First Aid Guide


 

FIRST AID ADVICE FOR CUTS, GRAZES, BRUISES, BURNS & NOSEBLEEDS

As the No 1 brand for first aid dressings, we naturally know a thing or two about treating everyday injuries. After all, the faster you can sort out those cuts, grazes, and bruises the sooner you can get on with life. We’ve designed this guide to offer practical, simple to follow advice, so you can treat a range of everyday accidents easily and quickly. If you’re ever unsure of what to do – seek medical advice and remember – more serious injuries should be treated professionally.

The top ten golden rules Stay calm. Check your surroundings are safe without putting yourself, or the casualty at risk. Decide if the casualty needs medical help – and if you’re not sure, ask for advice. Reassure the casualty and keep them warm. Make sure the casualty is comfortable but if you think they may have injured their back or neck don’t move them. Clean your hands before putting on first aid dressings – and if possible wear disposable gloves to prevent wounds becoming infected. Clean wounds thoroughly before using dressings. Foreign materials such as grit or glass should be washed away – never try and remove. embedded materials – that’s a job for medical professionals. Always use the right dressing for the injury. Don’t forget to replace any items you use from your first aid kit.

Cuts & grazes

Before cleaning wounds or applying dressings don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or cleaning tissues and, if possible, wear disposable gloves.

Clean the wound by rinsing it under cold running water if possible, carefully wiping away any foreign materials such as glass or gravel. Don’t try removing anything that’s become embedded though – that should only be done by a medical professional.

Gently dry the area around the cut or graze. Apply the wound with the most appropriate Elastoplast first aid dressing. Tip: Covering a clean cut or graze can help the wound heal faster.

 

Burns & Scalds Before you treat the casualty make sure there’s no danger to yourself i.e. from scalding water, live electrics etc. Cool the burn or scald under cold running water for at least ten minutes, then dry gently. Alternatively, use Elastoplast Burn Relief Spray, a soothing foam mousse designed to relieve pain and cool the burn. If you think the burn requires a dressing, use an Elastoplast Burn Plaster to cushion and protect the burn, for faster healing and reduced risk of scarring.

Tip: Never put fat or butter onto burns or remove anything that’s sticking to the burn, such as clothing. If in doubt, seek medical advice.   Bruises Make sure the casualty is in a comfortable position and that the injured area is well supported. Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the injury to reduce blood flow and reduce swelling. Tip: Use a face cloth soaked in cold water and wring out to make a cold compress. Alternatively, use crushed ice or a packet of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel.

Nosebleeds Get the casualty to sit down with their head forward Ask them to pinch their nose just below the bridge, whilst breathing through their mouth Make sure they have a cloth or tissue to catch any blood. After ten minutes stop pinching and see if the nose has stopped bleeding. If it hasn’t, pinch again for another ten minutes If the nose is still bleeding after 30 minutes, seek medical advice Once the nosebleed has stopped it’s a good idea to rest for a while Ask the casualty not to blow their nose for the next few hours Tip: Colds and the drying effects of central heating can cause frequent nosebleeds in children – try using a room humidifier or saline nasal spray to keep their nasal mucosa moist and healthy. If in doubt, seek medical advice.

Bites & Stings

Insect bites and stings aren’t usually dangerous, unless you have an allergy to them. If you think someone has had an allergic reaction you should get them to hospital immediately.

If the sting is in the mouth or throat, suck ice or drink cold water to reduce any swelling and call for an ambulance. If a sting has been left in the skin, remove it carefully with a pair of tweezers. Clean the area around the wound, and if it’s painful, hold a cold compress over the affected area for 30 minutes to reduce swelling. Cover the wound with an appropriate dressing or plaster if necessary.

Tip: If you get a localised allergic reaction to a bite or sting, i.e. swelling around the affected area, try taking an antihistamine tablet (as directed by your pharmacist).

Splinters & Foreign Bodies If the splinter is only partly under the skin, you may be able to remove it with a piece of sticky tape. If not, wash and dry the affected area and try removing the splinter with a pair of sterilised tweezers. Pull in a straight line, at the same angle the splinter went in. If you haven’t removed the splinter after ten minutes it’s best to stop before you damage the affected area. Most splinters work themselves out in time, but if the area looks red or feels sore, seek medical advice. Once you’ve removed a splinter, clean the wound and cover with an appropriate plaster or dressing to prevent infection. Other foreign bodies, such as grit in a graze should be removed by gently washing the wound under cold running water. Don’t try removing anything that’s become embedded, that should only be done by a medical professional. If the casualty has something in their eye, try flushing out with clean, cool water. If it doesn’t come out, seek medical advice. Tip: If you’ve got a splinter, try soaking the affected area in warm water to encourage the splinter to move closer to the surface of the skin. You can also prevent splinters by wearing protective gloves when you’re doing DIY etc.

Sunburn Cool damaged skin by sponging gently with cold water Take regular sips of water to re-hydrate the body Apply calamine lotion or after-sun cream to prevent peeling If sunburn is severe or the casualty is feeling sick or dizzy, seek medical advice Tip: Avoid sunburn by staying out of the sun between 11am – 3pm and make sure you use a sunscreen with a suitable sun protection factor. Children are particularly at risk from sunburn and should wear hats and closely woven t-shirts in the sun. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen after swimming!

When to seek medical advice

An important part of first aid training is knowing when to ask for professional medical help. Here are just some of the conditions that should be treated by a doctor or hospital Accident & Emergency department:

Breathing difficulties Loss of consciousness A deep wound/major blood loss A severe burn A suspected fracture or broken bones A suspected heart attack A severe allergic reaction A snake or animal bite Poisoning Shock Any condition where the casualty has suddenly deteriorated

Do – stay with and reassure the casualty whilst someone else calls for help. Don’t – move the casualty if you think they may have injured their back or neck. Don’t – give them anything to eat or drink in case they require surgery or other treatment. Do – remain calm and give medical staff as much information as possible about what’s happened.

Safety in the home

Did you know that 69% of injuries happen in or around the home? Make sure yours really is as ‘safe as houses’ with our easy to follow hints & tips.

In the House   Make sure you use slip-proof mats on vinyl or laminate flooring – especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Never leave things on the stairs, the top of the landing, or in doorways – you may fall over them. Fit a good quality smoke alarm and make sure you test it regularly. Plan an escape route and practice it so you know what to do if there’s a fire in your home Always remember where door and window keys are in case you need to get out in an emergency Make sure cigarettes and matches are completely extinguished and dispose of them carefully Be careful when you’re doing DIY and always follow the manufacturers instructions if you’re using tools, chemicals etc.   In the garden   Avoid buying plants with poisonous leaves or berries – or those which tend to irritate skin Cover and fence off garden ponds/swimming pools if you’ve got young children Watch out for your kids if you’re visiting gardens with ponds or swimming pools If you’re using garden tools or equipment such as lawn mowers follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and wear protective clothing if necessary - i.e. don’t mow the lawn in flip-flops for instance! Keep an eye on the kids when they’re playing in the garden