First Aid, as with anything comes with a whole host of opinion and old wives tales!
Here's some we've heard of:
"My Nan used to apply Bleach onto burns, she swore by it"
- And they were serious! The methodology behind it is that it's pretty clean, it's also cooling, but there ends the benefits! It hurts, it can de-skin a burn, it can cause further burns, and it's just wrong!-
What you need to do, is follow the First Aid guidance, and run cold water over the burn to cool it down. If it's a bad burn (deep or large), then hospital is on the cards. If it's effecting breathing, or has the potential to get worse, get an ambulance! Don't reach for the toilet duck! Ditto Butter and ointments.
"If someone is drunk, give them hot coffee to sober them up"
- Ok, not quite First Aid, but the caffeine and sugar content of the drink will have an effect. It will wake you up a little. Great. Now you've got a wide away drunk guy. Winner.-
What you need to do is keep the person hydrated, let them sleep, and when they do sleep, stick them in the recovery position (On their side, so if they are sick, they hopefully won't choke on it)
"Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever"
-Really? How and Why? No No No. Keep hydrated, monitor temperature, treat cause.-
What you need to do is find out what's wrong. Is it manflu, or the plague. In the case of the latter (And others, such as Ebola) certain things in line with local health advice may be needed. Once you're sure this illness isn't going to wipe out mankind, then TLC is required. Soups, and Lots and Lots of water. Maintain temperature, Rest, and let it work its course. If in doubt, always get a second opinion (NHS Direct is good / GP).
"Raw meat will cure a black eye"
-Is that a T-Bone steak or some cat food? The idea behind this is similar to a cold compress. Sticking a pack of mince on your head won't heal anything though, and worse, could cause all manner of bacteria to interact with your body. Expect a tape worm.-
What you need to do is sure, cool the area. Check the eye for damage, and if unsure, or it's serious (Blurred vision, or signs of a head injury) get a second opinion. (NHS Direct is good).
"Lean backwards, head up to stop a nose bleed"
-Yeah, sounds great. Send all that blood down to the stomach. I remember getting this treatment as a kid. I can still remember the taste of blood to this day-
What you need to do is stop the bleeding. There will seem to be more blood than there is. Lean the bleeder forwards, stick some kleenex under the nose (To stop the blood dripping on the floor / over clothes) and use the thumb and forefingers to pinch the nose between the cartilage to stop the flow. If it doesn't work, adjust the grip till it does. After 5 mins, release. If the blood flows, hold again for 10 mins. If this fails after a few times, then it's time to go to find some medical help. Ditto is the person with the nosebleed is feeling dizzy, sick, or if this bleed is caused by a head injury.
"Schnapps, Whiskey, Vodka etc to warm up a cold victim"
- This is the stuff nightmares are made of. The thought of a St Bernard dog racing over a snowy hill to an avalanche victim with a mini wooden cask of Brandy around its neck, then the poor soul taking a swig, before yodelling down the mountain right as rain is totally false. The alcoholic drink will make the person feel warm for a few moments, before being absorbed into the blood stream, and helping Hypothermia set well and truly in. They will just die a little quicker.-
What you need to do is stay clear of anything that intoxicates. Keep hydrated and warm. Blankets, as well as keeping off the cold floor will help. If things are that bad, share body heat, not a pint.
"I did a First Aid course in 1973. I don't need to do it again"
-Actually, things have sort of moved on from then. We don't dunk people to find out if they're witches anymore either-
What you need to do is get yourself on a First Aid Course. They are simple, and some are even free. First Aid kits have come a long way too. We no longer have saws for amputation in them.
No comments:
Post a Comment