(Instructions for handling emergencies)
SHOCK:
1. Lay the patient on his back.
2. Stop bleeding, if any.
3. Relieve pain by supporting injured part.
4. Keep the patient comfortable, but not hot. Do not cause sweating.
5. Fluids may be given in small amounts unless the patient is nauseated unconscious likely to be operated on, or has an abdominal wound.
6. Reassure and cheer up the patient.
WOUNDS:
1. Stop the bleeding by any one of the following methods—
(a) direct pressure;
(b) direct finger pressure into the would in cases of large bleeding wounds;
(c) tourniquet (seldom needed) – use only as a last resort.
2. Avoid touching the would with hand or unsterile material.
3. Clear the wound with running water and surrounding area with soap or spirit with clean guage washing way from the wound. Apply ready-made adhesive guage bandage or sterile guage and roller bandage as needed.
4. Keep the patient quiet; raising the extremity if it is the bleeding part. Give no stimulants.
5. Never apply anti-septic ointment, lotion or iodine or germicide to the wound.
ABDOMINAL WOUNDS:
1. No time must be lost in sending the patient to the hospital.
2. Keep the patient flat.
3. Give nothing by mouth.
4. Maintain warmth.
5. If intestines protrude from the wound do not attempt to touch or replace them.
6. Apply sterile dressing and binder as for wounds.
7. Provide careful, immediate transportation to the hospital.
EYE-WOUNDS:
1. Removal may be attempt if foreign body is not embedded.
2. Do not apply oil or ointments.
3. If there is a foreign body embedded in the eye ball, send the worker immediately to the doctor after applying pad and loose bandage.
CHEMICAL BURNS OF THE EYES:
1. Immediate washing of the eye at least for fifteen minutes is of great importance.
2. Apply sterile bandage and send the worker immediately to the doctor.
3. Neutralizing agents or ointments should not be used.
SUFFOCATION:
1. Remove the patient from the source of danger.
2. Make a rapid examination to ensure that the air passages are free, and to clean them if necessary.
3. Restore natural breathing by artificial respiration, if breathing has ceased.
ELECTRIC SHOCK:
1. Remove the patient from the source of danger.
2. Make a rapid examination to ensure that the air passages are free, and to clean them if necessary.
3. Restore natural breathing by artificial respiration, if breathing has ceased.
INSENSIBILITY:
1. Send for a doctor if possible, pending his arrival.
2. Where the patient’s face is pale by him flat and face downwards with his head turned to one side. If his face is flashed or blue, raise and support the head and shoulders.
3. Control any serious bleeding.
4. Loosen any tight clothing and let him have plenty of air.
5. Do not give anything by mouth.
6. If doctor is not available send the casualty to hospital.
BACKBONE (SPINAL) FRACTURE:
1. Transport on a rigid frame. This frame may be improvised by using available boards or a door.
2. The rigid frame may be placed on a stretcher for transportation.
3. If a firm frame cannot be improvised, transport patient on abdomen on a stretcher make a canvas or blanket.
4. In neck fracture cases it is much better to get a doctor to the scene for danger to life is great.
BRUISES:
1. Cold applications at first 24-48 hours.
2. Later heat-after 24-48 hours.
BURNS
1. Act quickly.
2. Put the affected part in cold water.
3. Pour the water over burns that cannot be immersed cold water relieves pain, reduces fluid loss.
4. Cover with a sterilized dressing.
SNAKE BITE:
Calm and reassure the patient. Immobilise the bitten limb by splinting it. Wash and cool the wound with soap and water. Do not cut, rub or suck the bite. Take to a doctor. Press hard over wound for upto 15 minutes. Do not remove cloth if it has been placed.