What to when someone vomits?

photo source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsng2f5Mk6w

Vomiting is usually the result of an infection located anywhere between the stomach and the colon. More rarely, it is caused by a bacterial infection or a medical condition that would benefit from diagnosis and serious treatment.  In many cases, an upset stomach is caused by a simple virus and will disappear by itself in a few days.  Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often comes before vomiting. Vomiting is the forcible voluntary or involuntary emptying of stomach contents through the mouth.

What needs to be done when vomiting?

For Adults, let your stomach rest.  Adults should eat nothing for one or two hours.  Add liquids for eight hours.  Add liquids gradually as the nausea stops.

An Adult should stay on clear liquids for eight hours.  Try water cracked ice, bouillon, popsicles, gelatin, chicken soup or flat, non-diet soda.  Sip a little at a time during the day.  And should avoid caffeinated drinks, milk products, citrus juices, alcohol, aspirin, and ibuprofen.  Add bland foods after 8 hours, choose foods like for example soup, crackers or rice and should eat these foods in small amounts as long as you can tolerate them.  Prevent eating fried, spicy foods for one to two days.

For Children, you may be a parent or  guardian, should give one teaspoon of room temperature re hydrating solution every one to two minutes to prevent dehydration.  Increase amounts of and intervals as the child can tolerate.  A child who is vomiting is not in immediate danger of dehydration.  Increase amounts of and intervals as the child can tolerate.  A child who is vomiting is not an immediate danger of dehydration if he is drinking adequately and urinating regularly.

If the child vomits, allow the stomach to rest for a half hour before giving fluids again.  Fluids like soda or  apple juice, are not good replacement for fluids from the cells, adding to the potential for dehydration.   High salt content can have the same effect, so avoid giving children broth and salty fluids.

Must give liquids in small amounts to avoid further stomach irritation.  Too much liquid can lead to more vomiting.  When the child can keep liquids down, return to a regular diet.  Encourage lean meats, yogurt, bananas, apple sauce, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates such as rice, bread, potatoes and cereal.  It is not usual for a child’s appetite to decrease after he has vomited.  However, be sure he is drinking enough fluids.  It is important to not yet give over the counter medications for nausea and vomiting.  Vomiting will usually stop on its own in 12 to 24 hours.

What could be the causes of vomiting?

The cause of vomiting could be the usual reason which is Stomach and intestinal disorders (infection, food irritation, injury).  Some also experience some inner ear problems including dizziness, motion, sickness.  Rare cause may be because of brain problems such as head injury, brain infections, or tumors, migraine)

Prevention Tips

If someone adult vomits, the person should drink small amounts of clear, sweetened liquids like flat soda pop, fruit juices (not orange or grapefruit since they contain too much acid), or Popsicle.  These  sugared drinks calm your stomach better than water or other liquids

Rest, either sitting or lying down, slightly propped up.  Activity worsens nausea and vomiting.

For Children it is slightly different, When riding in cars, prop your kids up on a forward-facing car seat that looks out the font windshield. Block the side view with a stick-on sun shade. Car motion, along with watching fast movements out the side windows, causes motion sickness and vomiting.   Control forceful cough and fevers over 38 C aggressively with over the counter medicine. These are very common vomiting triggers in children under 6 years of age.  Candy, soft drinks and vigorous playing added together equal vomiting in kids. Limit snacks to one candy bar or food item. If a snack includes a candy bar or junk-food item, wash it down with water, not soda pop. If they are having a high-sugar soft drink (especially carbonated), avoid more sweets. For the guardian of the child or children, do not let them heart and play at the same time.

Watch the instructions of  this video on what to do in case of vomiting

How to treat wounds?

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Wounds are breaks in the tissue of the body, some injuries, like cuts and scrapes are called open wounds; others, like deep bruises, are called closed wounds.  They are usually caused by external forces, e.g., motor vehicle accidents, falls, mishandling of sharp objects, tools, machinery, weapons.

The following types of wounds are more likely to become infected: bites, punctures, crushing injuries, dirty wounds, wounds on the feet, and wounds that do not receive prompt medical attention.

