If you're unsure of the proper treatment for an injury, the best approach is almost always to summon professional help and do nothing. If you do feel competent administering aid, or if someone is bleeding severely, choking, or has suffered a heart attack and will die if you don't help, try to remain calm. Ask someone else to assist you if possible.
Bleeding
To stop bleeding, elevate the injured area above the heart, if possible, and apply direct pressure over the site of the bleeding. Place a clean gauze pad, a towel or washcloth, or even a clean article of clothing, over the wound and press firmly. If the injury appears to be severe, or if blood is bright red and spurting, ask someone to call 9-1-1 while you stay with the injured person. When the cloth or pad becomes soaked, don't remove it, simply add another pad or cloth over the first. Continue to apply pressure until bleeding stops or an ambulance arrives.
Broken Bones
Broken bones usually aren't life-threatening, but they should be treated by a doctor. Though sometimes you'll be able to see a broken bone, or the extremity will be bent at an odd angle, other fractures only show up on X-rays. Generally, someone with a broken bone will be in pain, with swelling and increased pain when any attempt is made to move the injured area.
For severe breaks, do not attempt to move the person. Call an ambulance and keep the injured person quiet and comfortable until help arrives. For minor fractures or if you're unsure if a bone is broken, try to avoid moving the injured area. Don't attempt to splint the limb or place in a sling, though resting the injured area on a pillow may make the person more comfortable in route to the doctor. An ice pack can help lessen swelling if the person can tolerate this. Always remember to place a towel between the skin and the ice pack to prevent frostbite.
Choking
A person who is choking cannot speak or cough. If they can speak or talk, the airway is not completely blocked and they may be able to dislodge the obstruction on their own. A choking person will often grab at his or her throat. They may turn blue or even lose consciousness.
The Heimlich maneuver will usually dislodge any object or piece of food obstructing the windpipe. To perform the Heimlich maneuver, stand behind the person and encircle them with your arms. Make a fist with one hand and position it slightly above the person's navel, below the rib cage. Use the other hand to help thrust firmly, with an upward motion. This forces air up and will help expel whatever is blocking the airway.
If an infant is choking, lay the baby face down in your lap. Support the child's head and administer five firm blows between the shoulder blades. Turn the child over. If it is still not breathing, try five chest thrusts.
If the choking person does not respond to these measures, call 9-1-1.
Heart Attack
A heart attack is a frightening, life-threatening emergency, but prompt response can save lives and prevent permanent damage. Know the signs of a heart attack: cool, pale skin; chest pain, often described as "crushing" or "vise-like" pain may also be in the jaw or arm; sweating; rapid, irregular or weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; loss of consciousness.
If you or someone you are with suspects a heart attack, first summon emergency help. Reassure the suffering person and have them sit down and try to remain calm.
If the person collapses and has no pulse, begin cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The Red Cross offers courses in CPR or you can find more information here.
Communication with Emergency Personnel
Emergency help is usually as close as a phone call away. Trained personnel will respond to your call, and will instruct you on what to do while waiting for their arrival. Stay calm and do your best to follow their instructions.
Follow any instructions the emergency dispatcher gives you. In general, you can help by turning on outside lights if it's nighttime, unlocking the front door, and putting any pets in another room or a fenced backyard so they won't be underfoot and won't accidentally get out the door and run away.
If you're in the person's home, gather any medication they may be taking and write down the name of their doctor. Have this information available for emergency personnel when they arrive.
Basic first aid skills can relieve suffering, prevent more serious injury, and even save a life. Knowing first aid brings peace of mind to parents and provides an extra measure of security for travelers. With a well-stocked first aid kit and a little know-how, you may be able to help yourself or someone else one day.
Sources: ACEP First Aid Manual; DK Publishing 2004
The Mayo Clinic: Emergency First Aid
Cynthia Myers - Cynthia Myers is the author of more than three dozen novels and hundreds of short stories and articles for publications ranging from ...
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