First Aid and Emergencies

Source: MedlinePlus.gov

Anaphylaxis: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
A life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can cause shock, a sudden drop in blood pressure and trouble breathing.
In people who have an allergy, anaphylaxis can occur minutes after exposure to a specific allergy-causing substance (allergen).
In some cases, there may be a delayed reaction or anaphylaxis may occur without an apparent trigger.

Immediately call 911 or your local medical emergency number.
Ask the person if he or she is carrying an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others) to treat an allergic attack.
If the person says he or she needs to use an autoinjector, ask whether you should help inject the medication. This is usually done by pressing the autoinjector against the person's thigh.
Have the person lie still on his or her back.
Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give the person anything to drink.
If there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking.
If there are no signs of breathing, coughing or movement, begin CPR. Do uninterrupted chest presses � about 100 every minute � until paramedics arrive.
Get emergency treatment even if symptoms start to improve. After anaphylaxis, it's possible for symptoms to recur. Monitoring in a hospital for several hours is usually necessary.

If you're with someone having signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, don't wait to see whether symptoms get better. Seek emergency treatment right away.
In severe cases, untreated anaphylaxis can lead to death within half an hour. An antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), isn't sufficient to treat anaphylaxis.
These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms, but work too slowly in a severe reaction.

Skin reactions, including hives, itching, and flushed or pale skin
Swelling of the face, eyes, lips or throat
Constriction of the airways, leading to wheezing and trouble breathing
A weak and rapid pulse
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Dizziness, fainting or unconsciousness

Some common anaphylaxis triggers include:

Medications
Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish
Insect stings from bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets and fire ants

If you've had any kind of severe allergic reaction in the past, ask your doctor if you should be prescribed an epinephrine autoinjector to carry with you.

Choking: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. In adults, a piece of food often is the culprit.
Young children often swallow small objects. Because choking cuts off oxygen to the brain, administer first aid as quickly as possible.
The universal sign for choking is hands clutched to the throat. If the person doesn't give the signal, look for these indications:

Inability to talk
Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
Inability to cough forcefully
Skin, lips and nails turning blue or dusky
Loss of consciousness

If choking is occurring, the Red Cross recommends a "five-and-five" approach to delivering first aid:

Give 5 back blows. First, deliver five back blows between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
Give 5 abdominal thrusts. Perform five abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver).
Alternate between 5 blows and 5 thrusts until the blockage is dislodged.

The American Heart Association doesn't teach the back blow technique, only the abdominal thrust procedures.
It's OK not to use back blows, if you haven't learned the technique. Both approaches are acceptable.
To perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on someone else:

Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around the waist. Tip the person forward slightly.
Make a fist with one hand. Position it slightly above the person's navel.
Grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust � as if trying to lift the person up.
Perform a total of 5 abdominal thrusts, if needed. If the blockage still isn't dislodged, repeat the five-and-five cycle.

If you're the only rescuer, perform back blows and abdominal thrusts before calling 911 or your local emergency number for help. If another person is available, have that person call for help while you perform first aid.
If the person becomes unconscious, perform standard CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths.

To perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on yourself:
First, if you're alone and choking, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Then, although you'll be unable to effectively deliver back blows to yourself, you can still perform abdominal thrusts to dislodge the item.

Place a fist slightly above your navel.
Grasp your fist with the other hand and bend over a hard surface � a countertop or chair will do.
Shove your fist inward and upward.

To clear the airway of a pregnant woman or obese person:

Position your hands a little bit higher than with a normal Heimlich maneuver, at the base of the breastbone, just above the joining of the lowest ribs.
Proceed as with the Heimlich maneuver, pressing hard into the chest, with a quick thrust.
Repeat until the food or other blockage is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious.

To clear the airway of an unconscious person:

Lower the person on his or her back onto the floor.
Clear the airway. If a blockage is visible at the back of the throat or high in the throat, reach a finger into the mouth and sweep out the cause of the blockage. Be careful not to push the food or object deeper into the airway, which can happen easily in young children.
Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the object remains lodged and the person doesn't respond after you take the above measures. The chest compressions used in CPR may dislodge the object. Remember to recheck the mouth periodically.

To clear the airway of a choking infant younger than age 1:

Assume a seated position and hold the infant facedown on your forearm, which is resting on your thigh.

Thump the infant gently but firmly five times on the middle of the back using the heel of your hand. The combination of gravity and the back blows should release the blocking object.

Hold the infant faceup on your forearm with the head lower than the trunk if the above doesn't work. Using two fingers placed at the center of the infant's breastbone, give five quick chest compressions.

Repeat the back blows and chest thrusts if breathing doesn't resume. Call for emergency medical help.

