FIRST AID AND EMERGENCIES

Treatment for :
1. ABDOMINAL PAIN IN ADULTS

Seek Immediate Medical Care If:

You have pain and tenderness to the touch in the lower right
abdomen with fever and/or vomiting. These may be signs of
appendicitis.
You are pregnant and have abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding. This
may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

1. Treat Symptoms

For heartburn from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),

take an over-the-counter antacid or acid reducer. ( KREMIL-S)
For constipation, take a mild stool softener or laxative.
(DULCOLAX)
For pain, take ACETAMINOPHEN (Aspirin Free Anacin, Liquiprin,
Panadol, Tylenol).
! Avoid NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Midol, Motrin),
or naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan), because they
can cause stomach irritation or bleeding.

2. When to Call a Doctor

Seek medical help if the person:

Has
Has
Has
Has

severe abdominal pain or pain that lasts several days

nausea, fever, or inability to keep food down for several days
bloody stools
painful urination

Has blood in the urine

Cannot pass stools, especially if also vomiting
Has difficulty breathing
Had an injury to the abdomen in the days before the pain started
Has heartburn that isn't relieved by over-the-counter drugs or last
longer than two weeks

3. When to go to hospital
if the person:

Vomits blood
Has severe difficulty breathing

2. ALLERGIC REACTION TREATMENT

! SEEK IMMEDIATE PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT now if the person has
had severe reactions in the past or has any of these symptoms:

Difficulty breathing or wheezing

Tightness in the throat or a feeling that the airways are closing
Hoarseness or trouble speaking
Swollen lips, tongue, or throat
Nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
Fast heartbeat or pulse
Anxiety or dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

1. Treat Symptoms
For mild allergy symptoms, such as hay fever or hives, give an overthe-counter (OTC) antihistamine.
For stuffy nose, give an OTC decongestant. (NEOZEP, DISUDRIN,
SOLMUX)
For itchy, watery eyes, use OTC allergy eye drops. (EYE-MO)
For itchy allergic rash, apply cold compresses and an OTC
hydrocortisone cream.

CALL

911/ ! SEEK IMMEDIATE PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT IF THE PERSON:

Is bleeding uncontrollably
Has a numb, cold, pale, or blue ankle
Is unable to move the foot
Is in shock (faint, pale, with rapid shallow breathing)

1. Leave Protruding Bone Alone

2. Stop Bleeding

Apply steady, direct pressure with a cloth for 15 minutes and

elevate the wound. If blood soaks through, apply another cloth
over the first and seek immediate medical attention.

3. Control Swelling

Remove ankle bracelets or toe rings.

If medical attention is not immediately available, apply RICE

therapy:

3. ANKLE FRACTURE

If a bone has broken through the skin, don't push it back into
place. Cover the area with a clean bandage and seek immediate
medical attention.

Rest ankle by having the person stay off of it. Use crutches if
necessary.
Ice area. Use an ice pack or wrap the ice in a clean cloth. Do not
place ice directly against the skin.
Compress by wrapping ankle lightly (not tightly) with an "ace"
bandage or elastic ankle brace. Do not try to align the bones.
Elevate ankle above heart level.

4. Manage Pain and Inflammation

Give an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or

aspirin. Avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs if the person has heart
failure or kidney failure. Do NOT give aspirin to anyone under the
age of 18.

5. See a Doctor as Soon as Possible

4. ANKLE SPRAIN
Go to the emergency room if: Pain, bruising, or swelling is severe, the
ankle looks deformed or seems dislocated, or the person can't put any
weight on the ankle.
1. Control Swelling

Remove ankle bracelets or toe rings.

Do RICE therapy:

Rest the ankle. Use crutches if necessary.

Ice the ankle for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day for the first
2 days.
Compress by wrapping the ankle lightly -- not tightly -- with an
Ace bandage or elastic ankle brace.
Elevate the ankle above heart level for the first 48 hours.

2. Manage Pain and Inflammation

Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin

for pain. But check with your doctor first if you have any medical
conditions or take any other medicines.

5. ACUTE ASTHMA ATTACK TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN

CALL 911/ ! SEEK IMMEDIATE PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT IF THE PERSON:

Having a hard time breathing

Constantly coughing
Unable to talk, eat, or play
Vomiting
Turning blue in the lips or fingers
Convulsing while breathing (using stomach muscles excessively to
breathe)

Give Quick-Relief Medicine

If the child has no asthma action plan but has an inhaler:
Sit child upright comfortably and loosen tight clothing.
Give one puff of quick-relief medicine from child's inhaler, always
with a spacer.
Ask child to take four breaths from spacer.
Give three more puffs, with four breaths between each.
Wait four minutes. If theres no improvement, give another four
puffs.
If the child doesnt have an inhaler, use one from a first aid kit. If you
are sure this is an asthma attack and the child has used quick-relief
asthma medicine before (albuterol), you can borrow someone elses.

