Emergencies
Who do I call if there is a medical emergency?
911 - Emergency Medical Assistance
Give me an example of a situation where I might accidently cut myself.
Examples: Using knives in the kitchen, shaving, paper cuts, etc.
Give me a situation in which I might accidently burn myself.
Examples: Cooking with heat (i.e. stove, oven), Using a hair dryer/straightener, burning oneself on a candle, etc.
Give me a situation in which I might accidently twist or sprain my ankle or wrist.
Examples: Running around, tripping & falling, exercising with improper form, etc.
What should I do if I get a nosebleed?
Use a napkin or cloth to cover your nose and pinch it closed to stop the bleeding. Slightly lean your head forward and keep applying pressure until bleeding stops. Wash your face and hands when bleeding stops. If bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes of pressure, seek medical attention.
Give me an example of a medical emergency.
Examples: "I can't breathe", "I'm bleeding really badly", "I took too much medicine". "I'm having an allergic reaction", etc.
True or false - If I get a cut, the first thing that I should do is put a bandage on it.
FALSE - If you get a cut, the first thing that you should do is clean it with cool, running water or a sanitary pad.
True or False - If I get a burn, I should cool it with ice cold, freezing water to counteract the burn.
FALSE - Doing this could actually damage the skin. Instead, run cool (NOT FREEZING) water over it or cover it with a cool rag before drying it and applying a bandage.
True or False - The RICE method of treating my sprain means that I should submerge my injury in uncooked rice for it's healing properties.
FALSE - The RICE Method of treating a sprain or twist refers to:
Rest
Ice
Compress
Elevate
What are some things that I can do to treat a slight cough at home?
Use cough drops, drink hot tea with honey, avoid spicy or irritating foods, avoid shouting or yelling, seek medical attention if your cough does not resolve after three weeks or is getting worse with other symptoms.
True or False - I should stay on the phone with 911 until an ambulance arrives and tells me that I can hang up the phone.
TRUE - Remain on the phone with 911 so that the ambulance can locate you immediately and so that the operator can provide you with first aid instructions over the phone.
Give me step-by-step instructions as to how I should treat a small cut.
Step 1: Wash your hands (if possible)
Step 2: Clean the cut with cool running water or a sanitary wipe
Step 3: Apply pressure until active bleeding stops
Step 4: Raise the cut above your head (if possible)
Step 5: Apply a clean bandage to protect the injury.
Give me step-by-step instructions to treat a small burn at home.
Step 1: Immerse the burn in cool water or cover it with a cool damp towel to cool it down.
Step 2: Wash your hands or use gloves.
Step 3: Gently dry it and cover it with a non-stick bandage (such as a roll of gauze).
Give me step-by-step instructions regarding how to treat a minor sprain or twist at home:
Step 1: Rest to give your body time to heal and try not to put any pressure by standing on/using the sprained ankle/wrist.
Step 2. Ice the area using an ice pack or cold compress to decrease swelling and discomfort
Step 3. Compress the area using a medical compress or wrap to promote healing
Step 4. Elevate if possible, above the heart, to promote healing and reduce swelling.
What is CPR used for?
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a lifesaving technique that is used in cases of cardiac arrest (a heart attack) or drowning. It uses chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing to circulate blood through the body while the heart is not bleeding.