Begin infant CPR if one of these techniques opens the airway but the infant doesn't resume breathing. If the child is older than age 1, give abdominal thrusts only.
To prepare yourself for these situations, learn the Heimlich maneuver and CPR in a certified first-aid training course.

First Aid: Burns (American Academy of Family Physicians)
How long does it take for burns to heal?

First-degree burns usually heal in 3 to 6 days.
First-degree burns usually heal in 3 to 6 days.
Second-degree burns usually heal in 2 to 3 weeks
Third-degree burns usually take a very long time to heal.

How are burns treated?
The treatment depends on what kind of burn you have.
See a doctor if:

A first- or second-degree burn covers an area larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
The burn is on your face, over a major joint (such as the knee or shoulder), on the hands, feet or genitals.
The burn is a third-degree burn, which requires immediate medical attention.

First-degree burn
Soak the burn in cool water for at least 5 minutes. The cool water helps reduce swelling by pulling heat away from the burned skin.
Treat the burn with a skin care product that protects and heals skin, such as aloe vera cream or an antibiotic ointment.
You can wrap a dry gauze bandage loosely around the burn. This will protect the area and keep the air off of it.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (some brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (brand name: Aleve), to help with the pain. Ibuprofen and naproxen will also help with swelling.

Second-degree burn
Soak the burn in cool water for 15 minutes. If the burned area is small, put cool, clean, wet cloths on the burn for a few minutes every day.
Then put on an antibiotic cream, or other creams or ointments prescribed by your doctor. Cover the burn with a dry nonstick dressing (for example, Telfa) held in place with gauze or tape.
Check with your doctor's office to make sure you are up-to-date on tetanus shots.
Change the dressing every day. First, wash your hands with soap and water. Then gently wash the burn and put antibiotic ointment on it.
If the burn area is small, a dressing may not be needed during the day. Check the burn every day for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling or pus.
If you see any of these signs, see your doctor right away. To prevent infection, avoid breaking any blisters that form.
Burned skin itches as it heals. Keep your fingernails cut short and don't scratch the burned skin.
The burned area will be sensitive to sunlight for up to one year, so you should apply sunscreen to the area when you're outside.

Third-degree burn
For third-degree burns, go to the hospital right away. Don't take off any clothing that is stuck to the burn.
Don't soak the burn in water or apply any ointment. If possible, raise the burned area above the level of the heart.
You can cover the burn with a cool, wet sterile bandage or clean cloth until you receive medical assistance.

Is there anything I shouldn't do when treating a burn?
Do not put butter or oil on burns. Do not put ice or ice water directly on second- or third-degree burns.
If blisters form over the burn, do not break them. These things can cause more damage to the skin.

What do I need to know about electrical and chemical burns?
A person who has an electrical burn (for example, from a power line) should go to the hospital right away.
Electrical burns often cause serious injury to organs inside the body.
This injury may not show on the skin.
A chemical burn should be flushed with large amounts of cool water. Take off any clothing or jewelry that has the chemical on it.
Don't put anything on the burned area, such as antibiotic ointment. This might start a chemical reaction that could make the burn worse.
You can wrap the burn with dry, sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
If you don't know what to do, call 911 or your local poison control center, or see your doctor right away.

First Aid: Cuts, Scrapes and Stitches American Academy of Family Physicians
How should I clean a wound?
The best way to clean a cut, scrape or puncture wound (such as a wound from a nail) is with cool water.
You can hold the wound under running water or fill a tub with cool water and pour it from a cup over the wound.
Use soap and a soft washcloth to clean the skin around the wound. Try to keep soap out of the wound itself because soap can cause irritation.
Use tweezers that have been cleaned in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) to remove any dirt that remains in the wound after washing.
Even though it may seem that you should use a stronger cleansing solution (such as hydrogen peroxide or iodine), these things may irritate wounds.
Ask your family doctor if you feel you must use something other than water.

What about bleeding?
Bleeding helps clean out wounds. Most small cuts or scrapes will stop bleeding in a short time.
Wounds on the face, head or mouth will sometimes bleed a lot because these areas are rich in blood vessels.
To stop the bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure on the cut with a clean cloth, tissue or piece of gauze. If the blood soaks through the gauze or cloth you're holding over the cut, don't take it off.
Just put more gauze or another cloth on top of what you already have in place and apply more pressure for 20 to 30 minutes.
If your wound is on an arm or leg, raising it above your heart will also help slow the bleeding.

Should I use a bandage?
Leaving a wound uncovered helps it stay dry and helps it heal. If the wound isn't in an area that will get dirty or be rubbed by clothing, you don't have to cover it.
If it's in an area that will get dirty (such as your hand) or be irritated by clothing (such as your knee), cover it with an adhesive strip (one brand: Band-Aid) or with sterile gauze and adhesive tape.
Change the bandage each day to keep the wound clean and dry.
Certain wounds, such as scrapes that cover a large area of the body, should be kept moist and clean to help reduce scarring and speed healing.
Bandages used for this purpose are called occlusive or semiocclusive bandages. You can buy them in drug stores without a prescription.
Your family doctor will tell you if he or she thinks this type of bandage is best for you.