What you can do?

For scrapes, (scrapes according to the dictionary means to rub or cause to rub by accident against a rough or hard surface, causing damage or injury.)  These three things are what you can do:

·         Wash your hands before giving first aid

• Wash the cut thoroughly with the mild soap and water
• Apply antibiotic ointment or a clean bandage.

For splinters that is according to Wikipedia, a fragment of a larger object, or a foreign body that penetrates or is purposely injected into a body. The foreign body must be lodged inside tissue to be considered a splinter. These are the things you can do:

• Wash your hands  with soap before giving first aid
• Use sterilized tweezers to pull out the splinter.  Pull it out at the same angle it went in
• If the splinter is just under the skin, use the tip of a sterilized needle to lift the splinter out.
• Wash the area after the splinter is out.  Bandage if necessary. 





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For lacerations which is the most  sensitive kind of wound according to dictionary is a deep cut or tear in skin or flesh.

• Wash your hands before giving first aid
• Wash the wound thoroughly with mild soap and water.
•  Use direct pressure to control bleeding
•  Bandage the wound with a butterfly bandage
•  Get medical help

For punctures which a smole in a tire resulting in an escape of air.  You should need to do the following:

• Wash you hands before giving first aid
• Use a forceful stream of water (with soap) to rinse the puncture wound
• Without sealing off the wound hole(s), apply a clean bandage
• Get a medical help

What could be the causes of Wounds?

Ofcourse there are many causes but the following are the most causes:

• Embedded objects
• Fish hooks
• Punctures
• Scraped
• Splinters
• Tears

Complications

Sometimes, there could be inevitable complications that can occur:

• Severe bleeding, when a major artery or vein is damaged.
• Tetanus, a disease of the nervous system and spinal cord due to infection by the tetanus bacteria.
• Infection, with fever, inflammation, worsening pain and pus formation.
• Rabies, a viral infection by the tetanus resulting from the bite of a rabid animal.
  

On this video, you will learn the importance of cleaning a wound and how to properly clean the wound.

ALWAYS REMEMBER:  

Treatment for Tetanus

Tetanus a disease that affects the nervous system, is contracted through a cut if wound that becomes contaminated with tetanus bacteria.  The bacteria can get in through even a tiny pinprick or scratch but deep puncture wounds or cuts like those made by nails or knives are especially susceptible to infection with tetanus.  Any type of wound (including burns, frostbite and infections) increases one’s chance of developing tetanus

Tetanus Bacteria are present everywhere in the world.  They are commonly found in soil, manure and dust.  Migrant farm workers, those who have not been immunized, intravenous drug users, new borns and the elderly are most susceptible to the infection. People who take medicines by injection have a higher risk of infection.

The following are symptoms of tetanus:

• Lockjaw (muscular stiffness of the jaw) is the main symptoms of tetanus, followed by:
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Stiffness of the neck
• Spasms which is a sudden involuntary contraction of a muscle
• Exaggerated to sensation
• Sweating
• Fever
• Rigidity of abdominal muscles

Reason of Tetanus.  A bacterium (Clostridium tetani) gets into a wound and secretes a toxin that secretes a toxin that causes the symptoms of the disease.

To avoid complications you need to promptly take note of the following: Spasms of the vocal cords and spasm of respiratory muscles, interfering with breathing, high blood, abnormal heartbeats, coma, pneumonia, clotting in the blood vessel of the lung, generalized infection, fractures of spine or long bones and even death

What can you do to prevent it?

You should clean wounds thoroughly or get yourself immunized, because it’s the best way to acquire protection against tetanus.  To be sure, just do both for the own sake. 

To understand more what is Tetanus and how it affects your body. Watch this video.

In this video, A Veterinarian explains what is tetanus in dogs, It's symptoms and Treatment

First Aid for Injuries (Sport Injuries)

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The heightened interest in fitness and athletics has resulted in a marked increase in sports related injuries. Sports injuries are commonly caused by overuse, direct impact, or the application of force that is greater than the body part can structurally withstand. There are two kinds of sports injuries: acute and chronic. An injury that occurs suddenly, such as a sprained ankle caused by an awkward landing, is known as an acute injury.

