First Aid Winter Tips!

This morning, as I opened my front door, I uttered the words.... "It's here".

Clearing the snow off our vehicles, and sliding about the place, I was reminded about all the things we must remember as winter sets in.

Winter first aid tips

From broken bones and sprains caused by slips, to the more extreme cases of hypothermia, there are lots of injuries that you or your loved ones may suffer as a result of icy weather.

A common injury is a sprain or strain which is when the soft tissues around the bone or joint become injured by violent or sudden movements. There may be pain and tenderness, swelling and bruising and difficulty moving the joint. 

Remember the word RICE:
Rest the affected part;
apply an Ice pack(wrapped in a tea towel) for 10 minutes;
give Comfortable support using padding and a bandage and
Elevate it to help with pain and swelling.

‘Sprains can be confused with broken bones (fractures), but a fracture generally requires more force. As well as swelling, bruising and pain, fractures can be suspected if you see a shortening, bend or twist in the limb. They tend to prevent the limb being used and a wound can appear where a bone may protrude. The body may also go into shock - a life threatening condition. 

If you are unsure whether it is a sprain, strain or fracture that you are dealing with then always treat it as a fracture. Keep the affected part still, support it with lots of padding and send the casualty to hospital.

At this time of year we sadly hear about cases of hypothermia. This is when the body temperature drops below 35C and is recognised by shivering with pale, cold, dry skin and symptoms such as disorientation, apathy or irrational behaviour; impaired consciousness, slow and shallow breathing and a weakening pulse. 

If you suspect hypothermia, replace any wet clothes with dry and re-warm the patient up slowly by giving them warm drinks and high energy foods such as chocolate.

Being Prepared

Prevention is better than cure! 

Sprains, Strains and Breaks can be avoided, or limited by ensuring you have the appropriate footwear on for the conditions you will experience. 

Wear sturdy footwear - even when driving, as you never know when or where you may be required to leave your vehicle. 

If you are going to be outside a lot, think about wearing broken in hiking boots (Boots that have been worn in, so are comfortable). A good pair of boots will turn a break into a Strain / Sprain, and a Strain / Sprain into nothing. 

Think about anti slip attachments for shoes that fit over for walking on snow. 

Stock your vehicle with blankets, food, a torch, and a good first aid kit. Consider taking a flask of warm drink (Non alcoholic!). Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, and people know where your going when you leave.

Keep a storage of food at home, help elderly relatives and friends by shopping for them, or arranging a delivery of supplies from retailers who deliver.

Being prepared also involves learning First Aid. There are many great organisations out there with voluntary schemes for training, such as the British Heart Foundation Heartstart scheme. HSE compliant First Aid Courses are also a good idea, which are more in depth, and you get an accredited qualification from it too! 

For more information, go online to: www.centricuk.com