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Different Ventilation-Assist Devices

April 14th, 2013 | Posted by vanfirstaid in CPR - (Comments Off)

Ventilation-assist devices are used to increase effectiveness of rescue breathing as well as to protect the first aider from possible infections while providing first aid. The use of these devices is usually taught in advanced first aid training courses for certified first aiders and healthcare professionals.

Two of the most commonly used devices include the pocket face mask and the bag valve-mask. Ideally, these devices are used with oxygen supply but may also be used in emergency situations even without oxygen.

Pocket face mask

Pocket face mask or CPR mask is a device that is similar with the resuscitator facepiece. It is most commonly used in remote rescue missions where oxygen supply is not available.

This breathing aid is made of soft collapsible material thus can be easily carried in the pocket or stacked in a simple first aid kit. CPR masks are available with or without an oxygen inlet. This device allows the rescuer to provide oxygen through a chimney on the mask. If oxygen available the rescuer is able to ventilate the victim with air from the oxygen source and his own lung. Pocket face mask can deliver up to a maximum of 80% oxygen concentration when used simultaneously with an oxygen source. When used without oxygen, it is still way better than mouth-to-mouth technique which can only deliver up to 16% oxygen.

CPR Mask

CPR Pocket Mask

The pocket face mask allows the rescuer to firmly hold the mask while ensuring proper head-tilt position. It may also be used without inserting oral airway when the airway is clear and there is no time to establish such oral airway device. To learn to use a pocket mask enrol in Red Cross CPR programs here.

Bag-valve-mask

Unlike the face mask, the bag-valve-mask (BVM) is bulky, with a detachable plastic bag and a mask. BVM is a hand-held device that is commonly used to ventilate nonbreathing victims. It may also be used to assist victims who have ineffective breathing pattern (shallow, labored and failing breathing) due to drug overdose. The bag-valve-mask comes in different sizes (newborn, pediatric, and adult sizes). It is important that the rescuer uses the right size of BVM to deliver the expected amount of oxygen.

It requires adequate training through advanced first aid course to properly and effectively use the bag-valve-mask. One problem with this device is that it is not easy establishing an effective seal. In fact, even healthcare providers need to go through training and practice to properly use this breathing-assist device. Without proper training, the use of BVM is futile.

When used for CPR, it is recommended that there are at least 2 rescuers: one secures and pumps the BVM while the other rescuer applies the chest pumps. If used properly, the BVM can be very effective; delivering up to 100% oxygen when connected with an oxygen source and 21% when there is no oxygen. To learn to use a bag-valve mask enrol in Red Cross CPR HCP courses here.

The Canadian Red Cross offers advanced training courses for healthcare workers to ensure the effective use of these breathing-assist devices.

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Gout: Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

April 13th, 2013 | Posted by vanfirstaid in Internal Issues - (Comments Off)

Gout refers to sudden bouts or attacks of discomfort or pain, redness, swelling and tenderness in the joints. Gout is a complex form of arthritis and it commonly affects the base of the big toe.

Gout can occur in anybody; however, the likelihood of men getting gout is higher. Women are more prone to gout after menopause.

A sudden acute attack may wake you up while you are asleep in the middle of the night with a burning sensation in your big toe. The joint that is affected is often very hot, swollen and tender enough to make the weight of a bedgout sheet unbearable while sleeping.

Luckily, gout is treatable condition and you can follow many preventive techniques to reduce chances of recurrence.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms usually involve a sudden acute pain in the middle of the night, which may also include:

  • Intense pain in the affected joint. Gout is most likely going to affect the large joint at the base of your big toe but it can also affect the joints of the feet, ankles, knees, wrists and hands. The pain often flares up within 12 to 24 hours of onset.
  • Prolonged discomfort. Even if pain subsides, discomfort in the joint may linger for a few days to a few weeks. Attacks that occur later often ten to cause discomfort that lasts longer, affecting more joints.
  • Redness and inflammation. The affected joint may become tender, swollen and red due to inflammation.

