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In traumatic situations, basic knowledge of first aid could save a life

By Dr. Diana Sarmiento, The Blogging Doc
Yahoo SHE, November 14, 2013


(Photo by Getty Images)

Accidents happen anytime and anywhere... at home, in school, at work, in a sporting event, maybe even at a party and, certainly, during times of calamity.

Being equipped with the basic knowledge to help others can spell a big difference in a person's survival.

The goal is to provide immediate care, stabilize the victim and transfer to a hospital facility.

Here is a list of common situations with their basic first aid treatment:

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Sprains, Strains or Fractures

1. Immediately apply something cold to the area.

2. If ice is not available, grab anything in the freezer like a frozen pack of hotdogs.

3. Do not try to move the joint affected.

4. If a fracture cannot be ruled out, immobilize the area by wrapping 2 pieces of twigs, rulers or a pair of wooden "sandoks" around the limb.

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Drowning

1. Ideally, the first aider must perform CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

2. If you are not trained for CPR, apply chest compressions at approximately 100 presses per minute.

3. Continue chest compression till help arrives.

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Fainting

1. Lay the person on a flat surface.

2. Elevate legs above the level of the heart.

3. Loosen clothing like neckties, belts or scarves.

4. Apply ammonia, perfume, hand gel or any strong odor to help the person regain consciousness.

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Choking

The Red Cross recommends the "five-and-five" approach:

1. First, deliver five back blows between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

2. Next, perform five abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver).

3. Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the blockage is dislodged.


(Photo by Getty Images)
How to give first aid to someone, who is choking.

The American Heart Association advises only the abdominal thrust procedures or the Heimlich maneuver:

1. Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around the waist. Tip the person forward slightly.

2. Make a fist with one hand. Position it slightly above the person's navel.

3. Grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust — as if trying to lift the person up.

4. Perform a total of 5 abdominal thrusts, if needed. If the blockage still isn't dislodged, repeat.

Emergency situations can be very traumatic. Remembering even just 1 or 2 of the basic first aid steps could save a life.


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