Category: First Aid

First Aid Blisters

First aid : Blisters

Blisters are fluid-filled bumps that look like bubbles on the skin. You may develop a blister on your foot when you wear new shoes that rub against your skin or on your hand when you work in the garden without wearing gloves. Home treatment is often all that is needed for this type of blister.                                                                                

Other types of injuries to the skin that may cause a blister include:

  • Burns from exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation from the sun, or friction.
  • Cold injuries from being exposed to cold or freezing temperatures.
  • Some spider bites, such as a bite from a brown recluse spider. Symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite include reddened skin followed by a blister that forms at the bite site, pain and itching, and an open sore with a breakdown of tissue (necrosis) that develops within a few hours to 3 to 4 days following the bite. This sore may take months to heal.
  • Pinching the skin forcefully, like when a finger gets caught in a drawer. A blood blister may form if tiny blood vessels are damaged.

Infection can cause either a single blister or clusters of blisters.

  • Chickenpox  (varicella) is a common contagious illness that is caused by a type of herpes virus. Chickenpox blisters begin as red bumps that turn into blisters and then scab over. It is most contagious from 2 to 3 days before a rash develops until all the blisters have crusted over.
  • Shingles  , often seen in older adults, is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles blisters look like chickenpox, but they usually develop in a band on one side of the body.
  • Hand-foot-and-mouth disease, another type of viral infection, most often occurs in young children. Symptoms include a rash of small sores or blisters that usually appear on the hands and feet and in the mouth.
  • Cold sores  , sometimes called fever blisters, are clusters of small blisters on the lip and outer edge of the mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sore-type blisters that develop in the genital area may be caused by a genital herpes infection.
  • Impetigo  is a bacterial skin infection. Its blisters, which often occur on the face, burst and become crusty (honey-colored crusts).
  • Infected hair follicles (folliculitis) cause red, tender areas that turn into blisters at or near the base of strands of hair.
  • A scabies infection, which occurs when mites burrow into the skin, may cause tiny, itchy blisters that often occur in a thin line or curved track.
  • Bedbugs  can cause tiny, itchy blisters anywhere on the body.
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Blisters – Home Treatment

Most blisters heal on their own. Home treatment may help decrease pain, prevent infection, and help heal large or broken blisters.

  • A small, unbroken blister about the size of a pea, even a blood blister, will usually heal on its own. Use a loose bandage to protect it. Avoid the activity that caused the blister.
  • If a small blister is on a weight-bearing area like the bottom of the foot, protect it with a doughnut-shaped moleskin pad. Leave the area over the blister open.
  • If a blister is large and painful, it may be best to drain it. Here is a safe method:
    • Wipe a needle or straight pin with rubbing alcohol.
    • Gently puncture the edge of the blister.
    • Press the fluid in the blister toward the hole so it can drain out.

Do not drain a blister of any size if:

  • You have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, because of the risk of infection.
  • You think your blister is from a contagious disease, such as chickenpox, because the virus can be spread to another person.

If a blister has torn open, or after you have drained a blister:

  • Wash the area with soap and water. Do not use alcohol, iodine, or any other cleanser.
  • Don’t remove the flap of skin over a blister unless it’s very dirty or torn or there is pus under it. Gently smooth the flap over the tender skin.
  • Apply an antibiotic ointment and a clean bandage. If the skin under the bandage begins to itch or a rash develops, stop using the ointment. The ointment may be causing a skin reaction.
  • Change the bandage once a day or anytime it gets wet or dirty. Remove it at night to let the area dry.

Watch for a skin infection while your blister is healing. Signs of infection include:

  • Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the blister.
  • Red streaks extending away from the blister.
  • Drainage of pus from the blister.
  • Fever.

Blisters – Prevention

Some of the most common types of blisters can be prevented.

  • To prevent blisters caused by rubbing (friction blisters):
  • Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or that rub your feet. Roomy footwear has a wide toe box with more room for your toes and the ball of your foot. You should be able to wiggle your toes in your shoes. Foot size may vary half a size from the morning to the evening or after a day at work, so purchase shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands when you are doing heavy chores or yard work.
  • Avoid contact with any plants or other substances that are known to cause blistery rashes.
  • Avoid contact with people who have infections that are known to cause blisters, such as:
  • Viral illnesses, including chickenpox, shingles, genital herpes infection, and cold sores.
  • Bacterial skin infection (impetigo).
  • Scabies mite infection.