When to seek medical help

See your doctor if you experience a sudden and intense pain in any joint of your body. If left untreated, gout may progress causing pain that will be much worse along with damage to the joint.

Seek emergency medical help if your joint is hot, red and inflamed and if you have a fever as this may be a sign of an infection.

Causes

Gout occurs as a result of the accumulation of urate crystals in the joint that is affected causing acute pain and inflammation during an attack. Urate crystals form when the body contains a high amount of uric acid, which is produced by the breakdown of purines. Purines are derived naturally from food sources such as anchovies, mushrooms, asparagus and organ meats.

Uric acid dissolves in the blood, passes through the kidneys and gets drained out with your urine. However, sometimes, the body may produce excessive amounts of uric acid or your kidneys do not excrete urine adequately. This may result in uric acid buildup that forms into needle-like sharp crystals surrounding a tissue or joint causing extreme pain, swelling and inflammation.

Treatment

Gout treatment usually involves the usage of certain medication prescribed by your doctor based on your current health state. Gout medications may treat acute attacks and also reduce future attacks in order to reduce complications that arise due to this condition.

Medication for gout attacks include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control pain and inflammation
  • Colchicines, if NSAIDs are ineffective
  • Corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation and pain

Be sure you ask your doctor about the possible side effects of prescribed medication.

Other medication may be taken to prevent complications due to gout such as:

  • Medication that block the production of uric acid such as xanthine oxidase inhibitors
  • Medication to improve removal of uric acid such as probenecid

Alternative medicine

Medication is the most effective treatment for gout; however, you may follow these lifestyle changes to reduce chances of gout from recurring:

  • Drink 8-16 cup of fluids per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Limit daily consumption of meat, poultry and fish to 4-6 ounces
  • Consume proteins moderately, preferably from low-fat sources, tofu, eggs, nut butters and fat-free dairy

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Achilles Tendon Rupture: Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

April 11th, 2013 | Posted by vanfirstaid in Sprains and Strains - (Comments Off)

Achilles tendon rupture refers to an injury that causes damage to at the back of the lower leg. The most common cause of Achilles tendon rupture is recreational sports injuries.

The Achilles tendon is a tough fibrous band that connects the back of the calf of your lower leg to the heel bone. Over-stretching the Achilles tendon may cause it to tear or rupture. The tendon may tear partially or completelyAchilles Tendon Rupture depending on how much the injury has progressed.

Upon the onset f the injury, you may feel a sudden snap or pop in your lower leg, which is usually followed by an excruciating sharp pain in the lower leg and the back of your ankle. The pain due to the rupture may also restrict you from walking or may not let you walk at all.

It is best to treat the injury through surgery in order to repair the ruptures tendon. However, for many people, often with mild tears, non-surgical treatment may work as well.

Important: This post on Achilles Tendon Rupture is for learning purposes only. To learn to manage these injuries, sprains and strains sign up for first aid and CPR training through the Canadian Red Cross.

Signs and symptoms

Sometimes Achilles tendon rupture may not cause any signs and symptoms, however, most people experience:

  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Swelling near the heel
  • Inability to bend the affected foot downward
  • Inability to push the injured leg while walking
  • Inability to stand on your toes with the injure leg
  • A sudden pop or snap when the injury takes place

When to seek medical help

See a doctor immediately if you hear an audible injury, such as in form of a pop or snap, in your heel – especially if you are unable to walk after hearing this sound.

Causes

Achilles tendon ruptures are usually caused from the following examples:

  • Falling from a height
  • Drastically increasing the intensity of sports activities
  • Stepping into a hole

Treatment

Treatment for Achilles tendon rupture usually depends on the age, activity and severity of the damage. Younger people usually choose surgical repair while older people may opt for non-surgical treatment.

Non-surgical treatment

This method of treatment involves wearing a cast for a required period of time followed by a walking boot with wedges that will keep your heel elevated. This will allow the tendon to heal. This is an effective treatment method, which avoids risks such as infection that may occur from surgery. However, with non-surgical treatment, the person may re-injure his tendon, in which case, the recovery period may be longer than last time. If the tendon gets re-injured, surgical repair may need to be sought.