Should I use an antibiotic ointment?
Antibiotic ointments (some brand names: Neosporin, Ultra Mide) help healing by keeping out infection and by keeping the wound clean and moist.
A bandage does pretty much the same thing. If you have stitches, your doctor will tell you whether he or she wants you to use an antibiotic ointment.
Most minor cuts and scrapes will heal just fine without antibiotic ointment, but it can help the wound close up and help reduce scarring.

What should I do about scabs?
Nothing. Scabs are the body's way of bandaging itself. They form to protect wounds from dirt. It's best to leave them alone and not pick at them.
They will fall off by themselves when the time is right.

When should I call my doctor?
Call your doctor if your wound is deep, if you can't get the edges to stay together or if the edges are jagged.
Your doctor may want to close your wound with stitches or skin adhesive. These things can help reduce the amount of scarring.
You can close small cuts yourself with special tape, called butterfly tape, or special adhesive strips, such as Steri-Strips.

How do I take care of stitches?
You can usually wash an area that has been stitched in 1 to 3 days. Washing off dirt and the crust that may form around the stitches helps reduce scarring.
If the wound drains clear yellow fluid, you may need to cover it.
Your doctor may suggest that you rinse the wound with water and rebandage it in 24 hours. Be sure to dry it well after washing.
You may want to keep the wound elevated above your heart for the first few days to help lessen swelling, reduce pain and speed healing.
Your doctor may also suggest using a small amount of antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
The ointment also keeps a heavy scab from forming and may reduce the size of a scar.
Stitches are usually removed in 3 to 14 days, depending on where the cut is located. Areas that move, such as over or around the joints, require more time to heal.

What is skin adhesive?
Skin adhesive is another way to close small wounds. Your doctor will apply a liquid film to your wound and let it dry.
The film holds the edges of your wound together. You can leave the film on your skin until it falls off (usually in 5 to 10 days).
It's important not to scratch or pick at the adhesive on your wound. If your doctor puts a bandage over the adhesive, you should be careful to keep the bandage dry.
Your doctor will probably ask you to change the bandage every day.
Don't put any ointment, including antibiotic ointment, on your wound when the skin adhesive is in place.
This could cause the adhesive to loosen and fall off too soon. You should also keep your wound out of direct light (such as sunlight or tanning booth lamps).
Keep an eye on your wound. Call your doctor if the skin around your wound becomes very red and warm to touch, or if the wound reopens.

Do I need a tetanus shot?
Tetanus is a serious infection you can get after a wound. The infection is also called "lockjaw," because stiffness of the jaw is the most frequent symptom.
To prevent tetanus infection when the wound is clean and minor, you'll need a tetanus shot if you haven't had at least 3 doses in your life, or haven't had a dose in the last 10 years.
When the wound is more serious, you'll need a tetanus shot if you haven't had at least 3 doses before or if you haven't had a shot in the last 5 years.
The best way to avoid tetanus infection is to talk to your family doctor to make sure your shots are up to date.

Call your family doctor if any of the following things occur

The wound is jagged
The wound is on your face
The edges of the cut gape open
The cut has dirt in it that won't come out
The cut becomes tender or inflamed
The cut drains a thick, creamy, grayish fluid
You start to run a temperature over 100�F
The area around the wound feels numb
You can't move comfortably
Red streaks form near the wound
It's a puncture wound or a deep cut and you haven't had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years
The cut bleeds in spurts, blood soaks through the bandage or the bleeding doesn't stop after 20 minutes of firm, direct pressure

Frostbite: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
When exposed to very cold temperatures, skin and underlying tissues may freeze, resulting in frostbite.
The areas most likely to be affected by frostbite are your fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin.
If your skin pales or turns red and is very cold, hard or waxy looking, you may have frostbite. You may also experience a prickling feeling or numbness.
With severe or deep frostbite, you may experience blistering and pain.
You can treat very mild frostbite (frostnip) with first-aid measures. All other frostbite requires medical attention.
First-aid steps for frostbite are as follows:

Check for hypothermia. Get emergency medical help if you suspect hypothermia. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include intense shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness and loss of coordination.
Protect your skin from further exposure. If you're outside, warm frostbitten hands by tucking them into your armpits. Protect your face, nose or ears by covering the area with dry, gloved hands. Don't rub the affected area and never rub snow on frostbitten skin.
Get out of the cold. Once you're indoors, remove wet clothes
Gently rewarm frostbitten areas. Soak hands or feet in warm water � 99 to 108 F (37 to 42 C) � for 15 to 30 minutes. If a thermometer isn't available, test the water by placing an uninjured hand or elbow in it � it should feel very warm � not hot.

