Here are some special cases You may encounter in your daily working life
1. Treating Hypothermia:
Hypothermia occurs from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures and sets in when the body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C).
Symptoms of hypothermia include:
– Shivering
– Slurred speech or mumbling
– Weak pulse
– Poor coordination
– Confusion
– Red, cold skin
– Loss of consciousness
To treat hypothermia:
– Handle the person gently, avoiding any rough movements or rubbing, as this can trigger cardiac arrest.
– Move the person out of the cold and remove any wet clothing.
– Cover the person with blankets and use heat packs. Avoid applying heat directly to their skin, as this can cause severe burns.
– Offer warm fluids to the person.
– If the person is lying down, make sure the ground isn’t cold—place warm materials beneath them to insulate against the cold. Click Here for first aid course
2 . Treating Burns:
Before treating a burn, it’s important to identify the type and severity of the burn. There are four categories of burns:
First-degree burn: Only the outer layer of skin is affected. The skin becomes red and swollen, similar to a sunburn.
Second-degree burn: Some of the inner skin layers are burned. Look for blistering and swelling, and this type of burn is often very painful.
Third-degree burn: The burn affects all layers of skin. The wound may appear whitish or blackened. In some cases, the burn can be so deep that there’s no pain, as the nerve endings are destroyed.
Fourth-degree burn: The burn extends through all tissues, reaching down to the tendons and bones.
There are also two categories of burn severity:
– Minor burn: First-degree burns and mild second-degree burns.
– Major burn: Moderate second-degree burns to fourth-degree burns.
For minor burns, treatment is usually simple, and you can:
– Run cool water over the burned area (avoid icy or very cold water).
– Do not pop any blisters.
– Apply a soothing moisturizer, such as aloe vera.
– Keep the affected person out of the sun.
– Administer ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief.
Major burns are serious and require immediate medical attention. For someone with a major burn:
– Do not apply ointments.
– Cover the wound with loose materials to protect it from infection.
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3. Allergic Reactions:
Allergic reactions occur when the body overreacts to a foreign substance, such as bee stings, certain foods, or medications. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can be triggered by these allergens.
The most effective way to treat a severe allergic reaction is with an EpiPen. An EpiPen, or “epinephrine autoinjector,” is a small, easy-to-use needle that injects epinephrine (adrenaline) into the person, helping to counteract the allergic reaction.
If someone is having an allergic reaction:
– Keep them calm and ask if they carry an EpiPen.
– Have the person lie down with their feet elevated about 12 inches.
– Ensure their clothing is loose to allow for easier breathing.
– Avoid giving them food, drink, or medication.
– If appropriate, use an EpiPen (make sure you know how to administer it).
– After using the EpiPen, wait 5-15 minutes. If the reaction continues, a second dose may be necessary.
4. Treating Fractures
It’s not always immediately obvious if someone has a broken bone, but if you suspect a fracture:
– Do not try to straighten the broken limb.
– Use a splint or padding to stabilize the area and prevent it from moving.
– Apply a cold pack to the injured area, but avoid putting it directly on the skin. Wrap it in a cloth or place it in a plastic bag.
– If possible, keep the affected area elevated.
– Offer the person an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling.
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5. Performing CPR:
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving procedure used to restore breathing and blood circulation in someone who is unresponsive. It’s a critical skill that can save lives, but performing CPR requires proper training. A comprehensive CPR course, usually lasting a full day, is recommended. The American Red Cross offers CPR certification classes nationwide. Visit Redcross.org for more details.
