While handling medical emergencies amid celebrations, it is essential to have the basic first aid knowledge. Even if it’s a minor injury or a critical situation, first aid is emergency care or treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid arrives. However, there is still a lack of awareness when it comes to providing first aid to the injured people.Following are the common first-aid mistakes:
• Not calling expert help on an immediate basis: A large number of people fail to recognise the importance of immediate treatment as they underestimate the severity of an injury or illness. One should be attentive and ensure to call for help when the victim unconscious, profusely bleeding, is having breathlessness, or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Ensure proper wound care: One has to be cautious and start by washing hands. Clean the wound gently with water and avoid using any chemical-laden products or ointments. Cover the wound with a clean cloth to reduce the chances of contamination. Remember to change the dressing regularly as advised by the expert to avoid infection.
• Wrong cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): To give CPR correctly, check if the person is responsive and breathing and start with chest compressions until medical help arrives. CPR training is important for everyone.
• Walking with a fracture: Don’t move if one is suspected to have a fracture. Call for help to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.
• Head injury should be taken seriously, so, loss of consciousness, confusion, headache, vomiting, seek immediate medical attention. Don’t let the injured person fall asleep without a medical diagnosis.
• Burn injuries over the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth instead to reduce pain instead of leaving them open.
– inputs by: Dr Navneet Kaur, general physician at a Delhi-based hospital