Chronic injuries are caused by overuse of joints. Poor structural abnormalities can also contribute to the development of chronic injuries. Medical investigation of any sports injury is important, because you may be hurt more severely than you think. For example, what seems like an ankle sprain may actually be a bone fracture. The range of these injuries can be grouped into the following:

Types of Sports Injuries

• Ankle sprain – symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness.  if your ankle gets swollen and painful after you twist it, you have most likely sprained it. This means you have stretched and possibly torn the ligaments in your ankle.
• Bruises – a blow can cause small bleeds into the skin.
• Concussion – mild reversible brain injury from a blow to the head, which may be associated with loss of consciousness. Symptoms include headache, dizziness and short term memory loss.
• Specific Organ Injuries- these include injuries to the eyes (example : when hit by a ball ) ruptures spleen due to kick in the abdomen and decompression illness among scuba divers.  Internal organ injuries are sometimes difficult to diagnose, so any discomfort or pain in the body after.
• Cuts and abrasions – are usually caused by falls. The knees and hands are particularly prone.
• Dehydration – losing too much fluid can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Dental damage or tooth injuries – a blow to the jaw can crack, break or dislodge teeth. Tooth fractures may be minor, which involves the chipping of the outer tooth layers, enamel and dentin, or severe involving fractures of the root.
• Head Injury
• Groin strain – symptoms include pain and swelling.
• Hamstring strain – symptoms include pain, swelling and bruising.
• Knee joint injuries – symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness. The ligaments, tendons or cartilage can be affected.
• Nose injuries – either blood nose or broken nose, are caused by a direct blow.
• Stress fractures – particularly in the lower limbs. The impact of repeated jumping or running on hard surfaces can eventually stress and crack bone.

Things you can do:

• Rest – keep the injured area supported and avoid using for 48-72 hours.
• No Massage – massage increases swelling and bleeding, also delaying healing.
• Compression – apply firm elastic bandage in the area, extending above and below the painful area
• Ice – apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes every two hours for the first 48-72 hours
• Referral – as soon as possible, see a qualified healthcare professional.
• No Alcohol – alcohol increases bleeding and swelling.
• Get help to Your doctor, Sports medicine clinic, Physiotherapist or Hospital emergency department
• No Heat – heat will increase bleeding.
• Elevation – raise the injured area above the level of the heart at all times.
• No Running – running or exercise increases blood flow, delaying healing.
• Always see your doctor if pain persists after a couple of days. What you may think is a straightforward sprain may actually be a fractured bone.
• Physiotherapy can help to rehabilitate the injured site and, depending on the injury, may include exercises to promote strength and flexibility
• You can maintain your fitness by choosing forms of exercise that don’t involve your injury; for example, ride a stationary bicycle while your sprained wrist is healing.

Prevention for Sports Injuries

• Warm up properly by gently going through the motions of your sport and performing slow, sustained stretches.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Use the appropriate safety equipment, such as mouth guards, helmets and pads.
• Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after the game.
• Allow satisfactory recovery time between sessions.
• Tape or strap vulnerable joints if necessary.
• Know road and weather conditions before any competition
• Cross-train with other sports to ensure overall fitness and muscle strength.
• Don’t exert yourself beyond your level of fitness. Gradually increase intensity and duration of training
• Ensure training includes appropriate speed and impact work so muscles are capable of the demands of a game situation.
• Have regular medical checkups.
• Use good form and technique.
• Cool down after sport with gentle, sustained stretches.

The following are the first aid primer that I need to share.  Take note of the ABC action that you’ll read below.

1. Check on the following when you approach is a seriously injured person
AIRWAY -  check if the victim’s airway is not blocked by the tongue, secretion or foreign body
BREATHING - check of the victim is breathing. If not, administer artificial respiration
CIRCULATION - Check on the victim has a pulse. If not, administer cardio pulmonary resuscitation
 2. Act fast! Early second counts.