Surgery

This is a common treatment that involves making an incisions at the back of the lower leg followed by stretching the tendon together to repair the damage. Complications that occur as a result of surgery may include nerve damage and infection. The number of infections associated with surgeries is greatly reduced in surgeries that involve smaller incisions.

Rehabilitation

After treatment (surgical or nonsurgical), your doctor may instruct you to go through a rehabilitation regime which may involve physical therapy exercises that will strengthen the Achilles tendon and leg muscles. Most people can return to their normal physical activity after 4-6 months of rehabilitation.

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First Aid for Whiplash

March 20th, 2013 | Posted by vanfirstaid in Neck and Head Injuries - (Comments Off)

Whiplash refers to a neck injury which involves damage to any structure within a person’s neck. Common whiplash injuries include neck strain, neck sprain, neck contusion and neck fracture. Neck injury is typically caused due to motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries and falls. Neck injuries that involve damage to the soft tissues within the neck include lacerations, wounds, puncture wounds and abrasions.

A person with a whiplash such as a neck fracture may suffer from neck pain, neck swelling, neck tenderness, neck stiffness and neck muscle spasm. Severe injuries to the neck may cause leg weakness, arm weakness, leg neck painnumbness, arm numbness, loss of bowel control, loss of bladder control and difficulty walking.

If you report your condition to your doctor, he may treat whiplash with cold compresses, narcotic pain medication, NSAIDs for pain, a cervical collar and muscle relaxants. Severe neck injuries, especially those involving the spinal cord may require immediate surgery and treatment with corticosteroids.

Risk factors of whiplash

Risk factors associated with whiplash include:

  • Alcohol intoxication
  • Elderly
  • Diving in shallow pools
  • Drunk driving
  • Contact sports
  • Osteoporosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of whiplash or neck injury include:

  • Moderate to severe neck pain
  • Swelling of the neck
  • Tenderness of the neck – near the spine
  • Neck stiffness
  • Neck muscle spasm

Symptoms of severe whiplash include:

  • Neck laceration
  • Puncture wounds to the neck
  • Severe swelling of the neck
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Limb numbness
  • Tingling of limbs
  • Weakness of the limbs
  • Urinary incontinence – loss of bladder control
  • Bowel incontinence – loss of bowel control
  • Difficulty walking

Treatment

The doctor may prescribe the following treatment measures for mild neck injury:

  • Rest brace
  • Plenty of rest
  • Avoid strenuous activity or any activity that may cause neck pain or neck discomfort
  • Apply cold compresses frequently – continue applying for 3 days, 2-3 times per day for 20 minutes each
  • Apply warm compresses for 72 hours after whiplash
  • Perform neck stretching exercises
  • Perform neck range of motion exercises
  • Perform neck strengthening exercises as directed by your health care provider
  • The doctor may prescribe massage therapy for the neck and physical therapy for the neck
  • Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication for pain – ibuprofen, naproxen or ketoprufen
  • Take narcotic pain medication for short term use only in case of moderate to severe pain
  • Take muscle relaxants as prescribed by your health care provider
  • Ultrasound therapy may be performed by your doctor as a form of neck injury treatment

Prevention

In order to prevent whiplash, follow these preventative steps for your own safety:

  • Avoid contact sports if you are prone to injury
  • Avoid driving after drinking
  • Avoid drinking alcohol or consume in moderation – 2 glasses per day for men and 1 for women
  • Always wear seatbelts while driving or travelling in a vehicle
  • Avoid diving in shallow pools of water
  • Perform neck exercises and stretched regularly to strengthen neck muscles
  • Perform warm-up neck stretches before and after exercise

Complications

Complications associated with whiplash include:

  • Herniated disk in the neck – slipped disc
  • Chronic neck pain
  • Nerve root entrapment
  • Paraplegia
  • Quadriplegia

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Understanding Snakebites

March 4th, 2013 | Posted by vanfirstaid in Poisons - (Comments Off)

All snakebites should be considered a serious emergency. There are nearly 50,000 people who are bitten by snakes in the United States each year. Of this number, around 8,000 involve poisonous snakes, with about 12 deaths recorded each year. Usually, signs and symptoms of fatal snakebite develop within several hours after being bitten. Although fatalities due to snakebite are very few, it is best to be prepared for such an emergency. Normally, if snakebite leads to death, it proceeds gradually, unless severe anaphylactic reaction develops. Most deaths caused by snakebites occur at least one to two days after being bitten.

