First Aid in Household Emergencies

Poisoning:

When a poison has been taken internally, start first aid at once. Call doctor immediately.

Dilute poison with large amounts of liquids - milk or water.

Wash out by inducing vomiting, when not a strong acid, strong alkali or petroleum.

For acid poisons do not induce vomiting, but neutralize with milk fo magnesia. Then give milk, olive oil or egg white. Keep victim warm and lying down.

For alkali poisons such as lye or ammonia, do not induce vomiting.

Give lemon juice or vinegar. Then give milk and keep victim warm and lying down.

If a poison is a sleeping duo, induce vomiting and then give strong black coffee frequently. Victim must be kept awake.

If breathing stops, give artificial respriation.

Shock:

Shock is brought on by a sudden or severe physical injury or emotional disturbance. In shock, the balance between the nervous system and the blood vessels is upset. The result is faintness, nausea and a pale and clammy skin. Call ambulance immediately. If not treated the victim may become unconscious and eventually lapse into a coma.

Keep victim lying down, preferably with head lower than body.

Don't give fluids unless delayed in getting to doctor, then give only water. (Hot tea, coffee, milk or broth may be tried if water is not tolerated.)

Neve give liquid to an unconscious person. Patient must be alert.

Cover victim both under and around his body.

Do not permit victim to become abnormally hot.

Reassure victim and avoid letting him see other victims, or his own injury.

Fainting is most common and last from shock. Patient will respond in 30 to 60 seconds by merely allowing patient to lie head down if possible on floor.

Fractures: Pain, deformity or swelling of injured part usually means a fracture. If fracture is suspected, don't move person unless absoultely necessary and then only if the suspected area is splinted. Give small amounts of lukewarm fluids and treat for shock.

Burns: Apply or submerge th burned area in cold water. Apply a protective dry sterile cloth or gauze dry dressing if necessary. Do not apply grease or an antiseptic ointment spray. Call doctor and keep patient warm (not hot) with severe burns.

If burn case must be transported any distance, cover burns with clean cloth.

Don't dress extensive facial burns. (It may hinder early plastic surgery.)

Wounds - Minor Cuts: Apply pressure with sterile gauze until bleeding stops. Use antiseptic recommended by your doctor. Bandage with sterile gauze. See your doctor. Puncture Wounds: Cover with sterile gauze and consult doctor immediately. Serious infection can arise unless properly treated.

Animal Bites: Wash wounds freely with soap and water. Hold under running tap for seveal minutes if possible. Apply an antiseptic approved by your doctor and cover with sterile gauze compress. Always see your doctor immediately. So that animal may be held in quarantine, obtain name and address of owner.

Heat Exhaustion: Caused by exposure to heat or sun. Symptoms: Pale face, moist and clammy skin, weak pulse, subnormal temperature, victim usually conscious.

Treatment: Keep victim lying down, legs elevated, victim wrapped in blanket. Give saltwater to drink (1 tsp. salt to 1 glass water) 1/2 glass every 15 minutes. Call doctor.