First Aid Tips
Bites and Stings
- Inspect the site for marks and check for part of the stinger that may be still in the skin
- Remove the stinger
- Wash with soap and water
- Cover with a clean cloth or gauze
- Use ice to decrease the swelling and pain
- Apply a sting relief gel or spray if available
Fractures
- Cut off any clothing covering the injured part
- Compress with ice packs
- Immobilize the injured part using a board like material
- Elevate the injured part to decrease swelling and pain
- Do not move the injured person if neck, head or back injuries are suspected
- If the skin is broken or the fractured bone is visible, cover the wound with a clean cloth
Bruise
- Elevate the injured area
- Apply ice or a cold pack
- Rest the bruised area
Burns
For 1st and 2nd degree burns, cool the burn by holding the burned area under cool water for 10 or 15 minutes.
- Do not apply ice
- Cover the burn with a sterile wet dressing
- Don't use fluffy cotton, or other material that may stick to the wound
- Wrap the dressing loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin
- Take pain killers as needed
- Do not apply butter, coffee grounds or toothpaste to the burn
- Don’t break blisters
For 3rd degree burns, seek medical help immediately.
Cuts
- Apply continuous pressure on the wound with a clean gauze for about 20 minutes to stop bleeding
- Keep the injured part elevated
- Clean the wound with soap and water
- Apply an antibiotic cream
- Cover the wound with a clean gauze and secure it with an adhesive tape
- Change the dressing at least once daily and when it becomes wet or dirty
- Suturing and tetanus booster may be needed in case of deep cuts
Fainting
- Position the person on his / her back
- Lift the legs above heart level about 30 centimeters (12 inches)
- Loosen constrictive clothing
- Advise the person to get up gradually, by sitting first and taking a few deep breaths
Nosebleed
- Sit the person in an upright position with the head tilted forward
- The child should not bend back
- Pinch the soft part of the nose for at least 10 minutes
Seek help if:
- Bleeding continues after two efforts of nose pinching for 10 minutes
- Nose bleed was a result of a head injury
Sprains & Strains
- Pain, swelling and inability to move the injured part
- Rest the injured part
- Apply ice for 15 minutes every 2-4 hours
- Apply an elastic bandage to provide support
- Elevate the injured part to decrease swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain medication
Seek medical help immediately if you notice that the pain, swelling, bruising, inability to move the part, or numbness is present or have increased.