Thursday, December 1, 2011
Now the weather has turned we thought it would be useful to give you some winter first aid tips.
Many people will suffer from the effects of the cold weather or fall and sustain either soft tissue injuries or broken bones.
Hypothermia
We can suffer from a lowering of our body temperature by being exposed to cold environments or by becoming immersed in water. If we are wearing inadequate clothing at this time of year we are also vulnerable.
When our body temperature drops to below 35 degrees celsius we become hypothermic. Signs and symptoms include shivering, cold pale skin, lethargy, abnormal behaviour and even unconsciousness. Babies will not normally shiver as they haven't developed this reflex yet.
It is important to treat any life threatening injuries relating to their airway, breathing or circulation first but then it is possible to make your casualty more comfortable until help arrives.
You can look after a hypothermic casualty by slowly rewarming them in a sheltered, warm location and by changing them out of any wet clothing. It is important not to overheat someone. Warm food and drink is generally discouraged. Call an ambulance if necessary.
Fractures, Sprains and Strains
Bones are similar to trees in that some considerable force is needed to break one but older ones break more easily and younger ones tend to split or bend under stress as with children. The term 'fracture' is used to describe a broken bone and they can be 'open' where the overlying skin at the site of injury is broken or 'closed' where there is no break in the skin.
Bones are connected together at joints and we can sustain injuries to the soft tissue at joints. These injuries are known as sprains or strains depending on what tissue is damaged.
It is important to treat any life threatening injuries relating to their airway, breathing or circulation first but then it is possible to make your casualty more comfortable until help arrives.
It is often difficult to determine whether a casualty has broken a bone or sustained a soft tissue injury as they can all be extremely uncomfortable and often present with swelling, tenderness and reduced movement. Often, a description of the accident will help you in your 'diagnosis'.
If you suspect that someone may have broken a bone it is important to support the limb and immobilise it as best you can until help arrives. They should not have anything to eat or drink.
Soft tissue injuries can be managed by resting the affected limb, applying a cold compress and elevating it slightly.
Always seek medical attention if you suspect a potentially serious injury, call an ambulance if necessary.
The advice in this article is not a substitute for first aid training and you are advised to seek medical advice in the event of any accident or incident.