EP - Basic First Aid

BASIC FIRST AID

Bleeding - Apply direct pressure with towel or gauze until bleeding is stopped.

Clean minor cuts with Hydrogen Peroxide. Apply antibiotic ointment and band-aid.

Sprains - Apply ice immediately to swelling, and off and on for next 48 hours. Seek

referral for evaluation of injury. Ibuprofen may relieve pain and inflammation.

Elevate extremities where swelling is present. Compression with elastic bandage

may be helpful.

Burns - Treat minor burns with cool water or cool compress. If there is blistering,

seek referral for evaluation of injury. Antiseptic sprays containing Benzocaine may

provide temporary relief. For large burns, go to emergency facility.

Bug Bites/Stings - Apply ice immediately. Remove stinger if visible. Apply

antihistamine cream to site. Take 25 mg Benedryl by mouth. Elevate if sting is on

leg or arm. Go to emergency facility for breathing difficulty or extreme swelling.

Rash/Poison Ivy - Wash area with antibacterial soap. Try not to scratch. Apply

antihistamine cream or hydrocortisone cream to rash. Wash hands after applying.

Take Benedryl by mouth to relieve itching. If not improved in 24 hours, seek referral

for medical treatment.

Colds/Congestion/Sore Throat – Increase cold fluid consumption. Take

decongestant product for congestion according to label. Use throat lozenges if

needed according to directions on label. Take Tylenol for headache, fever, or pain.

Seek medical referral if symptoms do not improve in 48-72 hours or if fever over

102 degrees F, stiff neck or repeated vomiting occur.

Vomiting – Take small sips of ginger ale, weak tea, Sprite, or ice chips every 5-10

minutes. Emetrol liquid may ease nausea—take as directed on label. Once liquids

are tolerated without vomiting, try crackers, toast, bananas, applesauce, rice or

clear soups for the next 24 hours. If tolerated, work up to a bland diet (no fried

foods, fatty foods or roughage) and then back to a normal diet. If vomiting is

persistent or accompanied by a fever over 102 degrees F or stiff neck, go to

emergency room.

Diarrhea – Try Kaopectate or Immodium—follow directions on label. Stay on liquid

diet until condition improves. If tolerated, work up to a bland diet (avoid fried foods,

fats and roughage) over the next 24 hours, and then go back to normal diet.