First aid video for foot blisters

First aid video for treat the blisters

 

First Aid Bleeding

First aid – Bleeding

Overview:

Bleeding is the loss of blood from the circulatory system. Causes can range from small cuts and abrasions to deep cuts and amputations. Injuries to the body can also result in internal bleeding, which can range from minor (seen as superficial bruising) to massive bleeds.

First aid for severe external or internal bleeding is critical in order to limit the loss of blood until emergency medical aid arrives. First aid actions to manage external bleeding include applying direct pressure to the wound, maintaining the pressure using pads and bandages, and, raising the injured limb above the level of the heart if possible.

However, bleeding may be severe and life threatening if a large vein or artery has been injured – e.g. the jugular vein in the neck.

Some wounds are associated with other injuries beneath the skin – e.g. an organ injured by a stabbing; broken bones which have pierced the skin.

Symptoms and signs – Not all may be present

  • a wound with, or without, an embedded foreign object
  • pain from skin surface wounds
  • bruising or discoloration of the skin 
  • loss of normal function in the injured area
  • pale, cold, sweaty skin

External bleeding:

Apply direct pressure to the bleeding wound

  • Apply firm pressure over the wound. Use a sterile or clean bulky pad and apply it firmly with hand pressure. Apply a bandage to keep the dressing in place.
  • If bleeding is severe, DO NOT waste time looking for suitable padding, but be prepared to use the patient’s hand or your hand to hold the wound together if the patient is unable to do this unaided.

Raise the injured area

  • If the wound is on a limb, raise it in a supported position to reduce blood flow to the injured area.
  • If an arm is injured, you could apply an arm sling or elevation sling.

Try to avoid any direct contact with the patient’s blood or other body fluids. Use disposable gloves if possible. If gloves are not available, place your hands inside a plastic bag.

  • If there has been any contact with blood or any other body fluids, wash your hands or any blood splashed on the skin thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after the incident.
  • If you are concerned about a possible risk of infection, obtain advice from your doctor as soon as possible.

EXTERNAL BLEEDING

Definition:

This is where the blood vessels and the skin are cut and blood is escaping the body.

Causes:

Damage to the skin caused by trauma. Can be a laceration (clean cut), abrasion, or convulsion (with skin still hanging).

Helping:

  • If it’s a minor bleed allow some bleeding to take place as this will help clean the wound. Then wash with warm water and soap, apply a dressing to keep it clean, change the dressing every few hours, and monitor for signs of infection.
  • If the bleeding is severe than apply the RED principle:
      1. Rest: make sure the person is resting so as to decrease the heart rate and blood pressure.
      2. Elevate: raise the injured limb above the heart to slow down the bleeding.
      3. Direct Pressure: put pressure directly over the wound to help control bleeding, tie the dressing in place. But, do not make the dressing too tight so as to restrict blood flow. Do not remove the dressing. Get medical help.
  • Notes: If there is an impaled object do not remove it as this can cause more bleeding. Instead, apply a dressing around the object then tie it in place to control bleeding. Take extra care not to move the object.

An infection has occurred if over the next few hours the wound becomes red, swollen, and fluid is produced. The infection needs to be taken care of before it becomes worse. If it has progressed to the point where the area around the wound is turning dark red or blue, or the blood vessels are changing color, medical help is needed immediately. This is now a life threatening emergency.

Different types of wounds

Rough Laceration           Smooth laceration             Abrasion

Bandaging:

Bandaging is something you would do to control severe bleeding. Ideally you want to use sterile dressings but they may not be readily available so use whatever you have (e.g. towels, clothing). The idea is to put constant pressure over the cut to control bleeding. You want to tie with enough pressure to control the bleeding but not so much so that blood does not get through to the remainder of the limb. If you restrict blood flow that area may die and may require amputation, so be very careful. Once you’ve tied the dressing you need to check to make sure you did not make it too tight, and check this every couple of minutes.

For example, if you’ve bandaged a forearm here’s how you check for circulation:

  • Compare both hands to make sure they are similar in temperature and color.
  • Check the hand to make sure it is not swelling or turning blue.
  • Ask the person if the hand feels numb or tingly.
  • If they lose sensation then it’s too tight. Do not remove the bandage but loosen it a bit.
  • If the first dressing becomes soaked with blood then simply put another one on top. Do not remove the original one as you will be reopening the wound.