 3. Don’t move  a person with serious injuries of the neck or back unless extreme necessary.

 4. Get someone to call an emergency an  ambulance and a doctor while you apply first aid.

 5. Don’t pull clothing away from burns.

 6. Remain calm and reassure the victim.

 7. Don’t force fluids on an unconscious or semi-conscious person. 

This video is about the Injury Management

Sun Burn First Aid

photo source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIme6g3bz8c

Sunburn results from overexposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun.
There are two types of UV rays that can damage skin.  Ultraviolet  A (UVA) rays don’t cause sunburn, but they penetrate deep into the skin and can cause long-term damage.  Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are rays that burn your skin.


Frequent overexposure to the sun can cause long-term damage to the skin, resulting in premature aging, wrinkling, and skin cancer.

Symptoms

First degree sunburn

• Skin that turns bright red
• Hot skin
• Burning sensation, pain
• Itch
• Peeling skin

Second-degree sunburn

• All the symptoms of first degree sun burn
• Swollen skin
• Blisters that weep

Third degree sunburn(rare):

• All the symptoms of fist and second degree sunburn

Causes

• Overexposure to the sun.  The time it takes to sustain a sunburn varies, depending on the age of the person, skin color, geographical location, attitude, time of the day, time of year and environmental factors
• Sun lamps
• Some medications (e.g., the antibiotic doxycyline) can make a person more susceptible to sunburn

Complications

• Eczema (skin rash)
• Swelling (edema) of the skin, especially in the legs
• Malignant melanoma
• Skin cancer
• Cataracts
• Precaution
• Do not apply a petroleum jelly, ointment or butter on the sunburn.  They make the symptoms worse and can impede healing
• Do not wash burned skin with harsh soap

What you can do?

• Apply cool baths or cool compresses for 1-0 to 15 minutes several times a day on the area.  Baking soda, cornstarch or oatmeal may become easily relieve the pain.  Small children may become easily chilled so keep the water tepid.
• Apply a soothing lotion on the skin.
• An over the counter pain medications, e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen, may help.

Prevention Tips

• Avoid too much sun particularly between 10 AM and 2PM and in Mid Summer.
• IF you plan to be out in the sun when it is hottest, make sure you apply sunscreen areas that can burn. BE sure to apply unprotected areas that can burn.  BE sure to apply sunscreen around your eyes, ears, mouth, and bald or thinning areas on your head. Sunscreen and sun blocking locations protect by filtering out the UV rays that cause sunburn.  A sunscreen of at least SPF 15 is recommended.
• For maximum protection from sunburn.  Apply sunscreen 45 minutes before you go outside..  Applu it to dry skin. Reapply after a swim or activities that make you sweat.  Reapply sunscreen or activities that make you sweat.  Reapply sunscreen often (e.g., every 2 hours)
• If you stay outside for a long period Waterproof sunscreen will stay on until you rub ot towel it of, when you will need to reapply it.
• Thickly applied zinc oxide products block all the sun’s rays are more intense at higher altitudes, nearer the equator, and on the water, and can be reflected by sand, cement and water.
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.  They damage the skin, despite what tanning salon personnel tell you.  
• Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
• Use a lip balm with the sunscreen PABA to prevent sunburned lips
• Wear UV opaque sunglasses to protect your eyes
• UV rays can penetrate through loosely woven clothing and beach umbrellas, so wear sunscreen even when using these forms of sun protection.
• Look for the sun-protective clothing now available commercially, including shirts, pants, and hats for adults and children.
• Some medications can cause you to burn even with a little exposure to the sun.  Before starting a medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the possible reactions o the medication to
  sunlight. Among these are doxycycline and sulfa antibiotics.

It is said in a video that a severe sunburn should be treated with some type of aloe vera gel, pain relievers and a long, cool bath. Reduce the pain of severe sunburns and prevent infection with tips from a street firefighter in this free video on first aid and burns.

Previous: Sport Injuries | Next: Tetanus

Unconsciousness First Aid

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Unconsciousness is the state of inability or unawareness to respond as a result of reduced brain stem activity.

