Every medical emergency is almost always met by panic and excessive concern which doesn’t help the injuries to heal. Being calm and relaxed about the wound won’t work in your favor either. What you need to program yourself to is the practice of going for the first aid which doesn’t require much of panic or calmness preceding it. Following are a few common medical emergencies that you often come across and tips on how to deal with them.
1. Burns
One of the most common medical injuries is that of burns, which occurs due to contact with fire or hot metal, a rope that moves fast over any of your body parts, friction with rotating objects, or corrosive chemicals. Hot oil, tar, steam, and moist heat can lead to an injury called scald. The skin would redden for both burn and scald, and blisters would also form. The wounds would be sterile under the cloth, which needs to be kept that way until proper medical care is received.
- Wash the affected area with clean hands to avoid any possible infections.
- Lotions are not to be applied on the burnt spots.
- Burned clothes should not be removed, and the blisters shouldn’t be broken.
- Dress the affected area with a sterile cloth (linen).
- Make sure not to bring the area into contact with any rough surfaces.
- You should get the area treated for shock.
You have to consult a doctor in case of severe injuries, which will require an anaesthetic or other medicines.
2. Heart Attack
When the blood supply to the heart falls, a heart attack occurs. A blood clot that blocks the arteries to the heart muscles is the major reason for a heart attack. This would lead to immense discomfort and pain in the chest area. Cold sweats and a pain in the left arm are the most common symptoms of a heart attack. Women will also face stomach upset, tiredness, shortness in the breathing pattern, and dizziness.
3. Major Cuts
Most of the major cuts occur due to sharp objects coming in contact with your body parts. Animal claws and machinery can lead to irregular torn edges, known as lacerated wounds. Stabs could be the reason for relatively smaller puncture wounds.
- If the limb is not fractured, make sure to elevate the bleeding part and place the patient in a comfortable position to stop excessive bleeding.
- Blood clots forming on the surface shouldn’t be disturbed.
- Try to expose the wound, but only by removing a small piece of clothing that covers the affected area.
- Direct pressure has to be applied to the wound after cleaning it with a cloth and dressing it.