Read this and save a life

With over three-quarters of us admitting we’re unsure how to administer first aid*, there’s never been a better time to learn how to cope with life’s emergencies. By Karen Swayne

UNCONSCIOUS CASUALTY

CONSCIOUS CASUALTY

Here's what to do in case of stroke, burns and scalds, shock and choking, and how to carry out cardio-pulmonary resuscitation(CPR).

STROKE

1 Check face Keep the casualty comfortable. Ask them to smile. If they've had a stroke, they may only be able to smile on one side the other side of the face may droop.

2 Check arms Ask the casualty to raise their arms. If they've had a stroke, they may only be able to lift one arm.

3 Check speech Ask some questions. Can they speak and/or understand what you are saying?

4 Call for emergency help Call 999, saying you suspect a stroke.  Reassure the casualty and monitor and record their vital signs level of
response, breathing and pulse until help arrives.

CAUTION Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink; they will probably find it difficult to swallow. If they lose consciousness, open the airway and check breathing. 

BURNS AND SCALDS

1 Cool burn Make the casualty comfortable by helping them to
sit or lie down. Flood the injury with cold water; cool for at least
ten minutes or until pain is relieved.

2 Call for emergency help Call 999, if necessary, explaining that
the injury is a burn, what caused it, and the size and depth.

3 Remove any constrictions While you are cooling the burn,
carefully remove any clothing or jewellery from the area before it
starts to swell. Do not remove anything that is sticking to the burn.

4 Cover burn Cover the burn with Clingfilm placed lengthways
over the injury, or use a plastic bag. Alternatively, use a sterile
dressing or clean, non-fluff y pad. Monitor and record the casualty's
level of response, breathing and pulse while waiting for help.

■ DO NOT use adhesive dressings.
■ DO NOT touch the burn or burst any blisters.
■ If the burn is severe, treat the casualty for shock.
■ If the burn is on the face, do not cover it.
■ Keep cooling with water until help arrives.
■ If the burn is caused by contact with chemicals, wear protective gloves and cool for at least 20 minutes.
■ Watch for signs of smoke inhalation,such as difficulty
breathing.
CAUTION Do not apply lotions, ointment or fat to a burn. Specialised dressings are also not recommended  

SHOCK
Initial signs of shock are a rapid pulse, pale, cold clammy skin and
sweating. As shock develops, this turns to rapid shallow breathing,
a weak pulse, grey skin, dizziness and nausea.

1 Treat any possible causes of shock, such as severe bleeding.

2 Help the casualty to lie down on a rug or blanket if there is one, to protect from the cold. Raise and support their legs above the level of their heart to improve blood supply to the vital organs. Keeping their head low may also prevent them from losing consciousness. Stop them from making any unnecessary movements.

3 Loosen tight clothing at the neck, chest and waist.

4 Keep them warm by covering the body with coats or blankets.

5 Call 999. Monitor and record vital signs - level of response, breathing and pulse - while waiting for help.

CHOKING ADULT

1 Encourage casualty to cough

2 Give up to five back blows If the casualty cannot speak, cough or
breathe, bend them forward. Give up to five sharp blows between the shoulderblades with the heel of your hand. Check the mouth.

3 Give up to five abdominal thrusts Stand behind the casualty. Put both arms around them, and put one fist between the navel and the bottom of the breastbone. Grasp your fist with your other hand, and pull sharply inwards and upwards up to five times. Re-check the mouth. Repeat steps two and three until the obstruction clears. If, after three cycles, it
hasn't, call 999, continuing the sequence until help arrives, the obstruction is cleared or the casualty loses consciousness.

CPR FOR AN ADULT
1 Position hands on chest Place one hand on the centre of the casualty's chest. Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first and interlock your fingers, keeping fingers over their ribs.

2 Give 30 chest compressions Lean directly over the casualty's chest and press down vertically about 2in. Release the pressure but do not remove your hands. Give 30 compressions at a rate of 100 per minute.

3 Check that the airway is open. Tilt the casualty's head with one hand
and lift their chin with two fingers of your other hand to ensure the airway is open.

4 Begin rescue breaths Pinch the casualty's nose to close the nostrils,
and allow their mouth to fall open. Take a breath and seal your lips over their mouth. Blow steadily into their mouth until their chest rises - this should take about one second.

5 Watch chest fall Maintaining head tilt and chin lift , take your mouth
away from the casualty's. Look along the chest and watch it fall. Repeat to give two rescue breaths. Repeat 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Continue until they start to breathe normally. If you are unwilling or unable to give rescue breaths, you can give chest compressions alone. 

* DK survey 2009

Techniques taken from First Aid Manual, 9th Edition (DK, £12.99), written and authorised by the UK's leading first-aid providers, St John Ambulance, St Andrew's Ambulance Association and British Red Cross. 

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