Don't rewarm frostbitten skin with direct heat, such as a stove, heat lamp, fireplace or heating pad.
This can cause burns.

If there's any chance the affected areas will freeze again, don't thaw them. If they're already thawed, wrap them up so that they don't refreeze.
Take pain medicine. If you are in pain, take over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to reduce pain and inflammation.
Don't walk on frostbitten feet or toes if possible. This further damages the tissue.
Know what to expect as skin thaws. If the skin turns red and you feel tingling and burning as it warms, normal blood flow is returning. But seek emergency medical attention if the numbness or pain remains during warming or if blisters develop.

Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke (American Academy of Family Physicians)
What are heat exhaustion and heatstroke?
Heat exhaustion happens when your body gets too hot. If you don�t treat heat exhaustion, it can lead to heatstroke.
This occurs when your internal temperature reaches at least 104�F. Heatstroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion.
It can cause shock, organ failure, or brain damage. In extreme cases, heatstroke can kill you.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Symptoms of heat exhaustion are:

muscle cramps
heavy sweating
pale or cold skin
weakness and/or confusion
dizziness
headache
nausea or vomiting
fast heartbeat
dark-colored urine, which indicates dehydration

In addition to these symptoms, warning signs of heatstroke also include:

fever of 104�F or higher
flushed or red skin
lack of sweating
trouble breathing
fainting
seizures

What causes heat exhaustion and heatstroke?
Heat-related illnesses occur when your body can�t keep itself cool. As the temperature rises, your body dissolves sweat to stay cool.
On hot, humid days, the increased moisture in the air slows down this process. When your body can't cool, your temperature rises and you can become ill.
Hot weather and exercise are the main causes of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. In hot settings, you need to be mindful of the temperature outside.
The heat index is not the same as the temperature. It measures the air temperature plus the effects of humidity. A heat index of 90�F or higher is dangerous.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures increases your risk of heat-related illnesses.

How are heat exhaustion and heatstroke diagnosed?
If a person is displaying known heat illness symptoms, take their temperature. A reading of 104�F or more means they probably have heatstroke.
You should call 911 and get medical care right away.
Can heat exhaustion and heatstroke be prevented or avoided?
There are many things you can do to prevent heat-related illnesses. Babies, children, and elderly people are more sensitive to heat and require extra attention.
You also are at greater risk if you are ill or obese, or have heart disease. People who work outside or in a hot setting also are at risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Don't go outside when the temperature and heat index are high. If possible, stay indoors in air-conditioned areas.
If you must go outside, take the following precautions.

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat or using an umbrella.
Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration and lack of salt contribute to heat-related illnesses.

Some sports drinks can help replenish the salt in your body lost through sweating. Drink water or other fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you don�t feel thirsty. If your urine is clear, you are probably drinking enough fluids. Dark-colored urine is a sign that you�re dehydrated.

Avoid or limit drinks that contain caffeine (such as tea, coffee, and soda) or alcohol.
Schedule outdoor activities for cooler times of the day � before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Take frequent breaks from the heat and outdoor activities.
Do not stay or leave a child in your car when it is hot out. Even if you open the windows, the intense heat can be extremely dangerous.

Certain medicines can put you in danger of heatstroke. They affect the way your body reacts to heat.
Talk to your doctor if you take any of these or have an ongoing health problem. They can help you manage the heat with your condition.
These medicines include:

Antibiotics.
Allergy medicines (antihistamines).
Some medicines used to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease (beta-blockers and vasoconstrictors).
Some medicines that treat mental health problems (antidepressants and antipsychotics).
Seizure medicines (anticonvulsants).
Water pills (diuretics).
Laxatives.
Some diet pills.
Prescription acne medicines.
Illegal drugs, such as cocaine (amphetamines).

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke treatment
If you or someone else has heat exhaustion, treat symptoms in the following ways.

Get out of the heat quickly and into a cool place, or at least shade.
Lie down and elevate your legs to get blood flowing to your heart.
Take off any tight or extra clothing.
Apply cool towels to your skin or take a cool bath. This will help regulate and lower your internal body temperature.
Drink fluids, such as water or a sports drink. Do not guzzle them, but take sips. Do not drink fluids with caffeine or alcohol.

Call 911 if:

Symptoms don�t improve or they still have a fever of 102�F after 30 minutes of initial treatment.
The person goes into shock, faints, or has seizures.
The person is not breathing. You also should begin CPR right away to try and revive them.

