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Get employees ready to respond to any emergency with these helpful first aid tips

We often come across accidents and emergency situations, and are uncertain what we should do and how we can help. Some basic first aid knowledge can be instrumental in helping injured people and saving lives. In this article, Theuns Wepener gives valuable advice on how to deal with some of the most common medical emergencies.

by Theuns Wepener

Burns

What can you do?

1. Cool down the area with cold running water.
2. Do not put creams or ointments on the burn, as these tend to keep the heat inside.
3. Do not pierce any blisters as this can cause infections.
4. Remove clothing and jewellery from the burnt area, but do not remove clothing stuck to the skin.
5. For sunburn, give lots of fluids to drink.
6. Seek medical help if necessary.

Allergic reactions

How would you know?

1. There is swelling around the affected area.
2. The area may appear red and itchy.
3. The person may experience difficulty breathing.
4. The person may be very weak and can collapse.

What can you do?

1. Seek medical help.
2. Lie the person down if necessary.
3. If unconscious, place the person on his/her side.
4. If the allergy were caused by chemicals, rinse the area thoroughly with clean water. 

Head injuries

How would you know?

1. The person may be confused.
2. There may be loss of memory.
3. There may be nausea and vomiting.
4. There may be bleeding from either a wound or from the ears.
5. Loss of consciousness may occur.

What can you do?

1. Seek medical help.
2. Stop any bleeding if possible.
3. If unconscious, let the person lie on his/her side.
4. Never leave the person alone.

Fractures (broken bones)

How would you know?

1. There is deformity, swelling and pain.
2. The person may complain of pins and needles in the area.
3. The person is not able to move the limb.

What can you do?

1. Lie the person down and make sure he/she is comfortable.
2. Try to control the bleeding by applying direct pressure.
3. Immobilise the area.
4. Support the area with a blanket or pillow.
5. Seek medical help.

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