Illustrated First Aid Guide - Marcia Wendorf [10]
Wounds on the foot, and puncture wounds from human or animal bites, including domestic dogs and cats, are especially prone to infection. Seek medical attention for these types of wounds, and anyone who hasn’t had a tetanus shot within five years should get a booster within 48 hours of the injury.
Seek medical attention immediately for a bite from a stray dog or a wild animal, which may cause rabies. Your doctor can administer a rabies vaccination. All such bites should be reported to your county’s public health service, and if the animal can be found, it should be confined for 10 days of observation by a veterinarian.
Treatment:
1. Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Seek medical attention if the bleeding persists or if the blood spurts.
2. Clean the wound well to reduce the risk of tetanus. Wash the area around the wound with soap and water, and use a tweezers cleaned with alcohol to remove any particles.
3. Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic cream or ointment such as Neosporin or Polysporin. This will keep the wound moist. If a rash appears, discontinue use of the ointment.
4. Cover the wound with a bandage or sterile gauze, and change the dressing whenever it becomes wet or dirty, or at least once a day.
5. Seek medical attention if the wound doesn’t heal or if signs of infection appear, such as redness, drainage, warmth or swelling.
Bones
Contents
Bones
Dislocation
A dislocation occurs when the ends of bones are forced from their normal positions usually by a blow or fall. Dislocations are common in sports such as football, hockey, skiing and volleyball. They can occur in major joints, such as the shoulder, hip, knee, elbow or ankle, or in smaller joints, such as the fingers or toes.
A dislocation temporarily deforms and immobilizes the joint, and may result in sudden and severe pain. Dislocations require prompt medical attention to return the joint to its proper position.
Treatment:
1. Don’t try to move the affected joint back into position. This can damage the joint and its surrounding muscles, ligaments, nerves or blood vessels.
2. Splint the joint in its fixed position, and put ice on it to reduce swelling. The icing reduces internal bleeding and the buildup of fluids in and around the injured joint.
Fractures (Broken Bones)
A fracture is a break in a bone, and all fractures require medical attention. Symptoms of fracture include:
• Pain from movement or even gentle pressure
• Limb or joint appears deformed
• The bone has pierced the skin
• For extremities, such as the arm or leg, the area beyond the injury becomes numb or bluish
• The extremity is turned at an abnormal angle
Treatment:
1. Immobilize the injured area. Never try to realign the bone yourself.
2. Stop any bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a bandage, clean cloth or piece of clothing.
3. Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain until emergency personnel arrive. Never apply ice directly to the skin, wrap it in a towel or piece of cloth.
4. If the victim feels faint or is breathing in short, rapid breaths, treat for shock by laying the person down with their head slightly lower than their trunk, and if possible, elevate the legs.
Spinal Injury
If you suspect a back or neck (spinal) injury, do not move the victim, permanent paralysis and other serious complications can result. Symptoms of a spinal injury include:
• The neck or back is twisted or positioned oddly
• Evidence of a head injury including a change in the person’s level of consciousness
• Severe pain in the victim’s neck or back
• The victim is unable to move his or her neck
• Weakness, numbness or paralysis or lack of control of his or her limbs, bladder or bowel
Treatment:
1. While waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive, do not allow the victim to move his or her neck. Hold their head, or place heavy towels on either side of their neck.
2. If the victim stops breathing, begin CPR but do not tilt the head back to open the airway. Gently grasp the jaw and lift