First Aid

First Aid

1. Burns & Scalds

   • Symptoms:
     • Extreme pain, Swelling around site of burn, Redness and blistering
   • Direct heat
     • flames, hot surfaces, hot liquids or gases
   • Electrical
     • faulty wiring, old plugs
   • Chemical
     • strong cleaning fluids Both burns and scalds damage the body by removing the layer of skin that protects the body from infection.
   • Actions
     • Put the burn under cold running water for at least 10 minutes. Rinse chemical burns for 20 minutes. Cover wound with cling film placed lengthways over the area – avoid wrapping it tightly round the limb. Remove any jewellery near burn site Treat for shock

2. Severe Bleeding

   • Cuts in the kitchen
     • A kitchen cut is most likely to affect a finger or hand, which you should then keep covered to prevent infection getting in.
     • First Aid Treatment for a Cut Finger
       • Wash, dry and apply a blue waterproof plaster.
         • Wipe clean with antiseptic wipe.
           • Record in accident book.
             • If bleeding persists apply pressure and lift injured part above level of heart
   • What should I do if I cut myself while preparing food?
     • If possible, your hands should be clean before dealing with a wound. Rinse the cut under cold water then gently dry it with a clean or sterile swab and apply a plaster or bandage.

3. Electric Shock

   • An electric shock can occur upon contact of a human body with any source of voltage high enough to cause sufficient current flow through the muscles or nerves. The current may cause tissue damage or heart fibrillation if it is sufficiently high voltage
   • If you suspect someone has received an electric shock you must ensure all power sources are isolated before you can treat the casualty.
   • Action to take Insulate yourself from the ground with books / newspapers / rubber matting. Throw a blanket over the victim and try to separate him from the source. Make sure you don't touch him though. You could also use dry, nonconductive material such as a wooden broom handle or a chair to separate the victim from the live current.
     • Call 999

4. Choking

   • Treatment: If the obstruction is mild - Encourage them to continue coughing. Remove any obvious obstruction from the mouth. If the obstruction is severe - Give up to five back blows. Check the mouth and remove any obvious obstruction
     • If the obstruction is still present: Give up to five abdominal thrusts. Check the mouth and remove any obvious obstruction. If the obstruction does not clear after three cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts
       • Call 999