first aid

#First aid advice

How to use an adrenaline autoinjector ?

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts An adrenaline autoinjector can save the life of someone who is having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). They are designed to administer a single, fixed dose of adrenaline to treat anaphylaxis. Adrenaline autoinjectors are designed to be given by anyone, including people who are not medically trained. The two brands of adrenaline autoinjector available in Australia are EpiPen™ and Anapen™. If you have a known allergy, it’s important to always carry 2 adrenaline autoinjectors, together with your ASCIA allergy action plan and a medical alert device. What is an adrenaline autoinjector? Adrenaline autoinjectors are used to treat severe

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#First aid advice

How to perform CPR

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is CPR? CPR (short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a first aid technique that can be used if someone is not breathing properly or if their heart has stopped. CPR is a skill that everyone can learn — you don’t need to be a health professional to do it. Try to stay calm if you need to do CPR. Performing CPR may save a person’s life. If you know CPR, you might save the life of a family member or friend. Start CPR as soon as possible CPR involves chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth (rescue breaths) that help circulate blood and

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Swallowed substance (swallowed)

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Common household and garden products can be swallowed by accident. If you suspect that someone has taken an overdose of medicine or has swallowed a poisonous substance, get medical help immediately — this is an emergency. Store all medicines, chemicals and cleaning products in a high, locked cupboard out of sight and reach of children to prevent poisoning in children. If you suspect that the poisoning was not the result of an accident and that it was done on purpose, seek help from a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Which substances often get swallowed? Common household and

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Swallowed object (swallowed accidentally)

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Sometimes people accidentally swallow something they shouldn’t. Some swallowed objects can progress through the body without a problem and can pass in stools (poo), but some objects can be very dangerous if they are swallowed. Objects that are particularly dangerous when swallowed including button batteries — these can cause serious injury or death. Other objects that are very dangerous to swallow include large and sharp objects, magnets and objects made of lead. What is a swallowed object? A swallowed object usually refers to an item that you should not have swallowed. Healthcare professionals may call it a suspected

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Poisoning

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Poisoning occurs when someone is sufficiently exposed to a substance that can cause illness, injury or death. Common sources of poisoning include over-the-counter and prescription medicines, cleaning products, pesticides, and animal bites or stings. Call triple zero (000) immediately if you or someone you know stops breathing, slips into a coma, or has a seizure or a severe allergic reaction to suspected poisoning. Ways to prevent poisoning include childproofing storage containers, teaching children about poisons, and familiarising yourself with first aid for poisoning. What is poisoning? Poisoning occurs when someone is sufficiently exposed to a substance that can

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#Accidents and injuries #First aid advice #K

Bumps, knocks and bruises

By Sama Mohamed

Bumps, knocks and bruises What are bumps, knocks and bruises? Bumps, knocks and bruises are common injuries that everyone will experience from time to time. Though they can sometimes be very painful, bumps, knocks and bruises are usually easy to treat. What symptoms are related to bumps, knocks and bruises? These kinds of injuries commonly affect joints such as your elbow or knee, and bumps and knocks to these areas can result in swelling and bruising. What causes bumps, knocks and bruises? A bruise often appears after you have been knocked, bumped or pinched, for example when you have fallen

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#Accidents and injuries #F #First aid advice

First aid kits

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts An organised and properly stocked first aid kit can help in a medical emergency. Being prepared may help save a life. First aid kits come in different shapes and sizes and for different uses. Buying a first aid kit is a convenient option. Doing a first aid course will give you the knowledge and skills to provide first aid help. Putting together basic first aid kit A good first aid kit helps to lower the impact of an injury before getting proper medical care. You can customise your first aid kit depending on the activities you do. A

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#F #First aid advice

First aid basics

By Sama Mohamed

What is first aid? First aid covers the steps taken to help a person in the first minutes of an illness or injury. Accidents or illness can happen to anyone at any time, whether at home, at work or at school. First aid may: ease someone’s pain or discomfort help them recover more quickly save a life First aid may be useful in many different situations, such as when dealing with: bites and stings from plants, insects, spiders, snakes, sea creatures and other animals allergic reactions and anaphylaxis burns, including chemical burns and electrical shocks injuries such as eye injuries, sprains, broken bones and wounds poisoning and swallowed objects or substances Why learn first aid? If you learn the basics of first aid,

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Defibrillators

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts A defibrillator is a device that uses electricity to re-start the heart or shock it back into a normal rhythm. Automated external defibrillators (AED) are usually found in public spaces and can be used by anyone. Defibrillators can be used on people who need CPR, such as someone who has had a sudden cardiac arrest. If you think someone is having a cardiac arrest, call triple 000, begin CPR, and use an AED as soon as possible. What is a defibrillator? A defibrillator is a device that uses electricity to re-start the heart or shock it back into

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#Accidents and injuries #C #First aid advice

Wounds, cuts and grazes

By Sama Mohamed

Wounds, cuts and grazes What are wounds, cuts and grazes? A wound is a break or damage to the skin surface. Minor wounds do not usually need medical attention and can usually be treated with first aid. What causes wounds, cuts and grazes? Wounds can be caused by something sudden, such as a cut, a fall or a bad knock. Cuts, grazes and lacerations are all examples of wounds. Cuts are usually caused by a sharp object like a knife or glass, or even a sheet of paper. Lacerations are a deep cut or tear of the skin – they

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#C #First aid advice

Choking

By Sama Mohamed

Key facts Choking is an emergency, and knowing what to do when someone is choking could save their life. A person chokes when something gets stuck in their windpipe, blocking the flow of air to their lungs. If someone can’t clear their airway by coughing — call an ambulance, then give them 5 back blows (hits), followed by 5 chest thrusts until help arrives. Young children, as well as people living with disability, are at greater risk of choking. Keep small objects out of the reach of babies and children, and teach your child to eat safely to help prevent

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Chemical burns

By Sama Mohamed

What are chemical burns? Many chemicals that are commonly used at home, school or work can cause serious burns to the skin. It is important to wash any chemical off the skin as quickly as possible. Use a large amount of water. Chemical burns can look very small. However, they can be very deep. The damage from a chemical burn can depends on: the type of chemical how strong the chemical is how long the chemical stays on your skin Chemical burn first aid If the chemical is on your skin, wash it off straight away with a large amount

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#Bushfire health and safety #First aid advice

Hot weather risks and staying cool

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Key facts Every year in Australia, hot weather and heat waves cause illness, hospitalisations and sometimes death. The best way to prevent heat-related illness is to drink plenty of water and to stay as cool as possible. Heat-related illnesses include dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and worsening of existing medical conditions. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, to recognise and treat affected people quickly. Why is it important to be aware about heat-related illnesses? Heatwaves have killed more Australians than all other natural hazards combined. Over 400 deaths occurred during

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#Bushfire health and safety #First aid advice

First aid for burns and scalds

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is a burn or scald? Burns are damage to the tissue of your body caused by heat, too much sun, chemicals or electricity. Scalds are caused by hot water or steam. Burns and scalds can range from being a minor injury to a life-threatening emergency. It depends how deep and how large they are. When should I call an ambulance? Call an ambulance or go straight to your nearest emergency department if: the burn is deep, even if the person doesn’t feel any pain the burn is larger than a 20 cent piece the burn involves the airway, face,

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