First Aid Tips You Must Know This Festive Season

Learn the right first aid tips

Data released by the Census directorate shows that nearly 27% of the total deaths in India occur due to lack of preliminary medical attention at the time of death. This makes first aid one of the most useful life skills to learn.

It is especially crucial to know how to administer first aid as the festive season that brings joy into our lives, also brings pollution, accidents and reckless driving in its wake.

Each year, Diwali sees a sharp rise in the number of accidents and health related emergencies in India. Some of the common events and the first aid tricks to tackle them are listed below:

Minor Cut or Scrape

• Wash your hands
• Stop the bleeding: Put a gauze pad or a clean cloth on the wound and press it for a few minutes
• Clean the wound: Once the bleeding stops, rinse the cut under cool water and a wet washcloth.
• Remove any dirt or debris: Go gentle but make sure to clean the wound thoroughly.

Do not ignore the following:

• Uncontrolled bleeding even after applying direct pressure
• You cannot get the dirt out of the wound
• Pus drains out from the cut
• The cut is from a dirty or rusty object
• The injury is from an animal or a human bite

Burns

Firecracker related injuries may cause severe burns, requiring immediate medical attention. The treatment for a burn is determined by its severity, size and location.

In case of a less severe burn:

• Apply cool running water for 10 to 15 minutes
• Cover them with a loose sterile bandage
• Do not apply ice or ointment
• Do not break blisters as they can cause infection

In case of severe burns, burns more than 3 inches that are located on feet, face, hands, groin, and major joints, the victim should be taken to the nearest hospital immediately.

Air Pollution

During Diwali, air pollution can rise to alarming levels, which can cause respiratory problems, permanent lung damage and lead to a stroke. Pollution of this magnitude is even more harmful than first-hand cigarette smoke. In fact, air pollution in India is estimated to kill 1.5 million people every year; it is the fifth largest killer in India.

• Wear a protective mask when going out and restrict physical activity outdoors at peak times.
• In case you find it difficult to breathe, get medical help immediately.