First Aid Angels

In an emergency situation, a desire to provide meaningful care and comfort can easily dissolve into blind panic unless you have certain skills and a systematic approach to resuscitation procedures.

In an emergency situation, a desire to provide meaningful care and comfort can easily dissolve into blind panic unless you have certain skills and a systematic approach to resuscitation procedures.

This is well within anybody’s capabilities! A little knowledge, insight and hands on training in basic first aid will give you confidence in yourself. Equipped with basic tools and practical skills you should be in a position to do your bit as first responder and perhaps avoid a visit to the local doctor or hospital.

You may even save a life.

Most serious injuries and medical emergencies occur without warning and sometimes the difference between life and death often depends on two factors:

How quickly basic life support is provided
Whether anyone at the scene can assess nature and severity of the situation, call for appropriate assistance and of course if necessary commence resuscitation.

You should always have a first aid kit handy (here in spain it is law to also carry one in your car at all times). Many commercial available ready made kits suit the most basic of needs but you should consider making your own or supplementing a bought kit so that it takes into account the ages and specific requirements of your family members. Keep the box in an easy to reach place and inform other members of the household where this is. Keep it out of reach of small children. It is sometimes a good idea to keep a first aid manual handy too, just incise your mind goes blank.

Your first aid shopping list:

One sturdy container

Instruments

One small pair of sharp stainless steel scissors - One large pair of scissors, for cutting bandages and plasters -One pair of tweezers for removing dirt, thorns and other foreign objects - A few sterile 5ml syringes (can be bought separately at most farmacias) for giving medication to children - A thermometer - A couple of large safety pins for keeping slings in place - Two pairs of surgical gloves - Two small eye droppers

Dressings

Two packs sterile gauze swabs - Two packs of dressing pads - Bandages - Elastic bandages (stretchy like tub grip) - Adhesive tape - Triangular bandages - Two eye protector pads (can be made by cutting the bottom off two polystyrene cups!) - Gauze squares impregnated with paraffin (ensures dressing does not stick to wound)

Oral medication

Paracetamol (pain relief and anti pyretic – brings temperatures down) - Anti-histamines ( for use in allergic reactions) - Glucose water or sweets

Topical medications

Antiseptic solutions for cleaning wounds - Iodine ointment for dressings - Calamine lotion for sunburn, rashes and minor skin irritations - Cream or gel containing local anaesthetic

To be kept in your freezer

A bag of frozen peas to use as a cold compress

Quick reminder – SAFE

In an emergency, the last thing you need is to wonder ‘what should I do next?’. This well tested sequence of actions will enable you to take effective action in those first vital minutes of an emergency situation.

S – shout for help

A – approach with care

F - Free from danger

E - evaluate the ABC

Next time….first aid procedures…
Nicki Wakeman – Almeria Angels – The Sentinella March 2011