What you can do?

• Believe or prevent any obstruction to breathing 
• Clear the mouth of debris 
• Call emergency if he Does not return to consciousness quickly (within a minute) 
• Call emergency if Has fallen down or been injured, especially if bleeding 
• Call emergency if Has diabetes 
• Call emergency if Has seizures 
• Call emergency if Has lost bowel or bladder control 
• Do not leave the person alone 
• Loosen tight clothing at the neck and waist, and check the pulse at 5 minutes intervals. 
• When breathing and pulse are stable, put the person in the recovery position onto his side, with the bent knee on a right angle. 
• Call emergency if Feels chest pain, pressure, or discomfort, or has a pounding or irregular heartbeat. 
• Call emergency if he Can't speak, has vision problems, or can't move the arms and legs. 

Prevention Tips

• Avoid circumstance that causes your blood sugar level gets too low. 
• Do not stand in one place too long without moving especially if you are prone to fainting. 
• Get enough fluid, particularly in warm weather. 
• If you feel like you are about to faint, lie down or sit with your head bent forward between your knees. 
• People with known medical conditions, such as diabetes, should always wear a medical alert tag or bracelet. 
• substance abuse and alcohol use. 

Causes

• Epilepsy 
• Heart exhaustion 
• Dehydration 
• Low blood sugar 
• Temporary low blood pressure 
• poisoning 
• Underactive thyroid 
• Serious heart or nervous system problems. 
• Your doctor will determine if you need tests. 
• Hyperventilating
• Straining during a bowel movement 
• Coughing very hard 

Complications

The main danger for an unconscious person is choking

Watch this easy to learn video about Helping someone who is unconscious. A man who rescued a woman move her onto their side and tilt their head back.

Shock First Aid

photo source: youtube.com

Shock occurs when the cardiovascular system is unable to supply enough blood to the body./  It is usually associated with low blood temperature and cell or tissue damage.


Major types of shock cardiogenic shock

heart problems: hypovolemic shock from inadequate blood volume; anaphylactic shock due to allergic reaction; septic shock, associated with infections; and neurogenic shock damage to the nervous system.



Symptoms

• Anxiety or agitation
• Blush lips and fingernails
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Cool, clammy skin
• Decreased or no urine output
• Dizziness or light headedness
• Low blood pressure
• Paleness (pallor)
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid pulse
• Shallow breathing
• Unconsciousness
• Weakness

Causes

Shock is caused by any condition that dangerously reduces blood flow , including heart problems(e.g., heart attack or heart failure), low blood volume (heavy bleeding or dehydration), or changes in blood vessels (severe allergic reactions or infection)

Complications

• Brain Injury
• Coma
• Organ failure
• Death

What you can do?

The bystander’s responsibility

• Call emergency.  Shock is a life- threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment. It can also get worse very rapidly.
• Check the victim’s airway, breathing and circulation, if necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR._
• If the victim is conscious and does not have any injury in the head, leg, neck or spinal column, place him in the extremities elevated about 12 inches.  Do not elevate the head
• Leave the victim’s leg flat I he has an injury that will cause him pain when his legs are raised,
• If the victim sustained a possible spinal injury, keep him in the position in which he was found. Do not place him in the shock position
• Give appropriate first aid for any wounds, injuries or illnesses.
• Keep the person warm and comfortable. Loosen tight clothing. Don’t give the victim anything to drink or eat.
• If the victim vomits or drools, turn his head to one side so vomits can drain (if there is no spinal injury). 
• If spinal injury is suspected and the victim vomits, “log roll” Him by supporting the neck and spine to keep head position neutral with body position while turning the victim onto his side,
• Monitor the victim’s vital signs (his or her temperature, pulse rate of breathing, blood pressure until help arrives.

Prevention Tips:

• Early first aid can help control shock
• Prompt treatment of the underlying cause will reduce the risk of developing severe shock.

On this video, you will see something terrible happened to a man, and you will see how this ladies helped  him and give him first aid.

'Shock' First Aid and Treatment video

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