2.3 First aid and emergency arrangements

2.3 First aid and emergency arrangements

1. Head injuries

   • Make sure the injured person is able to breathe and put them in a coma position, making sure their mouth and nose are clear
   • Concussion can occur and this can be apparent from loss of consciousness, very relaxed limbs, weak and irregular pulse, slow and shallow breathing, dilated pupils and even bleeding from the ears

2. Fractues

   • Broken bones and usually occur on upper and lower limbs
   • Snapping sound can be heard
   • Pain in area, shape and outline is abnormal, considerable swelling, and can sometimes see bone sticking out

3. Hypothermia

   • Rapid cooling of the body when the temperature drops quickly
   • If the person is wearing wet clothing, remove it and immediately cover them with warm, dry clothes or blankets

4. Joint and muscle injuries

   • Sprains
     • Over stretching or tearing of ligaments at a joint
   • Strains
     • Over stretching of a muscle
   • RICE
     • Rest
       • stop and rest injury
     • Ice
       • Apply ice as it reduces swelling
     • Compression
       • Put a bandage or tape to give support and pressure
     • Elevation
       • Raise the injured body part

5. Cuts

   • Clean and dress the cut with a plaster or bandage