Important Disclaimer: the material posted on this blog is for information purposes only. Learn about poisonings and other emergency situations by enrolling in first aid courses (more information here).

Types of poisonous snakes

In North America, there are two types of predominant poisonous snakes: neurotoxic (nerve poisons) snakes and pit vipers. Coral snakes are the most common neurotoxic snakes and are considered the most lethal because of snakebitesthe strength and concentration of the venom. Meanwhile, pit vipers include cotton-mouths, copperheads, and rattlesnakes. There are also many Canadians who have a wide variety snakes as pets. These snakes can also cause snakebites.

Since people may react differently to snakebites, all snakebite cases should be considered very seriously and should be given immediate medical treatment. Keeping the victim calm and relaxed is critical. Normally, poisoning from venom occurs gradually, giving you enough time to transport the victim.

Unless the snake is positively identified as non-poisonous, all snakebites must be considered as potentially poisonous. Take note, the victim or bystanders could be mistaken so you have to make sure that the snakebite is positively identified by an expert. If the snake is captured or killed, it should be brought to the local poison control center for proper identification. However, never delay or postpone care of victim in order to capture the snake.

Signs and symptoms

Snakebites may result in the following signs and symptoms:

  • Obvious bite on the skin (can be discolouration)
  • Pain and swelling of bitten area
  • Difficulty breathing and rapid pulse
  • Progressive body weakness
  • Dim or blurred vision
  • Drowsiness or change in consciousness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures or convulsions

Emergency care

  1. Ensure safety of victim. Keep the victim calm and warm.
  2. Observe for signs of shock; be ready to provide treatment for shock.
  3. Call 911 or local emergency service and local poison control centre. Be ready to listen and carry out instructions.
  4. Check for other injuries and provide first aid.
  5. Look for the fang marks and clean with soap and water. Usually, poisonous snakes only have one to two fang marks.
  6. Remove any constricting items (such as rings, bracelets, anklets) on the bitten extremity.
  7. Keep the bitten extremity immobilized by using splints. Try to keep the bitten area at the heart level or below the heart level.
  8. Use a light constricting band above and below the bitten area to limit flow of lymph, not the flow of blood.
  9. Transport the victim to the nearest healthcare facility for proper treatment.
  10. Continuously monitor the victim; provide reassurance.

Here are some important things to remember:

  • Do not apply cold pack or ice bag on the wound unless instructed to do so.
  • Do not cut the wound and squeeze or suction unless instructed to do so.
  • Never try to suck the venom from the wound using your mouth.

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Broken collarbone

February 21st, 2013 | Posted by vanfirstaid in Broken Bones - (0 Comments)

The collarbone is the bone that links the shoulder blade to the upper region of the breastbone. Collarbone injuries are often caused due to sports injuries, falls, assaults, traffic accidents etc.

Children are often victims of collarbone injuries; however, infants may also suffer from broken collarbones during delivery.

Signs and symptoms

  • Pain—increases due to movement

    First Aid - Triangle Bandage

    A triangle bandage, pictured above, can be used to help immobilize a patient with a broken collarbone.

  • Tenderness in the affected  region
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • A bulge on the shoulder
  • A crackling or bulging  sound while moving the shoulder
  • Inability to move the affected region

When to seek medical attention

If you suspect that you or anyone around you has experienced a broken collarbone, or if the pain in the shoulder is causing discomfort or the stiffness of the shoulder is not allowing you to move it properly, seek medical help promptly. A delay in treatment may lead to a poor healing process.