Notes:

  • Always use caution when dealing with bodily fluids. Wear gloves and wash your hands immediately after.
  • Keep in mind that the injured person may go into shock.

                                 

Severe Bleeding:

When bleeding is severe, it can be dramatic and distressing. If someone’s bleeding isn’t controlled quickly, they may develop shock and lose consciousness. Shock does not mean emotional shock, but is a life-threatening condition, often caused by loss of blood.

If someone’s bleeding from their mouth or nose, they may find it hard to breathe, so you should keep a close eye on them in case they become unconscious.

If there’s an object in their wound, don’t press directly onto it, as it will hurt, but leave it in there and bandage around it.

With all open wounds, there’s a risk of infection, so wash your hands and use gloves (if you have any) to help prevent any infection passing between you both.

For severe bleeding, take these actions immediately:

  1. Remove any obvious dirt or debris from the wound. Don’t remove large or deeply embedded objects. Don’t probe the wound or attempt to clean it yet. Your first job is to stop the bleeding. Wear disposable protective gloves if available.
  2. Stop the bleeding. Place a sterile bandage or clean cloth on the wound. Press the bandage firmly with your palm to control bleeding. Maintain pressure by binding the wound tightly with a bandage or a piece of clean cloth. Secure with adhesive tape. Use your hands if nothing else is available.Raise the injured part above the level of the heart.

    Special cases:

    • Don’t put direct pressure on an eye injury or embedded object.
    • Don’t re position or put pressure on displaced organs. Cover the wound with a clean dressing.
  3. Help the injured person lie down, preferably on a rug or blanket to prevent loss of body heat. If possible, elevate the legs.
  4. Don’t remove the gauze or bandage. If the bleeding seeps through the gauze or other cloth on the wound, add another bandage on top of it. And keep pressing firmly on the area.Tourniquets: A tourniquet is effective in controlling life-threatening bleeding from a limb. Apply a tourniquet if you’re trained in how to do so. When emergency help arrives, explain how long the tourniquet has been in place.
  5. Immobilize the injured body part once the bleeding has stopped. Leave the bandages in place and get the injured person to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Amputation (e.g. a finger):

Treat the injured body part as you would any other cut. Then take the amputated body part and place it in a clean plastic bag. Take that first bag and place it in a second plastic bag containing ice. Make sure it goes to the hospital with the person, as they can sometimes reattach the body part.

NOSE BLEEDS:

Have the person rest, have them pinch their nose just below the bone, and lean slightly forward. If the bleeding is severe, if it does not stop in about 10-15 minutes, or if there was an injury to the head or face, medical attention is needed. Do not have the person lean their head back, as all this does is have them swallow their blood, which is not desired.

SLING:

A sling is something you use to keep the hand/arm elevated above the heart and to make it more secure and comfortable for the injured person. It should only be used if it does not cause more pain or discomfort.

INTERNAL BLEEDING

Definition:

This is where the blood vessels are broken but the skin is not, so the person is bleeding under the skin. Injured organs will result in internal bleeding.

Causes:

Usually physical trauma, being hit, falling. Very common in car accidents.

Warning signs:

  •  Bruising, pain, tenderness, mechanism of the injury (what happened).
  •  There may be blood in their spit, vomit, or urine.

Symptoms of concealed internal bleeding:

The signs and symptoms that suggest concealed internal bleeding depend on where the bleeding is inside the body, but may include:

  • pain at the injured site
  • swollen, tight abdomen
  • nausea and vomiting
  • pale, clammy, sweaty skin
  • breathlessness
  • extreme thirst
  • unconsciousness.

Some signs and symptoms specific to concussion (caused by trauma to the head) include:

  • headache or dizziness
  • loss of memory, particularly of the event
  • confusion
  • altered state of consciousness
  • wounds on the head (face and scalp)
  • nausea and vomiting.

Internal bleeding – visible:

The most common type of visible internal bleed is a bruise, when blood from damaged blood vessels leaks into the surrounding skin. Some types of internal injury can cause visible bleeding from an orifice (body opening). For example:

  • bowel injury – bleeding from the anus
  • head injury – bleeding from the ears or nose
  • lung injury – coughing up frothy, bloodied sputum (spit)
  • urinary tract injury – blood in the urine.

