First Aid for Common Injuries (Part 2)

Accidents can happen anywhere at anytime. First aid can be administered as soon as possible to injuries sustained during these accidents if you know how to. Treating injuries immediately and properly can reduce the risk of the injury progressing or preventing infections from occurring. The earlier an injury is given attention, the better the chances of recovering from it.

Head trauma

Trauma can be caused by a blunt force applied to any part of the body. However, head traumas are dangerous and lethal especially if the trauma is of a great force. Although the brain is encased in a pretty strong skull, it is still susceptible to such injuries. 

First Aid: Assess the injury and check for responses from the patient. Check the injury if there are any wounds sustained during the trauma. Next, look for any sign of responses from the patient. Is the patient unconscious? Is the patient aware of the events, personal information and other medical conditions? Apply pressure to any wounds while calling for emergency assistance. Minor bumps on the head should be observed if they are accompanied by any vomiting, bleeding, disorientation or loss of consciousness. Rush the patient to the doctor if any symptoms have been observed.

Drowning

Drowning is referred to as a trauma wherein a submersion or inhalation of water has occurred. Most people who are rescued from drowning are unconscious and are revived during the initialization of first aid. 

First Aid: Check for breathing and heartbeat. Immediately call for an ambulance. While waiting for the ambulance, if the person is not breathing, carefully tilt his/her head back slightly and pinch the nose closed. Place mouth over the person’s mouth in a tight seal and blow air into it. Repeat the process for three times. If not response is apparent, chest compressions should be administered. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest. Rapidly press the chest at least 2 inches deep while letting the chest rise completely in between presses. Remember to give 2 breaths with 30 compressions in repetition until help arrives.

Choking

Choking is the condition wherein there is a severe difficulty in breathing due to an obstructed or collapsed airway. Most choking incidents are due to food stuck into the esophagus or young children placing small objects into their mouths. 

First Aid: Check the mouth, throat for any visible blockage. Remove foreign object carefully if it is visible. If no visible sign is observed, give the person choking five back blows. If breathing has not improved, proceed to do the Heimlich maneuver. Stand behind the person choking and wrap your arms around his/her waist. Slightly lean the person forward and make a ball with one of your fist. Wrap your other hand with the balled fist and press it into the abdomen and thrust upward. Repeat the process 5 times until the emergency response team arrives.

Sprains

Sprains are usually the result of twisted ligaments that surround the muscles. Sprained ankles are the most common injuries of the limbs. Inflammation of the ligaments and surrounding tissue can develop and pain will vary depending on the severity of the injury. 

First Aid: Sprains should be iced, elevated and rested for a period of time. The ice will reduce the inflammation and pain while elevation and rest keeps the injury from progressing. Typically, sprains recover within 7 days depending on the severity of the injury. If any other symptoms are observed within this time or if pain and swelling does not subside, seek medical attention.

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