Treatment

  1. Seek immediate medical attention. Take the person to the emergency room or the nearest health care provider for prompt treatment.
  2. On the way, immobilize the arm, if possible. It is important that you do not try to move the arm that is affected. Hold the affected arm near the body using the other arm. You may also sling the arm with the hand elevated above elbow level.
  3. Ease out the symptoms of the broken collarbone. This includes pain and swelling. For swelling, apply an ice pack–this will reduce pain as well. Additionally, you may give the casualty over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain. Avoid taking pain medication if there is a break in the skin–they may in turn require surgery to treat. Avoid giving aspirin to young children and teenagers under 18 years of age.

When the casualty reaches the hospital, the doctor may examine the broken collarbone through X-rays to see the condition of the chest and shoulder. Additionally, he may also sling the arm in order to immobilize it and also place a figure eight strap to maintain position.

For broken collarbones, surgery is not often required.

Learn More

For more information about broken bones and how to manage, recognize and help enrol in the following Red Cross programs:

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Lead Poisoning Is A Real Threat

February 8th, 2013 | Posted by vanfirstaid in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Lead poisoning has been dubbed as the silent epidemic because of its increased prevalence worldwide. According to recent statistics, about three to four million young children suffer from lead poisoning. This type of poisoning is more common among children under six years old, affecting 1 in every 6 children.

One major problem is that most parents are unaware that their child has lead poisoning. Often, it is too late when they have their child tested. High levels of lead in the child’s blood can cause major health problems that lead poisoningsinclude:

  • Mental retardation
  • Brain damage
  • Anemia
  • Behavioral and cognitive problems
  • Hearing loss
  • Kidney and liver damage
  • Delayed development
  • Hyperactivity

Extreme cases of lead poisoning can also cause death, especially when not treated immediately.

What is Lead?

Lead is a toxic metal that is commonly found in the earth’s crust. Because of its abundance, physical properties and cheap cost, the compound has been used as an aggregate for a wide variety of products including ceramics, paint, solders, pipes, batteries, gasoline, and even cosmetics.

Today, lead can be found in contaminated soil, dust, air and the paint of some buildings and homes built before the 80’s. Lead can also be found in small amounts in drinking water, lead-glazed pottery and lead crystal.

Is your child suffering from lead poisoning?

The only way to diagnose lead poisoning is through a blood test. Parents are highly encouraged to have their child tested for presence of lead in blood starting at 6 months until 24 of age, especially for children who are at risk of lead exposure. For example, if you live in a house built before 1960 and has chipping or peeling paint. Further tests may be conducted depending on the result of blood-lead test.

The test detects and measures the amount of lead present in the blood. You can consult your pediatrician to make necessary arrangements for the test.

How to keep your child safe from lead poisoning?

Here are some safety tips on how you can reduce a child’s exposure to lead:

  • Make sure children have no access to peeling or chipping surfaces or chewable surfaces with lead-based paint.
  • Vacuuming hard surfaces can cause dust to scatter. Wet mop or wipe hard surfaces instead.
  • Wash children’s faces and hands before eating.
  • Keep toys and pacifiers always clean by frequently washing it.
  • Consult your local health department about lead-testing dust and paint in your home.
  • Children should not stay in houses built before 1980’s that is undergoing repair or renovation.
  • Create barriers in between lead sources and living or play areas.
  • Keep your environment clean and eliminate all possible sources of lead.
  • Regularly wet wipe window and wet mop floors.
  • Remind children not to play in bare soil. If possible, have them play in sandboxes.
  • Make sure children eat nutritious meals, especially calcium and iron, as they help clean the body off these wastes.
  • If the soil in your home is likely to be contaminated with lead, put ground cover such as planting grass or adding a layer of sand or gravel.

Learn More

To learn more about household poisons and preventing your child from coming into contact with harmful chemicals enrol in a first aid course with a Red Cross training provider near you. Candidates enrolled in standard first aid and childcare first aid programs will learn the skills to recognize and manage persons that may have succumb to poisons.

