First Steps

 

Safety

Make sure you and the casualty are safe.

 

Is the person conscious?

Do they respond if you talk to them or gently tap their shoulder?

 

Is the person breathing?

Make sure their tongue isn't blocking their breathing by placing one hand on their forehead and gently tilting their head back, then lift the chin using two fingers only. Listen and watch for breathing for 10 seconds.

 

If the person is breathing normally place them in the recovery position.

 

If they are not breathing call you local medical team.

 

Recovery position

 

Moving someone into the recovery position stops them from choking on their tongue or fluids. Only use this position if the person is breathing but unconscious.

 

1.        Turn the person on their side.

2.        Lift chin forward to keep airway open and adjust hand under the cheek if necessary.

3.        Check that the person cannot roll forwards or backwards.

4.        If the person has been in this position for 30 minutes turn them on the opposite side.

 

If a baby (less than one year old) is breathing and unconscious hold them in your arms with their head titled downwards.

 

Burns and scalds

 

Burn are damage to the skin caused by direct heat, for example an iron, and scalds are damage caused by wet heat, such as boiling water.

 

Treatment

 

1.        Put on disposable gloves and then cool the burn under cold running water for at least 10 minutes.

2.        Remove any watches or jewellery, unless it is sticking to the skin. Use disposable glove if possible.

3.        Once you have cooled the burn cover with a clean, non-fluffy material. A clean plastic bag, kitchen film makes good dressings.

 

Call the emergency services if the burn is deep, cover a large area or involves the face.

 

Wounds and bleeding

 

Dealing with cuts and scrapes is an everyday occurrence. These tips will help you to treat the wound.

 

Treatment

1.        Wash your hands and put on disposable gloves.

2.        Minor cut or graze: wash under running water and pat dry with clean material. Cover the cut completely with a sterile dressing or plaster.

3.        Raise and support the injured limb.

4.        Lay the person down and treat for shock.

5.        Bandage the pad or dressing firmly to control bleeding, but not so tightly to stop blood flow to fingers or toes. If blood comes through first bandage, cover with another bandage. If blood still comes through, remove the bandage and put a new bandage on.

 

Further info: www.sja.org.uk

 

 

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