larger than 2 or 3
inches in diameter, it can be treated at home. If the burn covers a larger
area, seek medical attention. You may need a tetanus booster.
Third-degree burns are the most serious and involve all layers of skin.
Fat, nerves, muscles, and even bones may be affected. Areas may be charred
black or appear a dry white. If nerve damage is substantial, there may be
no pain at all. These burns should receive emergency medical attention.
Follow these steps when treating minor burns at home:
1.If the skin is not broken, run cool water over the burn for several
minutes.
2.Cover the burn with a sterile bandage or clean cloth.
3.Take aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve any swelling or pain.
Seek emergency treatment immediately for major burns. Until an emergency
unit arrives, follow these steps:
1. Remove the person from the source of the burn (fire, electrical
current, etc.).
2. If the person is not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
immediately (see Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation).
3. Remove all smoldering clothing to stop further burning.
4. If the person is breathing sufficiently, cover the burned area with a
cool, moist, sterile bandage or clean cloth. Do not place any creams,
ointments or ice on the burned area or break blisters |
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Heimlich
Maneuver
The Heimlich Maneuver is the best known method of
removing an object from the airway of a person who is choking. You can use
it on yourself or someone else. These are the steps:
1. Stand behind the choking person and wrap your arms around his or her
waist. Bend the person slightly forward.
2. Make a fist with one hand and place it slightly above the person's
navel.
3. Grasp your fist with the other hand and press hard into the abdomen
with a quick, upward thrust. Repeat this procedure until the object is
expelled from the airway.
If you must perform this maneuver on yourself, position your own fist
slightly above your navel. Grasp your fist with your other hand and thrust
upward into your abdomen until the object is expelled.
Disclaimer: The information
above has been provided as reference material only. For emergencies you
should contact trained medical personnel
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North Country Cabins
Bob & Kim Kratzenberg
PO Box 218
Woodgate, New York 13494
(315) 392-5499
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'Taking a break"
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