 First-aid-2
In continuation of our article last week, first-aid may be administered for various conditions as given below.
 Vomiting/loose motion: When children suffer from vomiting or loose motions, give them a lot of water to drink. Tender coconut water, Electral or similar re-hydrating salts may also be given. For emergency, to stop vomiting, Domperidone medicine may be given. For loose motions, Metronindazole may be given as per prescribed dosage. For babies who suffer from stomach ache suddenly, tap the stomach lightly, and give a lot of water to drink. For indigestion, antacids may be taken.
 Limbs: Accidents where hands, legs or fingers are hurt and they bleed, use an ice pack to stop bleeding. If it is a fracture, the pain will be immense. So, place a scale or similar flat piece along with the broken bone and tie it with a long cloth, without applying pressure. Then see a doctor.
 Fire accidents: In case one's dress catches fire, wrap the victim immediately with a thick blanket, sheet or screen and roll her/him on the floor. Then pour cold water on the skin. Call medical aid immediately. Pouring water for small burns is the best first-aid. Then a suitable ointment may be applied as per doctor's advice.
Insect bites: Apply ice pack on the area bitten by insects. Give anti-histamine medication for insect bites. For leech bites, take a burning matchstick close to the leech. It will fall off.
Diabetics: Keep glucose packets and chocolates handy. In case of sudden low sugar, these may be given immediately as first-aid.
 Sprains: Place an ice pack on the sprained area. When applying pain-relieving creams, just spread it and wrap a bandage if necessary. Do NOT rub hard on the sprained area.
For very high FEVERS give coldwater massage. For extreme cold body temperature, wrap immediately in thick blanket, and give something hot to drink.
In case of BREATHLESSNESS/CHOKING, take to a place not crowded and with fresh air. Give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (CPR) if required.
If a baby falls from its bed and cries continuously, place on the side, holding head steadily and rush to the doctor. If the child vomits or has fits or is very tired, it is an emergency situation. Get medical aid immediately.
If a child swallows medicines by mistake, give two cups of water with a handful of salt and make him vomit them out. Then see a doctor.
When fingers get jammed in door hinges, apply an ice pack immediately for relief, and keep fingers upright. If it is cut, stop bleeding with ice and take broken finger in an ice-filled polythene bag, to the doctor, for treatment.
While playing, children may hurt their heels, jumping or otherwise. It is best to wear shoes while playing, as heel bones are very fragile in children.
When older people slip and fall, first make them lie down very carefully, as spinal injuries are possible. Check if they are conscious. Do not give anything to drink or eat. If there is a swelling, place an ice pack on it. Take to the doctor in the same lying posture. Avoid autos or rickshaws as transport in this case.
 Water accidents: When someone falls into a water tank accidentally, take the victim out and make him lie on his stomach, face down and sideways, with the legs, raised a little above the body. Press the back slowly to bring the water out. Clean mouth of excess water. If there is no breath, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
General tips for women's healthcare:
1) Have a yearly health check-up.
2) For urinary infection, which is quite common with women, drink lots of water. If it persists, check with the doctor.
3) When going out alone, keep a health card, similar to a visiting card, in your purse. This should give details of your blood pressure, blood group, sugar levels, allergy to any medication, if any, contact number for emergencies, etc.
4) Keep your doctor's phone number handy and in an easily visible place in the house.
General tips for old people:
 1) Keep your room doors unlocked.
2) Avoid toilets with steps. Flat ones are helpful and safe. Preferably use western toilets. Placing a bar alongside the toilet will help, in case of trembling, etc.
3) Keep a small stool to sit down while bathing.
4) Keep emergency phone numbers handy.
First-aid is a must in every household. Don't lose your cool. Be calm, administer first-aid and then summon the doctor.
Let us take care of health and save lives.
Sangita Sridhar,
E-mail: geeth000@yahoo.com
2/2 Ramanathan Street,
T Nagar,
Chennai - 600 017.
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