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Part 3. Medical assistance
This information is basic first aid information which is intended as a guide only and may
not be applicable in all situations. You should always defer to a trained medical officer
or other person with first aid knowledge. Protective equipment, such as rubber gloves
are recommended.
Keep calm and think clearly. Your experience may not be much but do your best.
•
Look after the unconscious person first. Check airway, breathing and circulation. If
there is no breathing, check if air passages are clear, i.e. nose and mouth. Use your
fingers to clear air passages if necessary. If the air way is clear then mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation may be needed at once.
•
You must be very careful when moving an injured person. It is best not to move at
all, except if in danger, as serious and permanent damage can be done to an injured
neck or back if not supported during movement. AVOID BENDING OR TWISTING
A NECK OR BACK. KEEP THEM STRAIGHT. All injured limbs require support when
an injured person has to be moved.
•
Unconscious people can choke. To help avoid this:
– carefully turn the person to one side
– tilt their head back slightly
– wipe out the mouth with your finger to remove blood,
vomit, broken teeth or dentures.
•
Provided it is not dangerous to do so due to injuries, an unconscious person will do
best in the following position:
– lay the person on one side
– bend the uppermost knee until the thigh is at a right
angle to the body
– bend the uppermost shoulder and elbow so that the
hand lies near the face
– gently pull the underneath arm so that it rests straight
on the ground free of any body weight.
•
Try to stop bleeding by applying direct pressure, using your hand, or by pressing torn
flesh together. Use any clean cloth available. Fold cloths to make pads. If necessary
press one pad on top of another. Keep pressure around edges of a wound BUT
NEVER USE A TOURNIQUET.
•
Shock may be treated by reassurance, relieving pain, controlling any bleeding and
keeping the injured person warm but not hot. It is best not to give any fluids and
NEVER ALCOHOL.
•
If the injured person is in danger and has to be moved, try and have three or four
people help and concentrate on not bending or twisting the neck, spine and injured
limbs. Keeping the neck and spine straight is most important.
ACCIDENTS
Chapter 6
EMERGENCIES
6-3
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