Living with heat exhaustion and heatstroke
After you�ve had heat exhaustion or heatstroke, you will be sensitive to heat. This can last for about a week.
It�s important to rest and let your body recover. Avoid hot weather and exercise.
Ask your doctor when it�s safe to return to your normal activities.

Questions to ask your doctor

What are the warning signs of heat exhaustion and how can I prevent it from worsening?
What are heat cramps and who can get them?
What is heat rash and is it dangerous?
What should I do if I�m taking medicine that makes me sensitive to heat?
How much water should I drink when it�s hot outside?
What should I do if I work in a hot environment?

Learn CPR You Can Do It! (University of Washington, School of Medicine)
Learn CPR is a free public service supported by the University of Washington School of Medicine. Learn the basics of CPR - cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The American Heart Association issued updated CPR guidelines in October, 2015.
New! Two free mobile training apps for the iPhone and Android Phones.
Get the iPhone App Here - Get the Android App Here

CPR Information Illustrated Guides Detailing Cpr:

STANDARD CPR FOR ADULTS - CPR in three simple steps
COMPRESSION ONLY CPR FOR ADULTS - CPR in two simple steps
CPR FOR CHILDREN - CPR in three steps for small children
CPR FOR INFANTS - CPR for infants in five simple steps
STANDARD CPR POCKET GUIDE - Printable CPR instructions
COMPRESSION ONLY CPR POCKET GUIDE - Printable CPR instructions
CPR FOR CATS & DOGS - CPR instructions for your family pet

Video Demonstrations Watch Online Videos Detailing Correct First Aid:

STANDARD CPR FOR ADULTS VIDEO - Standard CPR techniques for adults
COMPRESSION ONLY CPR FOR ADULTS VIDEO - Hands-only CPR techniques for adults
CPR FOR CHILDREN VIDEO - CPR techniques for children
CPR FOR INFANTS VIDEO - CPR techniques for infants
CHOKING ADULT VIDEO - First aid for a choking conscious adult
CHOKING CHILD VIDEO - First aid for a choking conscious child
CHOKING INFANT VIDEO - First aid for a choking conscious infant
FREE iPHONE APP - Take the videos wherever you go free.
FREE ANDROID APP - Free training app for Android equipped phones.

Choking Information First Aid For Choking Victims:

CONSCIOUS ADULTS - First aid for a conscious adult
CONSCIOUS CHILD - First aid for a choking child
CONSCIOUS INFANTS - First aid for a choking infant

Fun And Facts Games, Links And Frequently Asked Questions:

CPR FAQ - Have a question about CPR? Check here first
CPR FACTS - Facts and general information about CPR
CPR LINKS - Links to other great CPR resources
CPR QUIZ - Think you're an expert? Take our quiz and test yourself
CPR HISTORY - Interested in learning about the history of CPR?
SELF CPR? - Click here to view information about this phenomenon.

This web site is to be used as a free guide and an informational resource, but it cannot replace real CPR or first aid training.
Please try to attend a CPR training course in your community and help save a life.

Nosebleeds (American Academy of Family Physicians)
Overview
Why is the nose prone to bleeding?
The nose has many blood vessels in it to help warm and humidify the air you breathe.
These vessels lie close to the surface, making them easy to injure.

Are nosebleeds serious?
A few nosebleeds stem from large vessels in the back of the nose. These nosebleeds can be dangerous. They may occur after an injury.
This type of nosebleed is more common in the elderly and is often due to high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, daily aspirin use or bleeding disorders.
Usually, the older the patient, the more serious the nosebleed.

You'll need to get medical attention if a nosebleed goes on for more than 20 minutes or if it occurs after an injury (such as a fall or a punch in the face), especially if you think you may have a broken nose.
A nosebleed after a fall or car accident could be a sign of internal bleeding.

Frequent nosebleeds may mean you have a more serious problem. For example, nosebleeds and bruising can be early signs of leukemia.
Nosebleeds can also be a sign of a blood clotting or blood vessel disorder, or a nasal tumor (both cancerous and non-cancerous).

Causes
What causes nosebleeds?
The most common causes are dryness (often caused by indoor heat in the winter) and nose picking.
These 2 things work together -- nose picking occurs more often when mucus in the nose is dry and crusty.

Other, less common, causes include injuries, colds, allergies or cocaine use.
Children may stick small objects up the nose. Older people may have atherosclerosis (which is the hardening of the arteries), infections, high blood pressure and blood clotting disorders, or they may be taking drugs that interfere with blood clotting, such as aspirin.
A rare cause of frequent nosebleeds is a disorder called hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Sometimes, the cause of nosebleeds can't be determined.

Prevention
Tips on preventing nosebleeds

Keep children's fingernails short to discourage nose picking.
Counteract the drying effects of indoor heated air by using a humidifier at night in your bedroom.
Quit smoking. Smoking dries out your nose and also irritates it.
Open your mouth when you sneeze.

