Nobody wants an emergency to happen in their home, but unfortunately we just never know. It is one of those things that one would rather be prepared for, than be caught by surprise.
Firstly, make sure that everyone in your home knows the number for your nearest/most reliable Ambulance Emergency Service and where the nearest Emergency Department is located.
With children in the home, anything can happen! You want to have a cupboard or shelf in your home with necessary first aid equipment, it should be easy to access but out of small children’s reach. It needs to be kept well stocked and reasonably organised. I will mention a few items I suggest are available.
Burns can be nasty. In the case of a thermal, heat source burn, be sure to remove the offending source and burnt clothes.
Immerse the wound in cold water (1 to 5 Degrees Celsius). Do not apply ice directly or use icy water, as this can worsen the skin damage.
Burn shield pads can be placed onto a burn once cooled. If a chemical has caused the burn, best to irrigate the wound with sterile water to attempt to limit the extent of the burn. Any burn that has broken the skin or covers a significant body surface area should be assessed by your local doctor or emergency unit.
Cuts and bruises can happen easily. If there is blood, it is important to remember to first protect yourself by wearing gloves. Apply firm pressure to a bleeding wound with gauze or a piece of fabric (a t-shirt for example). Avoid cotton wool as the fibres tend to get trapped in wounds. Clean the wound with Sterile water or diluted anti-septic liquid, and if still bleeding then apply a pressure bandage – gauze and crepe works best – while en route to your emergency centre for further treatment. Mild grazes should also be cleaned and kept hydrated initially with an antiseptic ointment and a plaster/stick-on dressing.
If there is concern of a deeper injury, such as bone or muscle injury then it is best to immobilise the joint and support it with a firm straight object such as a piece of broom stick. Then this splint should be tied to the affected area either using crepe bandage or items of clothing. By keeping the painful limb in one position, this should limit the pain while transporting to the hospital. Rather don’t give anything to eat or drink if there is potential for the child needing sedation or surgery to repair the injury.
As we approach summertime, and hopefully spend more time outdoors, there is a tendency for injuries to occur, therefore best to be prepared.
By Dr Megan Broughton, www.umhlangagp.net.