8 Must-Know First Aid Tips
In the minutes it takes you to Google, "heart attack symptoms" ...
Your friend may lose consciousness. By the time the ice cube has melted as you held it to your burned hand, you may realize you've done more harm than good. Put simply: Bad stuff happens. Hearts fail, windpipes clog and bikes crash. But if you have some baseline knowledge of how to handle these situations, you can often prevent that bad stuff from getting worse.
But first, a disclaimer:
This is a slideshow of tips -- not a substitute for medical advice. When in doubt, call your doctor. And look into local first-aid and CPR classes on the American Red Cross website. That said, we've referenced (very) reputable sources, such as Mayo Clinic and the Red Cross. And we consulted with Bob Seitz, a member of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and its First Aid Subcouncil and assistant professor for the Emergency Medicine Program at the University of Pittsburgh.
Be prepared.
"Emergencies aren't really emergencies when you know how to treat them and you have the tools," Seitz says. He suggests people prepare first-aid kits and know exactly where they are in the home and car. Some situations call for immediate medical assistance. Seitz lists those as chest pain or discomfort, blood that's vomited or passed, a change in mental status (like unconsciousness) and significant swelling (after rest) or deformity of an area. For those situations and the ones listed in the upcoming slides, remember his important rule of thumb: "If you're thinking you need medical help, you should seek medical help."
Burns
The severity, size and location of the burn will determine the treatment. For third-degree burns, in which the skin looks charred black or dry and white, and for burns larger than about 3 inches or located on the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or major joints -- call 911. Otherwise, treat less severe burns by holding them beneath cool running water for 10 to 15 minutes, and then covering them loosely with a sterile gauze bandage. Do not apply ice or ointment, and do not break blisters.
Cuts
To stop external bleeding, apply direct, continuous pressure with a clean cloth. Still bleeding after about 30 minutes of pressure? Seek medical assistance. If the bleeding has stopped, clean the wound with clear water, but skip the soap. Cover the wound with a clean bandage, and change the bandage daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty. Visit a doctor if you see signs of infection or if you suspect you need stitches for particularly deep or jagged cuts.
Frostbite
Frostbite symptoms include tingling followed by numbness, swelling, aching or burn-like blisters. In this case, get inside, stay inside and remove cold or wet clothes that touch the affected area. Soak the frostbitten area in warm water -- no rubbing! -- until the skin softens and sensation returns. Consider wrapping the area in sterilized bandages, and be on the lookout for symptoms of hypothermia. Play it safe by seeking immediate medical assistance, which is especially important if the area is discolored or has hardened or lost sensation.
Heat illness
First, learn how to prevent heat illness and the warning signs of it, which include nausea, headache and dizziness, among others. If you or someone else displays these symptoms, find shade if you're outside and then cool off by standing in front of a fan or immersing your limbs in cold water. Load up on water as you're cooling off and throughout the next 24 hours. If you're not feeling better within 30 minutes of beginning treatment, call a doctor.
Choking
People who are choking will often clutch their hands to their throats. Other signs to look for are difficulty breathing, inability to talk or cough, discoloration of skin, lips and nails, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect someone is choking, you must act fast. Check out the Red Cross' detailed breakdown (with photos) on how you can help.
Poison
If you suspect someone has ingested poison, and he or she is conscious, call 911 or the local emergency number immediately. If the person is conscious and seems stable, call the National Capital Poison Center hotline at 1-800-222-1222. By calling this number, you'll be automatically connected to your local poison control center and experts who provide guidance and follow-up.
Stroke
Call 911 immediately if you see any stroke symptoms, which can be remembered via the FAST acronym, Face drooping or numbness (is the person's mouth uneven when you ask her to smile?), arm numbness or weakness (can she raise both arms?), speech difficulty (is her speech slurred when you ask her to repeat a phrase?) -- if you see any of these signs, it's time to immediately and call 911.
Heart attack
Learn the warning signs of a heart attack, which are not always as obvious as the stabbing chest pain we've heard so much about. While chest pain is a common symptom, so is chest discomfort, which can feel more like pressure or squeezing. Upper body discomfort and shortness of breath are also common symptoms, as well as cold sweats, fatigue, nausea or sudden dizziness. Think you or another may be in trouble? Immediately call 911, and then chew and swallow an aspirin (unless you're allergic or your doctor has advised otherwise).
Laura McMullen is a Health + Wellness reporter at U.S. News. You can follow her on Twitter, connect with her on LinkedIn, circle her on Google+ or email her at lmcmullen@usnews.com.