Treatment
What should I do when I get a nosebleed?
A nosebleed can be scary to get -- or see -- but try to stay calm.
Most nosebleeds look much worse than they really are. Almost all nosebleeds can be treated at home.

If you get a nosebleed, sit down and lean slightly forward. Keeping your head above your heart will slow the bleeding.
Lean forward so the blood will drain out of your nose instead of down the back of your throat.
If you lean back, you may swallow the blood. This can irritate your stomach.

Use your thumb and index finger to squeeze together the soft portion of your nose. This area is located between the end of your nose and the hard, bony ridge that forms the bridge of your nose.
Keep holding your nose until the bleeding stops. Don't let go for at least 5 minutes. If it's still bleeding, hold it again for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Once the bleeding stops, don't do anything that may make it start again, such as bending over or blowing your nose.

See your doctor if:

The bleeding goes on for more than 20 minutes.
The bleeding was caused by an injury, such as a fall or something hitting your face.
You get nosebleeds often.

What will my doctor do for a nosebleed?
Your doctor will try to find out where the bleeding is coming from in your nose. He or she will probably ask you some questions and examine your nose.
If the bleeding doesn't stop on its own or when pressure is applied, your doctor may cauterize the bleeding vessel or pack your nose to stop the bleeding.

Cauterization involves using a special solution called silver nitrate or an electrical or heating device to burn the vessel so that it stops bleeding. Your doctor will numb your nose before the procedure.
Packing the nose involves putting special gauze or an inflatable latex balloon into the nose so that enough pressure is placed on the vessel to make it stop bleeding.

Questions
Questions to Ask Your Doctor

I get a lot of nosebleeds. What can I do to stop them?
How long should I wait to call the doctor if I'm having a nosebleed?
I'm around secondhand smoke a lot. Could that be causing my nosebleeds?
Are nosebleeds more common in winter?
What can I do to prevent my child from picking his/her nose?
Could my nosebleeds be a sign of a separate disease?

Seizures (Nemours Foundation)
Seizures are caused by a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. A seizure usually affects how a person looks or acts for a short time.
Someone having a seizure might collapse, shake uncontrollably, or even just stare into space. All of these are brief disturbances in brain function, often with a loss of or change in consciousness.
Seizures can be frightening, but most last only a few minutes, stop on their own, and are not life-threatening.
A person who has had two or more seizures may be diagnosed with
epilepsy, also known as seizure disorder.

Seizure Basics
Usually, electrical activity in the brain involves neurons in different areas sending signals at different times. During a seizure, many neurons fire all at once.
This abnormal electrical activity can cause different symptoms depending on the part of the brain involved, including unusual sensations, uncontrollable muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness.

Some seizures may be due to another medical problem, such as a fever, an infection, a head injury, accidental poisoning, or drug overdose. They also can be caused by a brain tumor or other health problem affecting the brain.
And anything that results in a sudden lack of oxygen or reduced blood flow to the brain can cause a seizure. In some cases, a seizure's cause is never found.

lFebrile seizures can happen in children younger than 6 years old. While they can be scary to watch, these seizures are usually brief and rarely cause any serious or long-term problems, unless the fever is related to a serious infection, such as meningitis.
Syncope (SIN-ko-pee), or fainting, is not uncommon in older kids and teens. When it happens, kids might have a brief seizure or seizure-like spell.
They might stiffen or even twitch or convulse a few times. Fortunately, fainting rarely is a sign of epilepsy.
Most kids recover very quickly (seconds to minutes) and don't need specialized treatment.

If Your Child Has a Seizure
First, make sure that your child is in a safe place where he or she can't get hurt. Place your child on the ground or floor in a safe area, preferably on his or her right side.
Also:

Remove any nearby objects.
Loosen any clothing around the head or neck.
Don't try to wedge your child's mouth open or place an object between the teeth, and don't try to restrain movements.

Once the seizure seems to have ended, gently comfort and protect your child. It's best for kids to remain lying down until they have recovered fully and want to move around.

Call 911 immediately if your child:

has difficulty breathing
turns bluish in color
has had a head injury
seems ill
has a known heart condition
has never had a seizure before
might have ingested any poisons, medicines, etc.

If your child has previously had seizures, call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or is for some reason very alarming to you and you're worried for your child's safety.
If your child is breathing normally and the seizure lasts just a few minutes, you can wait until it lets up to call your doctor.
After a seizure, kids are often tired or confused and may fall into a deep sleep (called the postictal period).
You do not need to try to wake your child as long as he or she is breathing comfortably.
Don't try to give food or drink until your child is awake and alert.

