There are certain serious injuries in which time is so important that treatment must be started immediately.
For STOPPAGE OF BREATHING from electrical shock, or asphyxiation, the mouth to mouth method of resuscitation is far superior to any other known. RESCUE BREATHING MUST BE STARTED AT ONCE!!!
Training in techniques of mouth-to-mouth breathing and CPR is taught in many First Aid Courses. These are offered by both Campus Police and the Physical Education Department. We urge you to arrange for this training and practice.
SEVERE BLEEDING can almost always be controlled by direct pressure on the wound with a pad of cloth. The cleaner the cloth the better, but in an emergency part of the clothing may be used.
To treat severe bleeding:
- Stop the bleeding.
- Wrap the injured to avoid shock, (use fire blanket if necessary) and call immediately for medical attention.
- Raise the bleeding part higher than the rest of the body.
- Keep victim lying down.
- Never use a tourniquet.
Apply ice or cold water.
In case of a clothing fire, the victim should drop to the floor and roll; do not run to a safety shower. A fire blanket should be used to smother the flames.
- After flames are extinguished, deluge the injured under a safety shower, removing any clothing contaminated with chemicals.
- Keep the water running on the injured part for 15 minutes to remove heat and to wash off chemicals.
- Place clean, soaking wet, ice-packed cloths on burned areas, and wrap to avoid shock and exposure.
- Do not use a fire extinguisher on a person with burning clothing; he/she may suffocate.
Chemical burns or splashes
Learn the location of safety showers and eye wash fountains in your area.
- Immediately flush with water.
- Apply a stream of water while removing any clothing that may have been saturated with the chemical.
- If the splash is in the eye, flush it gently for at least ten minutes with clear water.
- If the splash is on the body, flood it with running water.
- A shower, hose or faucet should be used in an emergency.
- For chemicals spilled over a large area, quickly remove contaminated clothing while using the safety shower; treat as directed under MAJOR THERMAL BURNS. Seconds count, therefore no time should be wasted simply for modesty.
In cases of traumatic shock or where the nature of the injury is not clear, keep the victim warm, lying down and quiet. Wait until medical assistance or transportation arrives before moving the victim.