6. BURNS
For First-Degree Burns (Affecting Top Layer of Skin)
1. Cool Burn

Hold burned skin under cool (not cold) running water or immerse in
cool water until pain subsides.
Use compresses if running water isnt available.

2. Protect Burn

Cover with sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth.

Do not apply butter or ointments, which can cause infection.

3. Treat Pain

Give over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil,

Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen (Aleve).

For Second-Degree Burns (Affecting Top 2 Layers of

Skin)
1. Cool Burn

Immerse in cool water for 10 or 15 minutes.

Use compresses if running water isnt available.
Dont apply ice. It can lower body temperature and cause further
damage.
Dont break blisters or apply butter or ointments, which can cause
infection.

2. Protect Burn

Cover loosely with sterile, nonstick bandage and secure in place

with gauze or tape.

3. Prevent Shock

Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury, or it would

cause discomfort:
Lay the person flat.
Elevate feet about 12 inches.
Elevate burn area above heart level, if possible.
Cover the person with coat or blanket.

4. See a Doctor

The doctor can test burn severity, prescribe antibiotics and pain
medications, and administer a tetanus shot, if needed.

For Third-Degree Burns

1. go to the nearest hospital
2. Protect Burn Area

Cover loosely with sterile, nonstick bandage or, for large areas, a
sheet or other material that that wont leave lint in wound.
Separate burned toes and fingers with dry, sterile dressings.
Do not soak burn in water or apply ointments or butter, which can
cause infection.

3. Prevent Shock

Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury or it would cause
discomfort:
Lay the person flat.
Elevate feet about 12 inches.
Elevate burn area above heart level, if possible.
Cover the person with coat or blanket.

7. Convulsions in Children
! SEEK IMMEDIATE PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT IF THE PERSON:

For an airway burn, do not place pillow under the person's head
when the person is lying down. This can close the airway.

Have a person with a facial burn sit up.

Check pulse and breathing to monitor for shock until emergency
help arrives.

4. See a Doctor
Doctors will give oxygen and fluid, if needed, and treat the burn.

Appears to have a seizure with uncontrolled, rapid shaking

Has trouble breathing
Turns blue
Hits his head before or during a convulsion
Is unconscious for several minutes
Might have ingested something poisonous

While You're Waiting for Medical Help

If your child is breathing normally, keep your child safe:

Place your child on the floor on his or her side and clear away
objects that are in close proximity.

Loosen tight clothing surrounding the head or neck.

Don't put anything in your child's mouth or try to stop the

convulsion unless your pediatrician has told you what to do.

If your child vomits, move him onto his side and clear out his
mouth.

Don't try to hold your child down or restrain his movements.

7. Cuts or Lacerations Treatment

A cut is bleeding severely

Blood is spurting out
Bleeding can't be stopped after 10 minutes of firm and steady
pressure

Take the following steps for minor cuts.

1. Stop the Bleeding

Apply direct pressure on the area.

2. Clean and Protect

Clean the area with warm water and gentle soap.

Apply an antibiotic ointment to reduce chance of infection.
Put a sterile bandage on the area. In some people, antibiotic
ointments may cause a rash. If this happens, stop using the
ointment.

3. Call a Health Care Provider

Call a health care provider if:

The cut is deep or over a joint
You cannot get the cut or laceration clean
The injury is a deep puncture wound or the person has not
had a recent (within the last 5 to 10 years) tetanus shot or
booster
The cut is from a human or animal bite

4. Follow Up
For a minor cut or laceration, remove bandage after a couple of
days to promote healing.
See a health care provider if the cut doesn't heal or shows signs
of infection, including redness, swelling, pus, or excessive pain.

8. Dizziness
Go to the hospital if the person has:

A change in vision or speech

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Rapid, irregular, or very slow heartbeat

Convulsions or ongoing vomiting

Dizziness that comes after a head injury

Double vision

Fainting or loss of consciousness

Fever and stiff neck

Inability to move an arm or leg

Slurred speech

Numbness or tingling

1. Treat Symptoms

The person should sit down or lie still.

If the person gets light-headed when standing up, the person

should stand up slowly.
Avoid sudden changes in position.
If the person is thirsty, have him or her drink fluids.
Avoid bright lights.

Health care providers may start emergency treatment for

heart attack or stroke, blood transfusion, or surgery.

8. HEAT EXHAUSTION
EMERGENCY IF THE PERSON HAS:

2. Call a Health Care Professional

Has a very high, weak pulse rate and rapid shallow

breathing, especially when combined with high or low
blood pressure
Is unconscious, disoriented, or has a high body
temperature
Has warm, dry skin, elevated or lowered blood pressure,
and is hyperventilating

Call a health care professional if:

This is the first time the person has been dizzy.

The dizziness is different than before or doesn't go away
quickly.

