HOW TO TREAT BUG BITES

Insects, spiders, and scorpions are capable of causing very painful reactions. Bites and stings can be dangerous, but are rarely fatal.
Bug bites are dangerous because of the possibility of anaphylaxis.

Spider bites and scorpion stings can be more worrisome. The reality, however, is that most bites are from unidentified bugs.

There are specific treatments for bee stings and removing ticks.

Difficulty: N/A
Time Required: N/A
Here's How:
Stay Safe! Follow universal precautions and wear personal protective equipment if you have it. If a stinger is present, follow the directions for treating bee stings.

Apply an ice pack to the site of the sting. Alternate on and off to prevent tissue damage - usually 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.

If the victim exhibits any of the following, consider the possibility of anaphylaxis:
itching
swelling (other than the site of the sting)
shortness of breath
heart palpitations
chest pain
weakness
dizziness
hives or redness

If the victim has any involuntary muscle movements, call 911 immediately.

Try to identify the bug. If the bug is dead, scoop it up and take it with you to the emergency department. Be careful, even dead bugs have venom.

For pain relief, try sting swabs (compare prices). Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are also good for pain.
Bark scorpion stings can cause numbness and tingling in the tissue around the bite. If the site is tingling or burning, see a doctor.

Tips:
Spiders like damp, dark areas the best. Be aware around wood piles, attics, and cellars.
The two common North American poisonous spiders are the black widow and the brown recluse.
Scorpions are undeniably ugly but rarely fatal pests. Arizona, New Mexico, some of Nevada and Utah, and the California side of the Colorado River are known for the bark scorpion, a particularly nasty critter.
Scorpions come out at night, so take care to check bedding before snuggling in. Scorpions are also notorious stowaways; inspect baggage before and after heading home.
There is an antitoxin available for bark scorpions, but it is only available in Arizona and it is not FDA-approved.

source:firstaid.about.com

INSECT BITES AND STINGS FIRST AID

Signs and symptoms of an insect bite result from the injection of venom or other substances into your skin. The venom triggers an allergic reaction. The severity of your reaction depends on your sensitivity to the insect venom or substance.

Most reactions to insect bites are mild, causing little more than an annoying itching or stinging sensation and mild swelling that disappear within a day or so. A delayed reaction may cause fever, hives, painful joints and swollen glands. You might experience both the immediate and the delayed reactions from the same insect bite or sting. Only a small percentage of people develop severe reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect venom. Signs and symptoms of a severe reaction include:

Facial swelling
Difficulty breathing
Abdominal pain
Shock
Bites from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants are typically the most troublesome. Bites from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies and some spiders also can cause reactions, but these are generally milder.

For mild reactions

Move to a safe area to avoid more stings.
Scrape or brush off the stinger with a straight-edged object, such as a credit card or the back of a knife. Wash the affected area with soap and water. Don't try to pull out the stinger. Doing so may release more venom.
Apply a cold pack or cloth filled with ice to reduce pain and swelling.
Apply hydrocortisone cream (0.5 percent or 1 percent), calamine lotion or a baking soda paste — with a ratio of 3 teaspoons baking soda to 1 teaspoon water — to the bite or sting several times a day until your symptoms subside.
Take an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol Severe Allergy) or chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton, Actifed).
Allergic reactions may include mild nausea and intestinal cramps, diarrhea or swelling larger than 2 inches in diameter at the site. See your doctor promptly if you experience any of these signs and symptoms.

For severe reactions

Severe reactions may progress rapidly. Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance if the following signs or symptoms occur:

Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the lips or throat
Faintness
Dizziness
Confusion
Rapid heartbeat
Hives
Nausea, cramps and vomiting
Take these actions immediately while waiting with an affected person for medical help:

Check for special medications that the person might be carrying to treat an allergic attack, such as an auto-injector of epinephrine (for example, EpiPen). Administer the drug as directed — usually by pressing the auto-injector against the person's thigh and holding it in place for several seconds. Massage the injection site for 10 seconds to enhance absorption.
Have the person take an antihistamine pill if he or she is able to do so without choking, after administering epinephrine.
Have the person lie still on his or her back with feet higher than the head.
Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give anything to drink.
Turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking, if there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth.
Begin CPR, if there are no signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement).
If your doctor has prescribed an auto-injector of epinephrine, read the instructions before a problem develops and also have your household members read them.

source:mayoclinic.com

HYPOTHERMIA FIRST AID

Under most conditions your body maintains a healthy temperature. However, when exposed to cold temperatures or to a cool, damp environment for prolonged periods, your body's control mechanisms may fail to keep your body temperature normal. When more heat is lost than your body can generate, hypothermia can result.

