Illustrated First Aid Guide - Marcia Wendorf [29]
4. Compress the injured area with an elastic bandage or wrap.
5. Elevate the injured limb whenever possible to limit swelling.
6. For pain, administer over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
7. When able, begin using the injured area.
Nose
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Nose
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are common, especially in young children. In children and adults, nosebleeds usually originate from the septum, the divider separating your nasal chambers. In middle-aged and older adults, nosebleeds can originate deeper in the nose, and may be caused by hardened arteries or high blood pressure. These type of nosebleeds are difficult to stop and require a specialist’s help.
People experiencing frequent nosebleeds should make an appointment with their doctor, who can cauterize the bleeding blood vessel with an electric current, silver nitrate or a laser. The doctor can also pack the nose with special gauze or an inflatable latex balloon to put pressure on the bleeding blood vessel.
People experiencing frequent nosebleeds who are taking blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin) should consult their doctor on the dosage. People using supplemental oxygen administered through a nasal tube (cannula) may be at increased risk of nosebleeds, and should apply a water-based lubricant to their nostrils and increase the humidity in their home.
Treatment:
1. Have the person sit upright and lean forward. Sitting upright reduces the blood pressure in the veins of the nose, which discourages further bleeding. Sitting forward helps avoid swallowing blood, which can irritate the stomach.
2. Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the victim’s nose closed for 5 to 10 minutes and have them breathe through their mouth. Pinching the nose creates direct pressure on the bleeding point on the nasal septum.
3. For several hours after the bleeding has stopped, do not allow the victim to bend down, and have them keep their head higher than the level of their heart.
4. To prevent the bleeding from starting again after it has stopped, do not allow the victim to pick or blow their nose
5. If re-bleeding occurs, have the victim blow their nose forcefully to clear out any blood clots, then spray both sides of the nose with a decongestant nasal spray containing oxymetazoline (Afrin, Neo-Synephrine, others).
6. Pinch the nose again, and if bleeding continues, seek medical attention.
7. Seek medical attention if a nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes.
8. If the nosebleed follows an accident, fall or injury to the head, including a punch to the face that may have broken the nose, seek medical attention immediately.
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.
Poisoning
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Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide (CO) binds more strongly to red blood cells than does oxygen. Victims of carbon monixide poisoning are therefore starved of oxygen need for vital organs such as the heart and brain. Unlike other conditions that decrease oxygen in the blood, victims of carbon monoxide poisoning are not pale or blue (cyanotic), but appear bright pink or flushed red.
The best defense against carbon monoxide poisoning is to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Once poisoned, the only treatment is to replace the carbon monoxide with oxygen in the victim’s blood. This