TREATMENT:

1. Lower Body Temperature

3. Follow Up

Get the person out of the heat and into a cool environment.

At the health care provider's office or hospital, the next steps

depend on the particular case.

If air-conditioning is not available, fan the person.

Spray the person with a garden hose, get him or her into a
cool shower or bath, apply cool compresses, or give the
person a cool sponge bath

The person may get oxygen or IV fluids to treat dehydration.

If blood tests reveal abnormal blood chemistry (electrolyte
levels), this will be corrected.

2. Rehydrate

Give cool, nonalcoholic and non caffeinated beverages as

long as the person is alert.

See a health care provider immediately if:

3. Rest

Have the person avoid physical activity for the rest of the
day.
Give over the counter acetaminophen if the person has a
mild headache.
4. See a Health Care Provider
Untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. See a
doctor that day if:

Symptoms get worse or last more than an hour

The person is nauseated or vomiting

Nosebleed doesn't stop after 10 minutes of home treatment

The person is taking blood thinners, such as warfarin
(Coumadin) or aspirin, or has a bleeding disorder
Nosebleed happens after a severe head injury or a blow to
the face

3. Medical Treatment
The health care provider may use specialized cotton material,
insert a balloon in the nose, or use a special electrical tool to
cauterize the blood vessels.
4. Follow Up

9. NOSE BLEED

Broken noses often are not fixed immediately. The health

care provider will refer the person to a specialist for a
consultation once the swelling goes down.
The person should avoid strenuous activity; bending over;
and blowing, rubbing or picking the nose until it heals.

1. Stop the Bleeding

10. DRUG ALLERGY

Have the person sit up straight and lean forward slightly.

Don't have the person lie down or tilt the head backward.
With thumb and index finger, firmly pinch the nose just
below the bone up against the face.
Apply pressure for 5 minutes. Time yourself with a clock.
If bleeding continues after 5 minutes, repeat the process.

2. Call a Health Care Provider

EMERGENCY! SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL HELP IF PERSON

HAS:

Difficulty breathing or wheezing

Tightness in the throat or a feeling that the airways are
closing
Hoarseness or trouble speaking

Swollen lips, tongue, or throat

Nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
Fast heartbeat or pulse
Anxiety or dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Hives and trouble breathing
Other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Had severe reactions in the past
1. When to See a Doctor
See a doctor immediately for these symptoms:

A fast-spreading painful red or blistered area on the skin

Top layer of skin peels off in sheets without blistering
Scalded-looking raw areas of flesh
Discomfort

Fever
Condition spreading to eyes, mouth, and genitals
Call the doctor as soon as possible if the person has:
Swollen face, tongue, or lips, even without breathing difficulty
or increase in swelling
Skin rash, itching, a feeling of warmth, or hives

See Severe Allergic Reaction Treatment.

2. Stop Taking the Drug that Triggered the Reaction
3. Control Itching
For a mild reaction:

Give an adult an over-the-counter antihistamine. Check with

a doctor before giving an antihistamine to a child.
Use cool compresses on the area or have the person take
cool showers.
Avoid strong soaps, detergents, and other chemicals.
Stay in a cool room. Have the person wear loose-fitting,
lightweight clothes.
For a rash, apply calamine lotion.
4. Follow Up
Call or see a doctor if home treatment doesn't help or
symptoms get worse.
Talk to the doctor about an alternative medicine and what
drug(s) to avoid in the future.
Serious symptoms may require a hospital stay.

11. ELECTRIC SHOCK

Electrical shocks always need emergency medical attention -even if the person seems to be fine afterward.
1. Separate the Person From Current's Source

To turn off power:

Unplug an appliance if plug is undamaged or shut off power
via circuit breaker, fuse box, or outside switch.
If you can't turn off power:
Stand on something dry and non-conductive, such as dry
newspapers, telephone book, or wooden board.
Try to separate the person from current using non-conductive
object such as wooden or plastic broom handle, chair, or
rubber doormat.
If high voltage lines are involved:
The local power company must shut them off.
Do not try to separate the person from current if you feel a
tingling sensation in your legs and lower body. Hop on one
foot to a safe place where you can wait for lines to be
disconnected.
If a power line falls on a car, instruct the passengers to stay
inside unless explosion or fire threatens.
2. Do CPR, if Necessary
When you can safely touch the person, do CPR if the person
is not breathing or does not have a pulse.

For a child, start CPR for children

For an adult, start adult CPR.

3. Check for Other Injuries

If the person is bleeding, apply pressure and elevate the

wound if it's in an arm or leg.

There may be a fracture if the shock caused the person to

fall.

For burns, see Burn Treatment.

5. Follow Up
A doctor will check the person for burns, fractures,
dislocations, and other injuries.
An ECG, blood tests, CT scan, or MRI may be necessary.
The person may be admitted to the hospital or a burn
center.