Wet or inadequate clothing, falling into cold water, and even having an uncovered head during cold weather can all increase your chances of hypothermia.

Hypothermia is defined as an internal body temperature less than 95 F (35 C). Signs and symptoms include:

Shivering
Slurred speech
Abnormally slow breathing
Cold, pale skin
Loss of coordination
Fatigue, lethargy or apathy
Confusion or memory loss
Signs and symptoms usually develop slowly. People with hypothermia typically experience gradual loss of mental acuity and physical ability, so they may be unaware that they need emergency medical treatment.

Older adults, infants, young children and people who are very lean are at particular risk. Other people at higher risk of hypothermia include those whose judgment may be impaired by mental illness or Alzheimer's disease and people who are intoxicated, homeless or caught in cold weather because their vehicles have broken down. Other conditions that may predispose people to hypothermia are malnutrition, cardiovascular disease and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

To care for someone with hypothermia:

Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance. While waiting for help to arrive, monitor the person's breathing. If breathing stops or seems dangerously slow or shallow, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
Move the person out of the cold. If going indoors isn't possible, protect the person from the wind, cover his or her head, and insulate his or her body from the cold ground.
Remove wet clothing. Replace wet things with a warm, dry covering.
Don't apply direct heat. Don't use hot water, a heating pad or a heating lamp to warm the victim. Instead, apply warm compresses to the neck, chest wall and groin. Don't attempt to warm the arms and legs. Heat applied to the arms and legs forces cold blood back toward the heart, lungs and brain, causing the core body temperature to drop. This can be fatal.
Don't give the person alcohol. Offer warm nonalcoholic drinks, unless the person is vomiting.
Don't massage or rub the person. Handle people with hypothermia gently, because they're at risk of cardiac arrest.

source:mayoclinic.com

HYPOGLYCEMIA FIRST AID

The most common emergency facing victims of diabetes is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia happens when the victim has taken too much medication, or took the right amount of medication but did not eat. Hypoglycemia can also happen as a result of infection or increased exertion.
Hypoglycemia symptoms include trembling in the hands and arms, decreased muscle coordination, confusion, coma, and sometimes death. Follow this if you suspect someone with diabetes is not acting appropriately:

Difficulty: N/A
Time Required: Until help arrives
Here's How:
Safety is always first. Always follow the basics of first aid. There are many causes of unconsciousness that are not related to diabetes. If you feel the area is not safe, stay back and summon help. You are no help to the victim if you get hurt. Follow universal precautions and wear personal protective equipment if you have it.

If the victim is conscious and able to follow your commands, have the victim eat or drink something sweet. There are glucose gel products on the market just for this use. Other than gel products, juices work best. Victims can even eat frozen juice concentrate right out of the can with a spoon.

If the victim is unconscious, place the victim in the recovery position and call 911.

Monitor the victim and wait for the ambulance. Follow the basic steps for first aid while you wait.

Self-Care at Home
A glucose monitor is available for people to check their own blood sugars in the comfort and privacy of their own home.


Usually this entails sticking yourself in the finger with a tiny needle called a lancet to get a drop of blood.


The blood is transferred to a special strip of paper that is then placed into the glucose meter, or glucometer, which analyzes the blood. This gives a numeric reading that corresponds to the blood glucose level.
If you find someone who has the symptoms of low blood sugar, look for clues that explain the symptoms.


If the person has diabetes and still has his or her insulin and a recently disposed needle, you can presume that a change in their level of consciousness may be due to low blood sugar (they have accidentally taken too much insulin).


If the person is awake enough to drink something, you can give them a cup of orange juice with sugar. If low blood sugar was the cause of their confusion, they will improve after a few minutes.
Medical Treatment
Treatment, either in the hospital or at your doctor's office, usually includes IV glucose or glucagon injections given into your muscle.

source:firstaid.about.com and firstaid.webmd.com

HYPERGLYCEMIA FIRST AID

Hyperglycemia is most likely to occur in an undiagnosed diabetic. Diabetes is generally first noticed in early adolescence or in middle age. If left untreated, a high blood sugar level will lead to unconsciousness and death. Onset may be gradual with deterioration often happening over a number of days.

Treatment of Hyperglycemia
During the early stages, encourage immediate contact with the local doctor. If this is difficult, or the condition deteriorates, take or send the person to hospital. Monitor airway and breathing and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary.

