First Aid for Kitchen Emergencies
Bleeding
Bleeding from a minor cut usually stops on its own
within a few minutes. If bleeding does not stop, administer
first aid. Wounds that need prompt medical attention
include those that are deep, gaping or jagged.
1. If there is dirt in the wound, rinse it lightly
with lukewarm running water.
2. Use a clean, non-fluffy cloth to apply direct
pressure to the wound.
3. Once applied, do not disturb the compress.
4. If blood soaks through the compress, apply another
over it and continue with direct pressure.
5. Raise the bleeding part above the level of the
heart.
6. If bleeding is severe or does not stop after 15
minutes, seek medical attention. Take steps to prevent
shock: lay the person flat, raise the feet and cover
with a blanket.
Choking
As long as the choking person is coughing and has
good skin color, do not interfere. However, if the person
is coughing weakly and is having trouble breathing,
administer first aid. Ask, "Are you choking?" If yes,
then proceed.
Conscious Adult or Child
1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around
the person's waist.
2. Place your fist—with the thumb side against the
person's stomach—slightly above the navel and below
the ribs and breastbone. Place your other hand over
your fist.
3. With your elbows out, press your fist with a quick,
upward thrust into the person's abdomen.
4. Continue until the obstruction is cleared.
5. If the object cannot be cleared or the person
loses consciousness, call 911 or your emergency medical
number.
Conscious Infant
A baby who is coughing or crying probably is OK.
If the baby is not coughing or crying, cannot breathe,
or if the baby's face turns blue:
1. Call 911 or the emergency number.
2. Lay the baby facedown along your forearm so that
the baby's head is lower than the body. Hold the baby's
jaw between your index finger and thumb. Rest your forearm
on your thigh.
3. Use the heel of your hand to apply 4 forceful
blows between the shoulder blades.
4. Turn the baby so that baby's back is against your
thigh with the head lower than the body. Place three
fingers on the baby's breastbone about 1 inch below
the nipples. Give 4 quick thrusts down, depressing the
breast 1/2 to 1 inch.
5. Continue Steps 2 through 4 until the object is
dislodged.
Burns and Scalds
When treating any burn, DO NOT:
- apply butter, grease or lotion.
- breathe or cough on the burn.
- use cotton or adhesive dressings.
- disturb blisters or dead skin.
- apply ice directly to a burn.
Minor Burns
A superficial burn that is smaller than a quarter
in diameter generally is considered minor.
1. Place the affected area under cold running water,
immerse it in water or cover it with soaking-wet cloths.
Hold it there for at least 10 minutes or until the pain
stops or decreases.
2. Wash the area with soap and water.
3. Gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth. Cover
the burn with an antibiotic ointment and a dry, sterile,
non-adhesive dressing.
4. Elevate the area.
Severe Burns
A superficial burn that covers more than one part
of the body or any deep burn requires immediate medical
attention.
1. Call 911 or your emergency medical number.
2. Remove clothing from the burned area if it comes
off easily.
3. Remove rings and other constricting items.
4. If the burn is superficial and smaller than the
person's chest, cover it with clean, cold, wet towels.
5. If the burn is deep or larger than the person's
chest, do not use cold compresses and do not immerse
the burn in cold water.
6. Cover the burn with a dry, sterile, non-adhesive
dressing.
7. Separate burned fingers or toes with dry, sterile,
non-adhesive dressings.
8. Treat for shock. Lay the person flat, cover with
a blanket and elevate the feet.
9. Reassure the person as you wait for medical attention.
|