Internal bleeding – not visible:

It is important to remember that an injured person may be bleeding internally even if you can’t see any blood. An internal injury can sometimes cause bleeding that remains contained within the body; for example, within the skull or abdominal cavity.

Listen carefully to what the person tells you about their injury – where they felt the impact, for example. They may display the signs and symptoms of shock. In the case of a head injury, they may display the signs and symptoms of concussion. Therefore, it is important to ask the right questions to collect the relevant information.

Helping:

If it’s a minor bruise on the arm or leg then rest the injured part, apply an ice pack for a few minutes, and watch for signs that it is not healing. If it’s severe internal bleeding in the core of the body then active the ambulance, make sure the person is resting, treat for shock, apply an ice pack, but do NOT put pressure over the wound.

Internal bleeding is a medical emergency:

First aid cannot manage or treat any kind of internal bleeding. Prompt medical help is vital. Suggestions include:

  • Check for danger before approaching the person.
  • If possible, send someone else to call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
  • Check that the person is conscious.
  • Lie the person down.
  • Cover them with a blanket or something to keep them warm.
  • If possible, raise the person’s legs above the level of their heart.
  • Don’t give the person anything to eat or drink.
  • Offer reassurance. Manage any other injuries, if possible.
  • If the person becomes unconscious, place them on their side. Check breathing frequently. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.

Notes:

  • Internal bleeding is not always obvious, but can be life threatening.
  • Infection can occur with any wound whether internal or external. If you suspect an         infection then seek medical help immediately, as it can become life threatening. Watch out for warning signs such as; the wound is not healing or is getting bigger, discoloration, fluid discharge, and increased pain.

First video for bleeding

First aid video for nose bleeding

First aid for cleaning wounds

First aid for Cuts, Scrapes and Lacerations

First Aid Anaphylactic Shock

First aid : Anaphylactic shock

Food Allergy Overview

A food allergy is an immune-mediated adverse reaction to a particular food. For someone with a food allergy, eating or swallowing even a tiny amount of a particular food can cause symptoms such as skin rash, nausea, vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea. Because the body is reacting to something that is otherwise harmless, this type of allergic reaction is often called a hypersensitivity reaction. Rarely, a severe allergic reaction can cause a life-threatening set of symptoms called anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock.

Although a large percentage of people believe they have a food allergy, few adults and children, mainly younger than 6 years, have true food allergies. The rest have what is known as food intolerance, an undesirable reaction to a food that does not involve the immune system.

It is easy to confuse food intolerance with food allergy because they can have similar symptoms. With food intolerance, however, a person usually gets only mild symptoms such as an upset stomach.

  • A common example of food intolerance is lactose intolerance, a condition in which a person is missing a certain enzyme necessary to digest dairy proteins. The result is loose stools, gas, and nausea after consuming dairy products such as milk or cheese.
  • Another example of food intolerance is reaction to MSG. MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a white-colored additive used to enhance the flavor of food. It is a fermented mixture of glutamic acid, sodium, and water and is used mainly in Asian cooking. Over the last decades, side effects from MSG have been related to its use in Chinese food and referred to as the Chinese restaurant syndrome. In this syndrome, MSG was suggested as the cause of the symptoms following a Chinese meal. In 1995, a new term was coined, the MSG symptom complex, to include all the reactions that were reported to be related to MSG. These reactions are not a true food allergy, and the exact cause of the reactions is unknown.

Food Allergy Causes

An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an allergen, in this case a food protein.

  • The white blood cells produce an antibody to this allergen, called immunoglobulin E or IgE.
    • When this antibody comes in contact with the particular food protein, it promotes production and release of certain chemicals called “mediators.” Histamine is an example of a mediator.
    • These mediators act on various parts of the body, mainly the skin, throat, airways, intestines, and heart.
    • The effects of the mediators on organs and other cells cause the symptoms of the allergic reaction.

Any food has the potential to trigger an allergic reaction, but a few foods account for most food allergies. In fact, most food allergies are triggered by one of these eight foods:

  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Wheat
  • Soy
  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts
  • Fish
  • Shellfish

Generally, people who have allergies react to only a few foods. Occasionally, a person who is allergic to one food also may be allergic to other related foods. This is called cross-reaction. Common examples:

  • Allergy to peanuts — Cross-allergies to soybeans, green beans, and peas
  • Allergy to wheat — Cross-allergy to rye
  • Allergy to cow’s milk — Cross-allergy to goat’s milk
  • Allergy to pollen — Cross-allergies to foods such as hazelnuts, green apples, peaches, and almonds

Food Allergy Symptoms

A person with a food allergy can have symptoms beginning as soon as 2 minutes after eating the food, but reactions may take 1 to 2 hours to appear. Occasionally, symptoms abate quickly, only to recur in 3 to 4 hours.

