Health First aid
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What you need to know about…
first aid
The British Red Cross claims only five percent of adults have the skills to provide first aid in emergency situations. Here are the answers to some common questions about first aid
Q A
What’s the best way to treat cuts and grazes?
According to the NHS most cuts and grazes are minor and can be easily treated at home.
Stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound thoroughly and covering it with a plaster or dressing is usually all that’s needed. To stop any bleeding, apply pressure to the
affected area of skin using a clean and dry absorbent material for several minutes. Clean the wound under running tap water – avoid using antiseptic as it may damage the skin and slow healing. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel, then apply a sterile adhesive dressing, such as a plaster.
For minor injuries and first aid situations, which items should you always carry in your first aid box?
Q A
Your local Careway pharmacist can supply you with all the essential items you need to
make up a good first aid kit, including different types of bandages, sterile dressings, plasters, antiseptic wipes and cream, gloves, eye wash, surgical tape, tweezers, scissors, safety pins and over-the-counter painkillers. Your pharmacist can also give you lots of
advice about first aid and how you should use the items in your first aid kit. Also try to remember to check your first aid kit regularly for items that have expired.
Q A
How should you treat burns?
The most important thing to remember about treating burns is to cool the affected area of
skin as soon as possible. Do this by holding the burned area under cool running water for at least 10 minutes (longer is better). This may make the injured person’s body temperature drop, so try to keep the rest of them warm. When the burn has cooled, cover it loosely with
cling film or a clean plastic bag. If a large area of skin is affected or if the skin is broken or blistered, you should call 999 for an ambulance and keep the affected area under water while you wait.
32 All About health
Need more advice about first aid? Visit your local pharmacy (find your nearest Careway pharmacy by at
www.careway.co.uk/find-a- pharmacy).
Q A
What’s the best way to help someone who’s choking?
First ask the person if they can cough the obstruction up. If they can’t, bend them
forward slightly and support them with one hand. Then hit them firmly on their back between their shoulder blades with the flat of your other hand to dislodge the object that’s causing the blockage (these are called back blows). Check to see if the blockage has cleared – if it hasn’t, give up to five back blows, checking each time to see if their airway is clear. If this doesn’t help, call for an ambulance.
How do you spot the signs of a heart attack and what should you do if you suspect someone is having one?
Q A
If someone is having a heart attack they may have a persistent, vice-like chest pain that
may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. They may also find it hard to breathe, feel weak and/or lightheaded and be experiencing an overwhelming feeling of anxiety According to the British Red Cross, if you
suspect someone’s having a heart attack you should call 999 immediately or get someone else to do it. Make sure the person affected is in a comfortable position. Reassure them constantly while waiting for the ambulance.
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