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Understanding Work-Related Back Injury

January 24th, 2013 | Posted by vanfirstaid in Spinal Injuries - (0 Comments)

The vertebral column is made of bones, ligaments, muscles, discs and nerves that protect the spinal cord while allowing the body to move smoothly. Damage or injury to any of its parts can lead to unpleasant sensation. Back injury is defined as damage to any part of the spine or vertebral column and its supporting structures resulting in discomfort and/or pain. The intensity, characteristic and amount of pain may vary depending on the type of injury sustained (e.g. sharp, dull or stabbing).

Back injuries can happen to anyone, anywhere. According to available studies, four out of five adults in the US will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Studies from The Cornell University Back Injury Prevention Program reveal that majority of back injuries in people under age 45 are work-related. Furthermore, these studies show that back injuries account for at least 20 percent of all reported occupational illnesses and injuries. The estimated annual loss due to such injuries ranges between $20 to 50 billion each year. Even minor back injuries can be costly and can greatly impact family and work operations.

Minimize Risks

Good posture is the key to preventing back injury. To maintain a good posture, you should stand or sit straight with your shoulders centered over your hips, making sure that your spine is fully supported and body weight is well distributed. By practicing good posture, you can avoid injuries and strengthen your back muscles.

back pain

Pain factors contribute to back injuries in the workplace including improper lifting techniques and slouching.

Here are few more tips on how you can avoid work-related back injuries.

Tips on Preventing Back Injury

  • Avoid overreaching and modify work habits that lead to sudden, unnecessary movements. Keep objects you often used within arm’s reach.
  • Make sure your workstation is well suited to your height. Avoid repetitive bending on your hips.
  • When using the telephone for long time, use headset, speakerphone or shoulder rest. Never cradle the telephone between your shoulder and ear as it can strain your neck and upper back.
  • When carrying heavy loads, such as briefcases, shoulder bags or luggage, use a luggage carrier, or balance or shift the weight equally to each side.
  • Try to lighten your load by bringing only important items. Heavy briefcases and shoulder bags can throw you off balance.
  • Ask for help if you are carrying heavy load or if the baggage is too awkward to carry. Use tools for moving goods such as trolley, handtruck, dolly or cart.
  • Avoid unbalanced or awkward postures, such as sitting or standing with body weight shifted to one side, carrying wallet in back pocket, or crossing legs while sitting. Never slouch.
  • Exercise regularly and get enough rest.

The Red Cross offers workplace safety training that includes modules for prevention of back injury. These first aid and CPR training courses contain essential information that aims to help minimize, if not, eradicate work-related back injuries. However, these modules are not intended to substitute health and safety training, programs and policies provided by the company.

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First Aid Treatment for Bleeding of the Mouth and Nose

January 6th, 2013 | Posted by vanfirstaid in Neck and Head Injuries - (0 Comments)

There are many different reasons that can cause bleeding of the mouth and the nose. In most cases, bleeding in these body parts is caused by direct injury to the face although it can also be caused by certain health conditions or illnesses. Sometimes bleeding from the mouth is caused by dental treatments or accidentally knocking out of tooth. Meanwhile, in the case of nosebleeds, it is possible that the bleeding is caused by damage to the nose or the cheekbone. Nosebleeds can also happen spontaneously without any identifiable cause.

In both cases, the priority is to make sure that the victim’s airway is open and clear of any obstructions. You should also make sure that the victim does not swallow the blood as it can trigger episodes of vomiting.

First Aid Treatment for Bleeding from the Mouth

In order to control bleeding from the mouth, place the victim in upright sitting or standing position, slightly leaning forward. Encourage him or her to spit out the blood. If the bleeding is caused by injury to the teeth, let the victim to spit out the knocked out tooth in a clean receptacle.  It can be re-placed through an emergency dental procedure.

If the cause of bleeding is easy to reach such as wound inside the mouth or knocked out tooth, apply a small dressing over the affected area and apply pressure for at least 10 minutes.

