ELECTRIC SHOCK
If the victim is in contact with electricity (through a high-tension or type of wore or a defective home appliance), use a nonconductor, such as a dry stick, rolled-up dry newspaper, or heavy, dry gloves (rubber if available), to pull him away from the source of current as quickly as you can. It is sometimes possible to push the wire off the body with a dry stick. Stand on something dry. Electricity passes easily through moist articles and through metals. Avoid touching the person directly until he is away from the source of the shock.
If the victim is in contact with electricity (through a high-tension or type of wore or a defective home appliance), use a nonconductor, such as a dry stick, rolled-up dry newspaper, or heavy, dry gloves (rubber if available), to pull him away from the source of current as quickly as you can. It is sometimes possible to push the wire off the body with a dry stick. Stand on something dry. Electricity passes easily through moist articles and through metals. Avoid touching the person directly until he is away from the source of the shock.
Severe electric shock may paralyze the respiratory center in the brain and upset the nature rhythm of the heart. Once the victim is separated from the source of electricity, use mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration to restore his breathing. If the heart has stopped or is beating irregularly, apply closed-chest heart massage. If the person is breathing normally, keep him warm, quit, and in a half-sitting position until medical help arrives.
APPENDICITIS
Abdominal pain may be caused by any of various minor ailments, especially indigestion. However, you should suspect appendicitis if there is persistent pain and rigidity in the lower right side of the abdomen, especially if accompanied by fever and nausea. Never give anyone displaying these symptoms a laxative, an enema, or food. Have him lie down until the doctor sees him. Never apply a heating pad. An ice pack may be used if pain is severe.
Abdominal pain may be caused by any of various minor ailments, especially indigestion. However, you should suspect appendicitis if there is persistent pain and rigidity in the lower right side of the abdomen, especially if accompanied by fever and nausea. Never give anyone displaying these symptoms a laxative, an enema, or food. Have him lie down until the doctor sees him. Never apply a heating pad. An ice pack may be used if pain is severe.
CROUP
An attack of croup, which is an infection of the larynx (voice box), is apt to be very upsetting to both the child and his parents. The child coughs in a harsh, strangled manner and gasps for breath. Usually the attacks come late at night. Croup generally follows a cold, and it may occur for two or three nights in succession. To give emergency relief, place the child in a location where there is warm, moist air. If you do not have a vaporizer, you can make a croup tent by boiling water on a hotplate under a blanket or large umbrella placed over the child's bed You should stay under the tent with him to prevent accidents. A simpler method is to sit with the child for a time in the bathroom with the door closed. Turn on the hot water in the shower or tub - full blast - until the room is filled with steam. Keeping the door closed, sit with the child in the bathroom until his breathing becomes easier.
An attack of croup, which is an infection of the larynx (voice box), is apt to be very upsetting to both the child and his parents. The child coughs in a harsh, strangled manner and gasps for breath. Usually the attacks come late at night. Croup generally follows a cold, and it may occur for two or three nights in succession. To give emergency relief, place the child in a location where there is warm, moist air. If you do not have a vaporizer, you can make a croup tent by boiling water on a hotplate under a blanket or large umbrella placed over the child's bed You should stay under the tent with him to prevent accidents. A simpler method is to sit with the child for a time in the bathroom with the door closed. Turn on the hot water in the shower or tub - full blast - until the room is filled with steam. Keeping the door closed, sit with the child in the bathroom until his breathing becomes easier.
CONVULSION
Convulsions in children may be a warning sign of a serious illness, such as meningitis, or they may be due to a high fever caused by a less dangerous infection. The child's lips turn blue, his head is thrown back, and hes body is jerked by uncontrollable spasms. Put him on the floor or on a wide bed where he cannot hurt himself. Place a rolled handkerchief between hes back teeth on one side to keep him from biting his tongue. Otherwise, do not attempt to restrain him. Sponge his body with cool water or alcohol to reduce the fever. When the spasms have passed, or if they continue more than minutes, call the doctor.
Convulsions in children may be a warning sign of a serious illness, such as meningitis, or they may be due to a high fever caused by a less dangerous infection. The child's lips turn blue, his head is thrown back, and hes body is jerked by uncontrollable spasms. Put him on the floor or on a wide bed where he cannot hurt himself. Place a rolled handkerchief between hes back teeth on one side to keep him from biting his tongue. Otherwise, do not attempt to restrain him. Sponge his body with cool water or alcohol to reduce the fever. When the spasms have passed, or if they continue more than minutes, call the doctor.
STROKE (Apoplexy)
Strokes occur either because an artery in the brain has burst (cerebral hemorrhage) or because a blood clot or other material has blocked an artery (cerebral thrombosis and cerebral embolism). You can suspect a stroke if a middle-aged or older person suddenly collapses or loses consciousness. His face may become very red and the eyeballs prominent. One side of the body may become paralyzed. Speech may be affected and the mouth drown ot one side.Call a doctor or ambulance immediately. While you are waiting for medical help, place the person in a position halfway between lying down and sitting up, or at least prop up his head. Loosen ant tight clothing. It is important to maintain a calm attitude yourself. If the person should vomit, turn his head to one side to prevent his choking. Otherwise, do not try to move him.
Strokes occur either because an artery in the brain has burst (cerebral hemorrhage) or because a blood clot or other material has blocked an artery (cerebral thrombosis and cerebral embolism). You can suspect a stroke if a middle-aged or older person suddenly collapses or loses consciousness. His face may become very red and the eyeballs prominent. One side of the body may become paralyzed. Speech may be affected and the mouth drown ot one side.Call a doctor or ambulance immediately. While you are waiting for medical help, place the person in a position halfway between lying down and sitting up, or at least prop up his head. Loosen ant tight clothing. It is important to maintain a calm attitude yourself. If the person should vomit, turn his head to one side to prevent his choking. Otherwise, do not try to move him.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)