Illustrated First Aid Guide - Marcia Wendorf [20]
3. If the object is visible, try grasping it with tweezers.
4. Seek medical attention if the person experiences extreme pain, bleeding or discharge from the ear. These are symptoms of a perforation of the eardrum.
Foreign Object in Eye
For objects embedded in a victim’s eye(s), do not try and remove them, even if they prevent the eye from closing. Seem medical attention immediately. Do not allow the victim to rub the affected eye(s).
Treatment:
1. Wash your hands and have the victim sit in a well-lighted area.
2. See if you can see the object by gently pull the lower eyelid down and having the victim look up, then pulling the upper lid up and having the person look down.
3. Use an eyecup or a small, clean glass positioned beneath the eye to flush the eye with either saline solution, or clean lukewarm water.
4. Seek medical attention immediately if the victim experiences abnormal vision, pain, redness or the sensation of the object still being in the eye after it has been removed.
Foreign Object in Nose
While small children often place foreign objects in their noses, adults can also have a foreign object become lodged in their noses.
Treatment:
1. Have the victim blow their nose to try to free the object. If only one nostril is affected, have them close the other nostril before blowing. Do not allow the victim to blow hard or repeatedly.
2. If the object is visible, gently try to remove it with tweezers
3. For objects that aren’t visible, never probe with a cotton swab or other tool, instead seek medical attention.
4. Do not have the victim try to inhale the object. Have them breathe through their mouth until the object can be removed by medical personnel.
5. If the object cannot be removed, seek medical attention immediately
Foreign Object in Skin
Typical foreign objects that become embedded in the skin are wood splinters, fiberglass, or small pieces of glass.
Treatment:
1. Wash your hands and clean the around the area where the object is embedded.
2. If the object is visible and at the skin’s surface, remove it using tweezers. A magnifying glass can help you see the object better.
3. For more deeply embedded objects, sterilize a clean, sharp needle with either rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
4. Use the needle to break the skin over the object then gently lift the tip of the object out.
5. Once the object is removed, wash and pat-dry the area, then apply an antibiotic ointment.
6. If you are unable to remove the object, seek medical attention.
Foreign Object Inhaled
If an adult or child inhales a foreign object, seek medical attention. If the inhaled object causes choking, perform first aid as described below. If you’re the only rescuer, perform first aid before calling 911.
Treatment:
1. With the heel of your hand, pound five times on the victim’s back between their shoulder blades.
2. Perform five abdominal thrusts also known as the Heimlich maneuver.
3. Alternate five back blows with five abdominal thrusts until either the object is dislodged or medical personnel arrive.
Foreign Object Swallowed
If swallowed, some foreign objects pass uneventfully through the digestive tract, while others present a problem. Sharp, pointed objects or small batteries, such as those used in watches or calculators, can cause serious injury and should be removed as quickly as possible.
Treatment:
1. With the heel of your hand, pound five times on the victim’s back between their shoulder blades.
2. Perform five abdominal thrusts also known as the Heimlich maneuver.
3. Alternate five back blows with five abdominal thrusts until either the object is dislodged or medical personnel arrive.
Head
Contents
Head
Headache
Most headaches are minor, and you can treat them with a pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen. However, some headaches signal a serious medical condition. Seek medical attention if the headache:
• Develops suddenly and severely and steadily worsens
• Is accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, rash, mental