The most common symptoms include the following:

  • Itching of the skin followed by hives, a rash of raised, reddish bumps or wheals
  • Swelling of the lips and mouth
  • Belly cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Other symptoms may include the following:

  • Itching and watering in the eyes
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Symptoms of a more severe reaction could include the following:
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Tightness in the chest
    • Feeling of tightness or choking in the throat
    • Rapid or irregular heart beat
    • Feeling dizzy or light-headed
    • Losing consciousness
  • A severe allergic reaction can be life threatening. This severe reaction is referred to as anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock.
  • The dizziness, lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness are due to dangerously low blood pressure, called “shock.”
  • An anaphylactic reaction can begin suddenly, or it may develop gradually with itchiness and swelling of the skin and throat and then progress to a severe reaction over a few hours.
  • Most people get such a reaction immediately after eating the food, but in a few unusual cases the reaction occurs only after exercising following the ingestion of the food.
  • Severe reactions are most often seen with allergies to nuts, fish, and shellfish, although allergy to any food can cause anaphylaxis.
  • People with asthma, childhood allergies, eczema, or prior severe food allergies are especially at risk for having an anaphylactic reaction.

When to Seek Medical Care

If a person experiences symptoms of food allergy, call a health care professional right away for advice.

  • He or she may recommend that you go to a hospital emergency department.
  • If the person is unable to reach a health care professional and is concerned about their symptoms, they should go to the emergency department.
  • Severe reactions, including symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness or lightheadedness, or tightness or choking in the throat, require treatment in an emergency department.
  • Even mild symptoms that are not improving or are getting worse require evaluation in an emergency department.

Food Allergy Treatment

After getting advice from the health care professional, some mild allergic reactions may be treated at home. Any worsening of symptoms requires medical attention.

Food Allergy Self-Care at Home

For localized hives or other mild skin reactions:

  • Take cool showers or apply cool compresses.
  • Wear light clothing that doesn’t irritate the skin.
  • Take it easy. Keep activity level low.

First Aid Animal Bites

First aid – Animal bites

Overview:

Many different types of animals ranging from dogs, cats, hamsters, raccoon, ferrets, and squirrels can bite adults and children. Many times, bites are from the family pet.

Definition:

An animal bite can result in a break or tear in the skin, a bruise, or a puncture wound. Animal bites and scratches that break the skin can sometimes cause infection. Some bites need to be closed with stitches while others heal on their own.

Animal Bite Causes:

Animal bites usually are either provoked or unprovoked. A provoked bite would occur if a person teases a dog or tries to take away the dog’s food while the dog is eating. An unprovoked bite may occur if the person are sitting in their backyard and a raccoon runs out of the woods and attacks them for no known reason. A stray dog that approaches a person and begins to bite them would be considered unprovoked. This type of information is very important to health care professional taking care of the bite beside in certain animal species “unprovoked” bites can be a sign or indicator that the animal has rabies and needs to be either captured, quarantined or very closely.

Pets are the most common cause of bites.

  • Dog bites are most common.
  • Cat bites are less common, but have a higher risk of infection. Cat teeth are longer and sharper, which can cause deeper puncture wounds.
  • Stray animals and wild animals, such as skunks, raccoon’s, and bats, also bite thousands of people each year.

Dog bites occur more than any other animal bite and are most frequent in the summer months. The dog is usually known to the person, and most injuries result from the dog being teased or bothered while eating or sleeping. Boys are bitten about twice as often as girls. The arms, head, and neck are the most likely areas to be bitten in children.

Cat bites usually cause deeper puncture wounds than dog bites and have a high risk of bacterial infection because they can be hard to clean adequately.

If you are bitten by a wild animal or an unknown pet, try to keep it in view while you notify animal control authorities for help in capturing it. They will determine if the animal needs to be impounded and checked for rabies. Any animal whose rabies vaccination status is unknown should be captured and quarantined.