Signs and symptoms of Hyperglycemia
Early signs:

Wanting to drink a lot (the body is trying to flush sugar from the system)
Passing water regularly (urine may smell sweet)
Lethargy
As the condition deteriorates:

Dry skin and rapid pulse
Deep, labored breathing
Increasing drowsiness
Breath or skin smells strongly of acetone (like nail-polish remover) as the body tries to get rid of sugar

source:total-health-care.com

HEAVY BLEEDING FIRST AID

If possible, before you try to stop severe bleeding, wash your hands to avoid infection and put on synthetic gloves. Don't reposition displaced organs. If the wound is abdominal and organs have been displaced, don't try to push them back into place. Cover the wound with a dressing.

For other cases of severe bleeding, follow these steps:

Have the injured person lie down. If possible, position the person's head slightly lower than the trunk or elevate the legs. This position reduces the risk of fainting by increasing blood flow to the brain. If possible, elevate the site of bleeding.
While wearing gloves, remove any obvious dirt or debris from the wound. Don't remove any large or more deeply embedded objects. Don't probe the wound or attempt to clean it at this point. Your principal concern is to stop the bleeding.
Apply pressure directly on the wound. Use a sterile bandage, clean cloth or even a piece of clothing. If nothing else is available, use your hand.
Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops. Hold continuous pressure for at least 20 minutes without looking to see if the bleeding has stopped. You can maintain pressure by binding the wound tightly with a bandage (or even a piece of clean clothing) and adhesive tape.
Don't remove the gauze or bandage. If the bleeding continues and seeps through the gauze or other material you are holding on the wound, don't remove it. Instead, add more absorbent material on top of it.
Squeeze a main artery if necessary. If the bleeding doesn't stop with direct pressure, apply pressure to the artery delivering blood to the area of the wound. Pressure points of the arm are on the inside of the arm just above the elbow and just below the armpit. Pressure points of the leg are just behind the knee and in the groin. Squeeze the main artery in these areas against the bone. Keep your fingers flat. With your other hand, continue to exert pressure on the wound itself.
Immobilize the injured body part once the bleeding has stopped. Leave the bandages in place and get the injured person to the emergency room as soon as possible.
If you suspect internal bleeding, call 911 or your local emergency number. Signs of internal bleeding may include:

Bleeding from body cavities (such as the ears, nose, rectum or vagina)
Vomiting or coughing up blood
Bruising on neck, chest, abdomen or side (between ribs and hip)
Wounds that have penetrated the skull, chest or abdomen
Abdominal tenderness, possibly accompanied by rigidity or spasm of abdominal muscles
Fractures
Shock, indicated by weakness, anxiety, thirst or skin that's cool to the touch

source:mayoclinic

HEAT ILLNESSES FIRST AID

Heat Production, Heat Illnesses and First Aid

Regulating Body Temperature
Heat Illnesses and First Aid

Regulating Body Temperature

A body at work generates heat faster than at rest, often more than needed. The body protects itself by dissipating excess heat to the environment through mechanisms that include vasodilatation and sweating. When the body's core temperature exceeds 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, vasodilatation begins as the heart increases blood flow to microscopic vessels (capillaries) in the upper layers of skin. Excess heat is then transferred to the cooler exterior environment. If, however, increased blood circulation to the skin cannot sufficiently cool the body, or if the surrounding air is warmer than the skin, then the brain signals sweat glands to release sweat onto the skin. The sweat then evaporates, carrying additional heat from the body as it undergoes the phase transition from liquid to vapor. High ambient humidity decreases the rate of sweat evaporation and consequently the body's capacity to dissipate heat through this mechanism.

Vasodilatation and sweating, however, can impair worker strength and comfort in three ways. First, as blood drains from the internal organs and muscles to the skin, less oxygen is carried to the brain and muscles. Workers then experience higher levels of muscle fatigue and lower mental alertness. Second, water loss through sweating exacerbates fatigue by decreasing blood volume and increasing viscosity. This further decreases the amount of oxygen carried to muscles. In addition, as water volume diminishes, the body's ability to cool itself through vasodilatation and sweating is impaired and its core temperature rises. Third, though most diets provide ample electrolytes, prolonged periods of intense sweating can result in electrolyte deficiencies that cause severe heat cramps. To maintain comfort and health when working in a hot environment, it is critical for workers to replace both the water and electrolytes they lose through sweating. If workers' fluids are not replenished at the same rate they are lost, or if they lack the electrolytes necessary to process water, their body cannot effectively lower their core temperature and the possibility of Heat stress rises.