For a child who has febrile seizures, the doctor may suggest giving fever-reducing medicine like buprofen or acetaminophen to ease discomfort.
After a seizure � particularly if it is a first or unexplained seizure � call your doctor or emergency medical services for instructions.
Your child probably will need to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.

Shock: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Shock may result from trauma, heatstroke, blood loss, an allergic reaction, severe infection, poisoning, severe burns or other causes.
When a person is in shock, his or her organs aren't getting enough blood or oxygen. If untreated, this can lead to permanent organ damage or even death.
Signs and symptoms of shock vary depending on circumstances and may include:

Cool, clammy skin
Pale or ashen skin
Rapid pulse
Rapid breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Enlarged pupils
Weakness or fatigue
Dizziness or fainting
Changes in mental status or behavior, such as anxiousness or agitation

If you suspect a person is in shock, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Then immediately take the following steps:

Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly, unless you think this may cause pain or further injury.
Keep the person still and don't move him or her unless necessary.
Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of life, such as breathing, coughing or movement.
Loosen tight clothing and, if needed, cover the person with a blanket to prevent chilling.
Don't let the person eat or drink anything.
If the person vomits or begins bleeding from the mouth, turn him or her onto a side to prevent choking, unless you suspect a spinal injury.

Ten Common First Aid Mistakes (American Red Cross)
These days, there are countless resources to turn to for medical information and advice. By means of the Internet, magazines, television and more, almost anyone can publicize their remedy for any ailment with little to no regulation.
So, when seeking out health and safety recommendations, it is important to be able to identify the credible sources and disregard popular myths.
We�ve listed some of the most common first aid mistakes below, along with the correct response methods.
Take a look to find out if you have your first aid facts straight!

Myth: Soothe a burn by applying butter.
Reality: If you apply butter or an oily substance to a serious burn, you could make it difficult for a doctor to treat the burn later and increase risk of infection.
The right approach: Treat a burn with cool water. If a burn is severe and starts to blister, make sure to see a doctor. Keep the affected area clean and loosely covered with a dry, sterile dressing.

Myth: If a child swallows a poisonous substance, induce vomiting with syrup of ipecac.
Reality: Inducing vomiting is not recommended for certain poisonous substances and may be harmful.
The right approach: Never give anything to eat or drink unless directed to by the Poison Control Center or a medical professional.
If an accidental poisoning occurs, immediately call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222) or your doctor for advice.

Myth: The best way to treat a bleeding extremity is by applying a tourniquet.
Reality: Tourniquets stop the flow of blood, which could cause permanent damage to a limb. They should be used only as a last resort in the case of severe bleeding.
The right approach: Pad the wound with layers of sterile gauze or cloth, apply direct pressure and wrap the wound securely.
Seek medical help if the bleeding doesn't stop or if the wound is gaping, dirty or caused by an animal bite.

Myth: Apply heat to a sprain, strain or fracture.
Reality: Heat actually increases swelling and can keep the injury from healing as quickly as it could.
The right approach: Apply ice to reduce swelling for about 20 minutes. Place a thin barrier between the ice and the bare skin.

Myth: You should move someone injured in a car accident away from the scene.
Reality: A person with a spinal-cord injury won't necessarily appear badly injured, but any movement could lead to paralysis or death.
The right approach: Move an injured victim only if the scene becomes unsafe (the vehicle is threatened by fire or another serious hazard)
You have to reach another victim who may have a more serious injury or illness.
You need to provide proper care (CPR needs to be performed on a firm, flat surface.
Otherwise, it's best to stabilize the victim, and leave the person in place until paramedics arrive.

Myth: Rub your eye when you get a foreign substance in it. Tears will wash the substance out.
Reality: Rubbing could cause a serious scratch or abrasion to the eye
The right approach: Rinse the eye with tap water.

Myth: Use hot water to thaw a cold extremity.
Reality: Avoid any extreme temperature change- hot water can cause further damage.
The right approach: Gradually warm the extremity by soaking it in lukewarm water.

Myth: To reduce a fever, sponge rubbing alcohol on the skin.
Reality: Alcohol can be absorbed by the skin, which can cause alcohol poisoning, especially in young children.
The right approach: Lower a fever by taking ibuprofen. If a high fever continues for several days, see a physician or go to a hospital emergency room for treatment.

Myth: Allergic reactions to bee stings can be treated at home.
Reality: Delaying professional treatment to a respiratory allergic reaction to a bee sting could be fatal.
The right approach: For symptoms such as breathing problems, tight throat or swollen tongue, call an ambulance immediately.