Animal Bite Symptoms:

Although most bites need to be checked by a doctor, if the person who was bitten does not seek immediate attention after the bite has occurred, watch closely for signs and symptoms of infection. These symptoms may signal there is infection or debris still in the wound.

  • Redness at or around the bite site.
  • Swelling.
  • Pus (thick) drainage from the wound.
  • Increasing pain.
  • Localized warmth at the bite site.
  • Red streaks leading away from the site of the bite.
  • Fever.

Minor wounds:

If the bite barely breaks the skin and there’s no danger of rabies, treat it as a minor wound. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic cream to prevent infection and cover the bite with a clean bandage.

First Aid:

  1. Calm and reassure the person. Wear latex gloves or wash your hands thoroughly before attending to the wound. Wash hands afterwards, too.
  2. If the bite is not bleeding severely, wash the wound thoroughly with mild soap and running water for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, cover the bite with antibiotic ointment and a clean dressing.
  3. If the bite is actively bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding stops. Raise the area of the bite.
  4. If the bite is on the hand or fingers, call the doctor right away.
  5. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, watch the area of the bite for signs of infection (increasing skin redness, swelling, and pain).
  6. If the bite becomes infected, call the doctor or take the person to an emergency medical center.

Do Not

  • Do NOT go near an animal that may have rabies or is acting strangely or aggressively
  • Do NOT try to catch it yourself.

If an animal’s behavior is strange, it may be rabid. Notify the proper authorities. The police can always direct you to the proper animal control authorities. Tell them what the animal looks like and where it is so they can capture it.

Procedure, part 1:

To treat a minor bite, first wash your hands thoroughly with soap to avoid infection. Wash hands afterwards as well. If the bite is not bleeding severely, wash the wound thoroughly with mild soap and running water for 3 to 5 minutes. Then cover the bite with antibiotic ointment and a clean dressing.

Procedure, part 2:

If the bite is actively bleeding,apply direct pressure with a clean,dry cloth until the bleeding subsides. Elevate the area of the bite. If the bite is on the hand or fingers, call the doctor right away. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, observe the bite for signs of infection (increasing skin redness, swelling, and pain). If the bite becomes infected, call the doctor or take the person to an emergency facility.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

Call emergency if the person has been seriously wounded — for example, if the person is bleeding significantly and it will not stop with simple first aid measures.

Call your doctor or go to a hospital emergency room if:

  • The person was bitten by an unknown or wild animal.
  • The person has not had a tetanus shot within the past 5 years. (If a person has not had a tetanus shot in 5 years, a tetanus shot is recommended within 24 hours of any skin break.)
  • There is swelling, redness, pus draining from the wound, or pain.
  • The bite is on the face, neck, or hands.
  • The bite is deep or large.
  • You aren’t sure if the wound needs stitches.

Report the bite to the local animal control authorities, even if you don’t seek professional medical care. This will allow authorities to test the animal and prevent further incidents.

Which dressing to use:

  • For large wounds, use a pre-packed sterile wound dressing with a bandage attached, if you have one
  • Otherwise, use a sterile pad and secure it with sticky tape. You could also use any clean, non-fluffy material, like a cloth scarf
  • For small cuts or grazes you can use a plaster (adhesive dressing).

Deep wounds and infection:

If the animal bite creates a deep puncture of the skin or the skin is badly torn and bleeding, apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth to stop the bleeding and see your doctor.

If you notice signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, increased pain or oozing, see your doctor immediately.

When to Seek Medical Care:

Most animal bites should be evaluated in a doctor’s office, at a walk-in clinic, or in a hospital’s emergency department for these reasons:

  • The risk of infection.
  • Broken or embedded teeth (cats) or other foreign material in the wound (which will cause an infection).
  • Possible underlying nerve and blood vessel damage.
  • Risk of tetanus if the person’s immunizations are not up to date.
  • The consideration of risk of rabies, depending on the animal and circumstances of the bite

These types of bites pose the highest risk of infection and therefore require prompt evaluation:

  • Dog bites because of the crushing mechanism of the bite.
  • Cat bites because of the puncture mechanism of the bite.
  • Wild animal bites (from raccoon, for example) and dog or cat bites (pets may have themselves been bitten by stray animals) because of the risk of contracting rabies.