Heat Illnesses and First Aid

Heat stress is a condition in which the body has problems dissipating excess heat. Results of inadequate heat dissipation range from general discomfort to symptoms of heat rash, heat syncope, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Below is a chart of Heat Illness and their proper treatment based on guidlines from the National Weather Service.

Heat Illness First Aid

Heat rash:

The least severe of heat illnesses, occurs when sweat clogs pores. Though heat rash usually causes only temporary discomfort, it can develop into an infection. Beyond the more subtle impairments to productive capacity that results from fatigue, heat-related illnesses may also lead to complete disruptions of work. Cleanse the affected area thoroughly and dry completely. Calamine or other soothing lotion may help relieve the discomfort.

Heat syncope,

This, may affect people who are not acclimatized to working in hot environments. Syncope generally is the sudden loss of consciousness due to lack of sufficient blood and oxygen to the brain. Heat stress can cause it by "diverting" blood to the lower body or extremities at the expense of the brain. Rest in shade, drink plenty of water. Water is recommended but electrolyte fluids may be used.

Heat cramps

Heat cramps are often extremely uncomfortable and can be completely disabling. They typically occur during or after hard work and are caused by electrolyte deficiencies that result from extended periods of intense sweating. Symptoms include painful spasms of leg, arm or abdominal muscles, heavy sweating, and thirst. Rest, drink plenty of water. Water is recommended but electrolyte fluids may be used.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion also occurs during work but results from dehydration, lack of acclimatization, reduction of blood in circulation, strain on circulatory system, and reduced flow of blood to the brain. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, headache, dizziness, muscle weakness, nausea, chills, tingling of hands or feet, confusion, loss of coordination, fainting and collapse. Rest in the shade or cool place. Drink plenty of water (preferred) or electrolyte fluids.

Heat stroke

Heat Stroke can occur suddenly if heat exhaustion is ignored, and it can be fatal. At this extreme state of heat stress, the body typically has a core temperature exceeding 104 degrees F and can no longer cool itself. A person suffering heat stroke needs immediate attention and should be taken to a medical facility as soon as possible. This is a Medical Emergency!! Brain damage and death are possible. Douse the body continuously with a cool liquid and summon medical aid immediately.

source:are.berkeley.edu

HEAT EXHAUSTION FIRST AID

Heat exhaustion is one of the heat-related syndromes, which range in severity from mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion to potentially life-threatening heatstroke.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion often begin suddenly, sometimes after excessive exercise, heavy perspiration and inadequate fluid intake. Signs and symptoms resemble those of shock and may include:

Feeling faint or dizzy
Nausea
Heavy sweating
Rapid, weak heartbeat
Low blood pressure
Cool, moist, pale skin
Low-grade fever
Heat cramps
Headache
Fatigue
Dark-colored urine
If you suspect heat exhaustion:

Get the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned location.
Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly.
Loosen or remove the person's clothing.
Have the person drink cool water.
Cool the person by spraying or sponging him or her with cool water and fanning.
Monitor the person carefully. Heat exhaustion can quickly become heatstroke.
If fever greater than 102 F (38.9 C), fainting, confusion or seizures occur, dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance.


source:mayoclinic.com

HEART ATTACK : FIRST AID

What is Heart attack?
Symptoms
First aid
Prevention

What is heart attack?
Occurs when blood supply to vital organs gets blocked

>50years / menopausal women at greater risk

Occurs with / without chest pain

Sudden arrest of breathing / heart function

May result in cardiopulmonary arrest

Clot in the arteries blocks blood supply

Occurs due to:
a. Deposits of calcium / cholesterol
b. Hereditary factors
c. Tobacco
d. Obesity
e. High blood pressure
f. Emotional stress
g. Inflammatory disease of arteries
h. Trauma / disease of heart


Symptoms

Chest pain

Shoulder/arm pain

Shortness of breath

Sweating

Heartburn

Nausea

Abdominal pain

First aid

Try to relax

Loosen tight clothes

Take medicines if any

Pain subsides within 3 min of medicine intake

If not, see a doctor.

Give artifical respiration if required

Give Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) :
a. If no pulse is detected
b. By placing palm on chest to pump

15 pumps are followed by 2 artificial respiration

Continue till ambulance / doctor arrives

Prevention

Routine health check-up

Avoid stress

Quit smoking / alcohol

Eat sensibly

Control blood pressure / diabetes

Control weight


source:medindia.net