Illustrated First Aid Guide - Marcia Wendorf [28]
Most blisters can be left intact, however, if the pain is extreme, they can be drained of fluid while leaving the overlying skin intact. Persons having poor circulation or diabetes should call their doctor before attempting this procedure.
Treatment
1. To leave the blister intact, cover it with either an adhesive bandage, or a porous, plastic-coated gauze pad that absorbs moisture and allows the blister to breathe.
2. To drain the blister, wash your hands and the blister with soap and warm water, then swab the blister with iodine or rubbing alcohol.
3. Sterilize a clean, sharp needle with rubbing alcohol, then puncture the blister aiming for several spots along its edge.
4. Allow the fluid drain while leaving the overlying skin in place.
5. Once all the fluid has drained out, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage or gauze pad.
6. After several days, use tweezers and scissors sterilized with rubbing alcohol to cut away all the dead skin, apply more ointment and a bandage.
7. If you see any signs of infection, such as redness, pus, increasing pain or warm skin, call your doctor.
Bruises
Bruises form when a blow breaks small blood vessels beneath the skin, allowing blood to leak out into the tissues. The trapped blood appears black-and-blue, accompanied sometimes by tiny red dots or splotches.
Bruises that form for no reason, without there having been a blow, may indicate a more serious problem, such as a blood-clotting problem or blood-related disease. Bruises accompanied by persistent pain or headache also may indicate a more serious underlying illness, and require medical attention.
Treatment:
1. Elevate the bruised area and apply ice or a cold pack several times a day for a day or two after the injury.
2. Rest the bruised area, if possible, and take a pain reliever (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen) if needed.
Shock
Shock can result from trauma, heatstroke, allergic reactions, severe infection, poisoning or other causes. Caused by below normal blood pressure, shock victims require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of shock include:
• Cool, clammy skin that appears pale or gray
• Weak and rapid pulse accompanied by either slow and shall breathing or hyperventilation (rapid or deep breathing).
• Dull looking eyes occasionally with dilated pupils
• Unconsciousness, or if conscious, the victim may feel faint, weak or confused. Shock victims can also become overly excited and anxious
Treatment:
1. After calling for medical assistance, lay the person on their back with their feet higher than their head if possible.
2. If the victim is not breathing, begin CPR immediately.
3. Loosen belts and tight clothing and keep the victim warm.
4. Give nothing by mouth, even if the victim complains of thirst.
5. Turn the person on their side to prevent choking if vomiting or bleeding from the mouth.
Sprain
Ligaments are tough, elastic-like bands that attach to bones and hold joints in place. A sprain is an injury to a ligament caused by excessive stretching. Ligaments can also have tears or be completely torn apart. Ankle and knee sprains occur most often.
Sprained ligaments swell rapidly and are painful, generally, the greater the pain, the more severe the injury. Inadequate or delayed treatment of a sprain can result in long-term joint instability or chronic pain.
Most sprains can be treated as described below. Seek medical attention if:
• A popping sound accompanied the joint being injured
• The victim can’t use the joint, or put any weight on it
• The site of the injury is red and hot, and the person runs a fever greater than 100 F (37.8 C).
• The person does not improve after two or three days
Treatment:
1. Do not use the injured joint, use splits or crutches.
2. Rest the injured limb, but you can still exercise other muscles to prevent de-conditioning.
3. Apply ice or a cold pack to the injury as soon as possible to prevent swelling. Be careful not to keep ice on an area for too long, this can cause