Certain bite wounds require immediate attention:

  • Bite caused by a wild animal or a stray dog or cat.
  • Possibility of teeth, dirt, or other matter in the wound.
  • Excessive bleeding.
  • Weakness or numbness of the area or another area away from the bite.
  • Any other symptoms or concern that the person bitten may have regarding a bite wound.

Animal Bite Prevention

With common sense, a person can lower the risk of being bitten by an animal:

  • Avoid contact and interaction with unknown animals. Even animals that appear friendly can bite if provoked.
  • Do not feed or try to catch or play with wild animals such as squirrels, raccoon’s, or rats.
  • Do not disturb an animal while it is feeding or taking care of its young.
  • Use great care when “aggressively” playing with an animal. Even the family dog can bite its owner by accident.
  • Do not stick your fingers into animals’ cages (for example, at the pet store, zoo, or dog show).
  • Never leave a young child alone with a pet. They often don’t know how to be gentle with the pet, which can cause the pet to get irritated and bite.
  • Do not try to separate fighting animals. You may get bit in the process.
  • Avoid sick animals and/or animals that you don’t know whether or not they are vaccinated.
  • Leave animals alone while they are eating. Animals are often very protective of their food.

Animal Bites Follow-up

When the patient is discharged from the emergency department or leaves the doctor’s office, they should receive instructions on how to care for the bite wound.

Most doctors will recommend a reevaluation of bites in 48 hours to look for infection.

If the wound was sutured (stitches), the doctor will tell the patient when the stitches will need to be removed.

  • Typically stitches in the face are removed in 3 to 5 days.
  • Stitches over major joints stay in 10 to 14 days.
  • Stitches in other areas are removed in 7 to 10 days.

Things to remember:

  • If possible, always use disposable gloves to protect yourself and the person you’re trying to help
  • The pad needs to cover the skin at least a few centimetres around the wound
  • Never touch the part of the dressing that will be in contact with the wound
  • If blood seeps through the first bandage, don’t remove it – instead, place another dressing over the top
  • If blood seeps through the second dressing, take off both dressings and apply a fresh dressing – make sure you put firm pressure on the wound to help stop the bleeding.

Safety Tips- Treat cat or dog bite

How to treat a cat or dog bite

First Aid Allergies

First aid – Allergies:

Definition:

An allergy occurs when the body overreacts to an allergen or ‘trigger’ that is typically harmless to most people. Examples of allergies include hay fever, asthma, eczema, hives and food allergy. Estimates suggest that about one person in four is allergic to something and roughly half of all allergy sufferers are children.

The symptoms of an allergy range from mild to severe. The most severe type of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, which may cause death without prompt medical attention. In most cases, effective treatments are available to manage or treat allergy symptoms.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction and potentially life threatening. It should always be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment. Most cases of anaphylaxis occur after a person with a severe allergy is exposed to the allergen they are allergic to (usually a food, insect or medication).

Common allergens

A substance in the environment that can cause an allergic reaction in susceptible people is called an ‘allergen’. There are many different allergens, but they all share one thing in common – protein. Some allergens don’t contain protein to begin with, but bind with protein once inside the body to provoke the allergic reaction.

Common allergens include:

  • Food – such as crustaceans, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, tree nuts (for example, almonds, cashews, pecans and walnuts), sesame and soy products.
  • Plants – pollen from grasses and plants.
  • Medicines ­­ from some prescription drugs (such as penicillin), over-the-counter medicines (such as aspirin) and herbal preparations.
  • Insects – such as dust mites and the venom from bees, ticks and wasps.
  • Moulds – such as mushroom and mould spores.
  • Animal dander – such as the fur and skin flakes from domestic pets like cats and dogs.
  • Chemicals – including industrial and household chemicals and chemical products such as latex rubber.

Some people have allergy-like reactions to hot or cold temperatures, sunlight, or other environmental triggers. Sometimes, friction (rubbing or roughly stroking the skin) will cause symptoms.

Allergies may make certain medical conditions, such as sinus problems,

  • eczema
  • asthma

Symptoms depend on the allergy, but may include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery and itchy eyes
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Breathing problems
  • Headache
  • Skin rash
  • Stomach pains
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea.

Causes:

Allergies are very common.Both genes & environment play a role.If both your parents have allergies, there is a good chance that you have them, too.

The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. It also reacts to foreign substances called allergens. These are usually harmless and in most people do not cause a problem.

