Emergency First Aid Actions for Common Injuries

Knocked Out Adult Tooth

Action:

• Push the tooth back into the socket.
• Ask the casualty to hold the tooth firmly.
• Send the casualty to the hospital or a dentist immediately.

Knee Injury

Symptoms: Pain on attempting to move the knee, swelling at the knee joint.

Action:

1. Place soft padding, such as pillows, under the knee.
2. Wrap soft padding around the joint to protect the knee.
3. Call for medical assistance.

Lower Jaw Injury

Symptoms: Difficulty speaking, swallowing, and moving the jaw.

Action:

1. Protect the airway.
2. Send the casualty to the hospital.

Lower Leg Injury

Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, and deformity of the leg.

Action:

1. Immobilize the leg.
2. Call for medical assistance.
3. Support the injured leg by splinting it to the other leg.
4. Secure the legs with broad-fold bandages.

Marine Puncture Wound

Purpose: To relieve pain and discomfort.

Action:

1. Immerse the wound in hot water for 30 minutes.
2. Send the casualty to the hospital.

Migraine Management

Action:

1. Help the casualty to take any prescribed medication.
2. Encourage them to sleep for a few hours in a quiet, dark room.
3. Seek medical advice.

Nosebleed Treatment

Purpose: To keep the airway open and control bleeding.

Action:

1. Tilt the head forward to allow the blood to drain from the nostrils.
2. Give the casualty a clean cloth or tissue to mop up any dribbling.
3. Apply pressure in periods of 10 minutes.

Penetrating Chest Wound

Symptoms: Difficult and painful breathing (possibly rapid, shallow, and uneven) and features of hypoxia.

Purpose: To seal the wound, maintain breathing, and minimize shock.

Action:

1. Encourage the casualty to lean towards the injured side and cover the wound with the palm of their hand.
2. Place a sterile dressing over the wound and surrounding area, then cover with plastic.
3. Call for medical assistance.
4. Monitor the casualty.

Rib Injury

Symptoms: Pain in the chest wall.

Action:

1. Support the arm on the injured side in a sling.
2. Send the casualty to the hospital to support the chest wall.

Strains and Sprains

Purpose: To reduce swelling and pain.

Action:

1. Support the injured part.
2. Cool the area.
3. Secure it with a support bandage that extends to the next joint.
4. Check the circulation every 10 minutes.
5. Send the casualty to the hospital.

Sunburn Relief

Purpose: To relieve discomfort.

Action:

1. Cover the skin and move out of the sun.
2. Apply cold water for 10 minutes.
3. Apply aftersun lotion.

Splinter Removal

Purpose: To reduce the risk of infection.

Action:

1. Clean the area.
2. Remove the splinter.
3. Clean and dry the wound, then cover it.

Snake Bite Emergency

Action:

1. Call for medical assistance.
2. Apply a pressure bandage.
3. Mark the bite site and immobilize the limb.
4. Monitor the casualty.

Sea Creature Stings

Purpose: To relieve pain and discomfort.

Action:

1. Immerse in hot water for 10 minutes.
2. Wash the area with cold water.
3. Monitor the casualty.

Sore Throat Care

Purpose: To relieve the pain and obtain medical advice.

Action:

1. Give plenty of fluids.
2. Administer paracetamol or aspirin.

Tick Bite Treatment

Action:

1. Remove the tick.
2. Save the tick for identification.
3. The casualty should seek medical advice.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Symptoms: Nausea, stomach pains, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Action:

1. Reassure the casualty.
2. Restore lost fluids and salts.

Water Incidents

Action:

1. Get the casualty onto dry land with the minimum danger to yourself.
2. If you are a trained lifesaver, wade or swim; if not, call for help.
3. Treat the casualty for drowning and cold, and replace any wet clothing.

Palm Wounds

Action:

1. Press a sterile dressing onto the wound.
2. Support the hand and apply a bandage.
3. Place the arm in an elevation sling.
4. Send the casualty to the hospital.

Joint Crease Wounds

Purpose: To control bleeding, manage the effects of shock, and minimize the risk of infection.

Action: Control bleeding and send the casualty to the hospital.