INJURIES

There are various types of injuries that can occur, ranging from minor to more severe. Some common types include:

· Sprains: This happens when ligaments, which connect bones at a joint, are stretched or torn.

· Strains: These occur when muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to bones, are stretched or torn.

· Fractures: This refers to a broken bone, which can happen due to a fall, impact, or excessive force.

· Dislocations: When a joint is forced out of its normal position, it is called a dislocation.

· Contusions: These are bruises that occur when small blood vessels under the skin are damaged, usually due to blunt force or impact.

· Cuts and lacerations: These are open wounds caused by sharp objects, such as knives or broken glass.

BANDAGE

One of the most important tools in first aid is Bandage. They are used to cover wounds and help stop bleeding. There are different types of bandages, like adhesive bandages for small cuts and gauze bandages for larger wounds. It's important to clean the wound before applying a bandage to prevent infection. Always make sure to have a variety of bandages in your first aid kit.

Adhesive bandages: Used for small cuts and scrapes. Gauze bandages: Used for larger wounds and can be secured with tape or a wrap. Elastic bandages: Provide compression and support for sprains or strains. Triangular bandages: Can be used to create slings or support injured limbs.

These are just a few examples, but there are many more specialized bandages available for specific needs.

WOUNDS

Here is a video of how to correctly use a roller bandage on an injury.

Injury with embedded objects

When we talk about an injury with embedded objects, it refers to a situation where an object becomes lodged or stuck in the body after an accident or injury. This can include situations like stepping on a nail, getting a piece of glass stuck in the skin, or being impaled by a sharp object. These injuries can be serious and require immediate medical attention. It's important to seek professional help to safely remove the embedded object and prevent further complication.

To solve an injury with embedded objects, it's important to follow these steps:

1. Stay calm and assess the situation: Take a moment to evaluate the injury and determine if it's safe to proceed.

2. Do not remove the object yourself: Removing the embedded object yourself can cause further damage or complications.

3. Control bleeding, if present: Apply gentle pressure around the wound using a clean cloth or sterile dressing to help minimize bleeding.

4. Use two dressing and apply it to either side of the embedded object to prevent it from moving. Use another dressing, to put both the first dressing in place whilst ensuring no pressure is directly exerted on the object.

5. Then, put a roller bandage on the object and the dressings to immobilise and control the bleeding.

6. Now, transport the casualty to the nearby hospital or contact the Medical Emergency Service.

FRACTURE

A fracture is a broken or cracked bone.

Silent symptoms:

Pain (tenderness), Loss of control that is unable to use that part, swelling, deformity, bruising, shortenings (overlapping of bones), grating (bone moving).

In a close fracture, the skin is intact whereas in an open fracture there is an associated injury.

THE ARM SLING

In first aid, an arm sling can be used to provide support and immobilization for certain arm injuries. It helps to reduce pain, prevent further damage, and promote healing.

To create an arm sling in first aid:

Find a triangular bandage or a large piece of fabric.
Fold the fabric into a triangle shape.
Place the point of the triangle at the injured side of the neck.
Bring the ends of the fabric around the back and over the opposite shoulder, crossing them.
Bring the ends under the injured arm and tie them securely at the side of the neck.

Some common arm injuries that may require the use of a sling include:

· Fractures or broken bones: A sling can help immobilize the arm and provide support while the bone heals.

· Dislocations: When a joint in the arm, such as the shoulder or elbow, is forcefully moved out of its normal position, a sling can help stabilize the joint during the healing process.

· Sprains or strains: In cases where ligaments or muscles in the arm are stretched or torn, a sling can help alleviate pain and provide support to promote healing. Such as the arm, the forearm and the wrist.

· Fractured rib, so as to minimise pressure on the rib.

· Tendon injuries: If a tendon in the arm is injured or ruptured, a sling can help protect the affected area and minimize movement to aid in recovery.

THE ELEVATION SLING

This type of sling is used when there is swelling or to reduce blood flow to an injured arm. It involves creating a traditional triangle sling, but instead of tying the ends behind the neck, they are secured to a higher point, such as a coat hanger or a hook, to elevate the arm.

We can make use of an elevation sling in the following scenarios:

Fracture of Finger Bone

Twisted wrist so as do reduce blood pressure to minimise pain

Severe Bleeding so as to reduce blood pressure on the limb

Burn Hand.

HEAD INJURY

If ever a person has sufferred a severe head injury, you will notice cerebral fluid coming from the head, bleeding nose, bleeding ears or even uneven pupils

IMMEDIATELY CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE!

If ever the head injury is not that severe, treat scalp wounds to stop bleeding and bring the person to the hospital.

SPRAIN AND STRAIN

· Sprains: This happens when ligaments, which connect bones at a joint, are stretched or torn.

· Strains: These occur when muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to bones, are stretched or torn.

The treatment for sprain and strain are the same as follows:

Activate the RICE protocol.

R = Rest Affected Part

I = Ice pack will help constrict the blood vessel, this will help reduce the pain.

C = Comfort the casualty

E = Elevate the injured part so as to decrease the blood pressure on it in order to reduce swelling.

If pain persist, put soft bandage and send to hospital.

Also, you should Do No Harm.

H = No Heat as heat will dilate the blood vessel and pain will increase

A = No Alcohol

R = No Running

M = No Massage

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