FIRST AID - Full extract 

Getting caught up in a medical emergency can be a frightening experience. Sometimes thre are cases where a person collapses to the ground and nobody stops to help. One reason this happens is that many people just don't know what to do. 

Currently about two or three per cent of Australian adults have a working knowledge of first aid. This means that if you collapse at the footy there is one chance in 50 that the person next to you is going to be able to help. 

Although many schools have a personal development curriculum in place already, very few children receive a uniformly structured safety and first aid course. One would feel that amongst all the other things children learn at school basic safety and first aid should be a high priority. 

The best way for adults to develop confidence in first aid is to do a course with the St.John's Ambulance. A range of courses is now available to suit everybody. All sorts of situations are covered, from sprains and fractures to chemical spills in the eyes, and poisons ingestion. 

Here are a few examples where basic first aid knowledge might enable you to help someone until medical care is available.

Bleeding wounds:  Applying firm pressure with a pad or bandage will stop bleeding from most wounds. Wherever possible, avoid coming into direct contact with blood spills. Occasionally the bleeding can be from an artery, squirting with every pulse. Quite marked blood loss can occur quickly and much firmer pressure is required. If arterial bleeding is from an arm or leg, applying a tourniquet can be lifesaving; in an emergency any old rag or tie can be used to stop until medical help arrives.

Nosebleeds:  Most nosebleeds come from blood vessels on the front part of the dividing wall that separates the nasal passages. The bleeding usually stops quickly if the soft end-bit of the nose is firmly squeezed between the thumb and index finger. If the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes or so it is better to see your doctor or go to casualty, in case further treatment is required. 

Burns:  Put the burnt part straight under a cold running tap for several minutes. This can reduce the amount of swelling and skin damage. There is no need to apply creams or bandages initially; if the burn looks significant go to the local doctor or casualty. When clothing catches on fire the person should stop, drop to the ground and be rolled in a blanket or something similar to put out the flames. It is likely that an ambulance will be required to take the person to hospital. 

Bites: Usually beestings and wasp stings just need cold compresses and analgesics. If a bee's stinger is still be in the skin, lever or scrape it off without squeezing the sac. If there has been a lot of local pain or swelling, antihistamines can help. Rarely, a serious allergic reaction to beestings can occur; this may be a medical emergency requiring resuscitation and emergency transport to hospital. Spider bites in Victoria are usually managed like wasp stings initially. However, quite marked local skin damage may follow certain bites. 

Snakebites are another matter altogether and require special first aid technique. After quickly assessing whether CPR is needed, a pressure-immobilization bandage should be applied. For a bite on an arm or leg, a crepe bandage is firmly wrapped around the entire length of the limb. Then a splint should be applied. It is important not to cut or wash the wound, or move the limb unnecessarily. Urgent transport to hospital is essential, in case antivenom and intensive care monitoring is required. Identification or description of the snake can also help. 

Sudden collapse:  Most people's worst fear is to be thrown into a situation where a family member falls to the ground and becomes unconscious, appearing not to breathe. This is an emergency where CPR ( cardiopulmonary resuscitation ) may be required while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. It is important to know how to quickly check for a pulse and then immediately work through A for Airway, B for breathing and C for circulation. It is not really a technique that can be learnt from a book. It is far better to actually do a first aid course and become very proficient at CPR. 

Car accidents:  The number one rule here is to make sure that further accidents and injuries are not caused by those trying to help. Warning traffic from all directions is vitally important. If there is any sign of injuries, make sure that the ambulance and police are immediately notified. If there is any possibility of neck or spinal injury, take special care not to move the person's neck or back; permanent spinal damage may result. 

Health Tips:
* Always have emergency numbers at your fingertips... especially 000 ( general emergency number). 

* Enrol in a first aid course; one day you may save a life.

Dr. Andrew Pattison: Common Consultations
North East Valley Division General Practice, Melbourne, Australia.   Disclaimer
  - Last modified: August 18, 2001