Every year many accidents occur, but with some care, they can be avoided. Below is a list of treatment for accidents which can sometimes happen. Read each carefully so that you will be able to give vital first aid if needed. REMEMBER to always seek help from an adult immediately.

1 BURNS AND SCALDS

Burns and scalds are caused by fire, contact with hot objects, exposure to the sun's rays, hot water and steam - with care these can always be avoided.
Wash with cold water for up to ten minutes until the area has returned to normal body temperature and apply a sterile dressing.
Seek medical attention immediately.
Do not apply any lotions, ointments or oily dressings.

2 BLEEDING - ACT QUICKLY!

Press edges of wond together.
Firmly apply a dressing and thick pad over wound.
Elevate the bleeding area.
Seek medical aid.

3 NOSE BLEEDS

Do not blow the nose.
Breathe through the mouth.
Pinch the nose between the fingers and tilt head back for ten minutes.
Sit up with head slightly forward.
Place cold wet towels on neck and forehead.

4 BEE STINGS

Remove the sting by scraping sideways with fingernails.
Apply a cold compress.

5 ANIMAL BITES

Clean thoroughly and apply a sterile bandage.
Seek medical advice.

6 FAINTING

Loosen patient's clothing and allow plenty of fresh air.
Lie the person down with the legs raised and the head and body flat.

7 SNAKE BITES
Keep the casualty calm and resting.
Apply a firm bandage around the limb, beginning at the bitten area. Bandage to the toes or fingers, then as for up the leg or arm as possible.
Apply a splint, using a piece of timber or any rigid object.
Leave bandages and splint on limb until medical care is reached.
Seek medical aid.
Don't CUT or WASH the bitten area as the snake may be identified from remaining venom.

8 ELECTRIC SHOCK

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (cpr) is the best emergency first-aid treatment for victims of electrical shock. It is a highly effective technique when applied by a well-trained person and can, in many cases, provide adequate short-term life support until more sophisticated treatment is available.

CPR involves clearing the air passages to the lungs and carrying out external heart massage by the exertion of pressure on the chest.
CPR procedures should be performed only on unconscious individuals who are not breathing and only by those who have training in CPR methods.
The first step in CPR is to open the airway by placing the individual on his back on a rigid surface, clearing foreign matter from the mouth or airway, and tilting the head back so that the chin is elevated.
The second step involves mouth-to-mouth resuscitation--clamping the victim's nostrils, making an airtight seal over his mouth and breathing into it about 12 times per minute, allowing for natural exhalation.
The third step is to check one of the carotid arteries (large blood vessels located on either side of the voice box) for a pulse.
Absence of a pulse requires artificial circulation of the blood by means of external chest compressions (at the rate of about 80 per minute for adults).
The recommended ratio of chest compressions to breaths administered is 15:2. CPR should continue uninterrupted until normal breathing and circulation are restored or until advanced professional medical assistance can be obtained.
The procedure is modified somewhat for infants and children and under special circumstances (such as additional injury).

LEARN FIRST AID

This guide is not a substitute for attending a first aid course.

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