If the bleeding is severe, roll up a dressing and place it in the tooth socket. The dressing should be large enough to avoid the teeth from coming in contact with the mouth. Ask the victim to bite on it. If bleeding is not controlled after 10 minutes, change the soaked pad with a new, clean dressing.

Bleeding that lasts for more than 30 minutes may indicate severe injury and requires visit to the emergency department. Usually, severe, uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth indicates damage or injury in the cheekbone and/or jaw. Use of cold compresses may help reduce swelling and relieve the pain. In case of broken bones, provide support to the bone using your hands or pads.

First Aid Treatment for Broken Cheek or Nose

Direct force to the cheek and nose can cause damage to these structures. Place the victim in upright position, slightly leaning forward. Encourage him or her to spit out the blood. Never pinch or apply excessive pressure on the nose. Apply cold compress to relieve pain and minimize bleeding.

First Aid Treatment for Broken Cheek or Nose

Usually, front teeth get knocked out during contact sports or road crashes. If someone has knocked out his or her tooth, be sure to collect and store the tooth. Depending on a number of factors, knocked out tooth may be replanted in its position. Let the victim spit out the tooth in a clean receptacle or plastic bag with a copious amount of milk or water. Do not cleanse or wash the tooth. Send the victim to the hospital or emergency dentist. The tooth needs to be replanted at the soonest possible time.

Learn More

To learn more about head injuries and wounds take Red Cross training programs. The courses that provide education in the recognition and management of these injuries are:

Emergency First Aid – Click here to view available dates and times

Standard First Aid – Click here to view available dates and times

Emergency Childcare First Aid – Click here to view available dates and times

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Corneal Abrasions

December 23rd, 2012 | Posted by vanfirstaid in Neck and Head Injuries - (0 Comments)

People often suffer from eye injuries and it is usually due to damage in the cornea. The cornea is the ‘protective window’ of the eye that works with the lens in order to focus images onto the retina. The cornea, however, is a very sensitive tissue which can be easily scratched by the edges of paper, metal particles, wood shaving and sand. The injury is called a corneal abrasion and usually the surface of the eye is only affected. However, some injuries tend to get infected and may cause severe problems such as corneal ulcers.

Corneal abrasions are usually agitating and painful and may lead to delayed effects. Therefore, it is essential that you seek immediate medical help to treat the injury before further damage takes place.

Causes

Corneal abrasion may be caused by:

  • Fingernails
  • Using contact lenses too often or using lenses that do not fit properly
  • Negative reactions to contact lens’ fluids and cosmetics
  • Irritation due to chemicals
  • Scratches on the cornea due to any foreign object
  • Exposure to sunlight or UV light for long periods of time
  • Dust or sand getting into the eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Particles flying in at high speed such as metal chips may cause external cuts as well

Symptoms

If the following symptoms appear in the casualty, call for prompt medical help:

  • Redness of the eye
  • Blurred vision
  • Stinging or burning feeling in the eye
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Watery eyes
  • Headache

Treatment

While you wait for help to arrive, take the following steps to ensure that the casualty is at ease and no further damage is caused:

  1. Take lenses off, if the casualty is wearing them. Rinse the affected eye with clean water or saline solution. Gently place a small cup of water with its rim placed on the bone of the eye socket’s baseline. Pour the water and rinse the eye thoroughly. If there is an eye-rinse station around, use that instead. Rinsing the eye properly may dislodge the foreign object and reduce discomfort.
  2. Tell the casualty to either close his eyes or blink several times. This may reduce irritation and lubricate the cornea.
  3. Do NOT try to remove the object yourself as this may further damage the eye.
  4. Pull the upper eyelid on top of the lower eyelid. The lashes may brush off any foreign object embedded on the surface of the eye and make the object attach itself under the eyelid. Make sure this is done gently and do not try to take steps that may worsen the injury.
  5. Make sure the casualty does not rub his eyes. Rubbing the eyes may be a reflex action due to too much irritation in the eyes.
  6. Do not try to let any cotton swabs, pieces of cloth, tweezers or any other piece of equipment to get in contact with the eye as this may worsen the abrasion.

Related Information

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