In a person with allergies, the immune response is oversensitive. When it recognizes an allergen, the immune system launches a response. Chemicals such as histamines are released. These chemicals cause allergy symptoms.

Exams and Tests:

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions, such as when the allergy occurs.

Allergy testing may be needed to find out whether the symptoms are an actual allergy or are caused by other problems. For example, eating contaminated food (food poisoning) may cause symptoms similar to food allergies. Some medications (such as aspirin and ampicillin) can produce non-allergic reactions, including rashes. A runny nose or cough may actually be due to an infection.

Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing. One type of skin testing is the prick test. It involves placing a small amount of the suspected allergy-causing substances on the skin, and then slightly pricking the area so the substance moves under the skin. The skin is closely watched for signs of a reaction, which include swelling and redness. Other types of skin tests include patch testing and intradermal testing. Skin testing may be an option for some young children and infants.

Blood tests that may be done include:

  • Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which measures levels of allergy-related substances
  • Complete blood count
  • eosinophil white blood cell count

(CBC) called the

In some cases, the doctor may tell you to avoid certain items to see if you get better, or to use suspected items to see if you feel worse. This is called “use or elimination testing. ” This is often used to check for food or medication allergies.

The doctor may also check your reaction to physical triggers by applying heat, cold, or other stimulation to your body and watching for an allergic response.

Sometimes, a suspected allergen is dissolved and dropped into the lower eyelid to check for an allergic reaction. This should only be done by a health care provider.

Treatment:

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) need to be treated with a medicine called epinephrine. It can be life-saving when given right away. If you use epinephrine, call emergency and go straight to the hospital.

The best way to reduce symptoms is to avoid what causes your allergies.This is especially important for food and drug allergies.

There are several types of medications to prevent and treat allergies. Which medicine your doctor recommends depends on the type and severity of your symptoms, your age, and overall health.

Illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as asthma, hay fever, and eczema) may need other treatments.

MILD TO MODERATE ALLERGIC REACTION:

In some cases, anaphylaxis is preceded by signs of a mild to moderate allergic reaction:

  • Swelling of face, lips and eyes
  • Hives or welts on the skin
  • Tingling mouth
  • Stomach pain, vomiting (these are signs of a mild to moderate allergic reaction to most allergens, however, in insect allergy these are signs of anaphylaxis).

ACTION:

  • For insect allergy, flick out the sting if it can be seen (but do not remove ticks)
  • Stay with person and call for help
  • Give medications if prescribed (whilst antihistamines may be used to treat mild to moderate allergic reactions, if these progress to anaphylaxis then adrenaline is the only suitable medication)
  • Locate adrenaline autoinjector if available (instructions are included in the Action Plan for Anaphylaxis which should be stored with the adrenaline auto injector)
  • Contact parent/guardian or other emergency contact.

ANAPHYLAXIS (SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION):

Continue to watch for any one of the following signs of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction):

  • Difficult/noisy breathing
  • Swelling of tongue
  • Swelling/tightness in throat
  • Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice
  • Wheeze or persistent cough
  • Persistent dizziness or collapse
  • Pale and floppy (in young children)

ACTION:

  • Lay person flat – if breathing is difficult, allow to sit – do not allow them to stand or walk
  • Give the adrenaline autoinjector if available (instructions are included in the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis, stored with the adrenaline autoinjector)
  • Call Ambulance
  • Contact parent/guardian or other emergency contact
  • Further adrenaline doses may be given (when an additional adrenaline autoinjector is available), if there is no response after 5 minutes.
    • If in doubt, give the adrenaline autoinjector. 

Prevention:

Breastfeeding can help prevent or decrease allergies when you feed babies this way only for 4 to 6 months. However, changing a mother’s diet during pregnancy or while breastfeeding does not seem to help prevent allergies.

For most children, changing the diet or using special formulas does not seem to prevent allergies. If a parent, brother, sister, or other family member has a history of eczema and allergies, discuss feeding with your child’s doctor.

There is also evidence that being exposed to certain allergens (such as dust mites and cat dander) in the first year of life may prevent some allergies. This is called the “hygiene hypothesis.” It came from the observation that infants on farms tend to have fewer allergies than those who grow up in more sterile environments. However, older children do not seem to benefit.

Once allergies have developed, treating the allergies and carefully avoiding allergy triggers can prevent reactions in the future.

First aid for Allergic reaction

 First aid for severe Allergic reaction