Myth: If you get a cut or scrape, apply first-aid ointment, cover it with a bandage, and leave it untended to heal for a few days.
Reality: Exposure to fresh air is the quickest way to allow wounds to heal, and thus it is generally best not to apply creams or ointments, since they keep the wound moist. Bandages should also be changed to keep the wound clean.
The right approach: The first and best thing to do with a wound is wash it with soap and cool water. All dressings should be changed twice a day.
At bedtime, the bandage should be replaced with a looser dressing so air can circulate around the wound.
Upon waking, a slightly tighter bandage should be applied, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
Bandages should be changed even if it means pulling off a part of a scab that's forming, experts say.
Also, try to keep the wounded area dry.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER FOR COURSES AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA
You can find the chapter nearest your location on this chapter locator page (http://www.redcross.org/where/where.html) or enter your zip code in the "Find Your Local Red Cross" box on the front page of Redcross.org

. Unconsciousness, First Aid (Logical Images)
Overview
Unconsciousness is an abnormal state in which a person is not alert and not fully responsive to his/her surroundings.
Levels of unconsciousness range from drowsiness to collapse and may range in severity from fainting to coma.

Unlike when a person is asleep, someone who is unconscious cannot cough, clear his/her throat, or turn his/her head if in distress.
When unconscious, a person is in danger of choking, making it very important to keep the airway clear while awaiting medical care.

First Aid Guide
If you find an unconscious person, try to determine what caused the loss of consciousness.
Check to see if he/she is wearing a medical alert tag.

If you can determine what caused the loss of consciousness, call emergency medical services and give first aid for that illness or injury until they arrive.
If you cannot determine what caused the loss of consciousness, give first aid for general unconsciousness and call emergency medical services if the person does not revive promptly (ie, within a couple minutes).

Check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation.
If you do not think there is a spinal injury, put the person in the recovery position:

Position the person lying face up.
Turn the person's face toward you.
Take the person's arm that is closest to you, and place it to his/her side, tucking it under the buttock.
Take the person's other arm, and place it across his/her chest.
Cross the person's ankles by placing his/her far leg over the near leg.
Supporting the person's head with one hand, pull his/her clothing at the hip, rolling toward you. The person will be on his/her stomach, facing you.
Bend one arm up and one arm down, to support the upper and lower body. Tilt the person's head back to allow air to move freely in and out of the mouth.

If you do think there is a possible spinal injury, leave the person as you found him/her (as long as breathing continues).
If the person vomits or bleeds out of his/her mouth, roll his/her entire body at one time to the side.
Be sure to support the person's neck and back to keep the head and body in the same position while you roll him/her.
Keep the person warm until emergency medical help arrives.

Note: If the person awakens during the above self-care measures and he/she becomes restless or agitated, attempt to gently restrain him/her.
The following should be avoided in the case of loss of consciousness:

Do not give an unconscious person anything by mouth; even if he/she regains consciousness, do not give anything until consulting a physician.
Do not attempt to wake an unconscious person by slapping or shaking him/her or by putting cold water on the person.
Do not put a pillow under the head of an unconscious person, as this could block his/her airway.

Who's at risk?
Unconsciousness can be caused by many injuries and types of illnesses.
Common causes of unconsciousness are injury to the head by a fall or blow.
Diabetes affects blood sugar, and too much sugar (hyperglycemia) and too little sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to unconsciousness in the form of diabetic coma or insulin shock, respectively.
Substance abuse and alcohol abuse, straining during bowel movement, coughing hard, and breathing quickly (hyperventilating) may all cause unconsciousness.

Signs and Symptoms
A person who is unconscious may be:

Drowsy and/or disoriented; he/she may come in and out of consciousness. Confused and incoherent. In a coma; he/she may be completely motionless. When to Seek Medical Care
If the person does not regain consciousness promptly, contact emergency medical services.
Even if the person does regain consciousness promptly, a medical evaluation should be given to rule out a serious underlying problem.
Seek emergency medical care if the person:

Has stopped breathing.
Does not regain consciousness quickly (ie, within 5 minutes).
Has been injured, especially if he/she is bleeding.
Has diabetes.
Is pregnant.
Is aged greater than 50.
Is having chest pain, pressure, discomfort, or a pounding or irregular heartbeat.
Cannot speak, has vision problems, or can't move his/her arms or legs.
Has a seizure.
Experiences loss of bowel control.

Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
If the person is not breathing, the physician will restore breathing by clearing the airway and resuscitating him/her.
As loss of consciousness can be caused by many underlying conditions, the physician will conduct tests to determine the scope and treat the illness or injury accordingly.

Animal Bites: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Animal bites are common. Most are caused by dogs and cats. Cat bites can look minor, but they can be serious because a fang puncture can leave bacteria deep in the wound.
These guidelines can help you care for a minor animal bite, such as one that only breaks the skin:

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
Apply an antibiotic cream and cover the bite with a clean bandage.
The wound is a deep puncture or you're not sure how serious it is.
The skin is badly torn and bleeding significantly � first apply pressure with a bandage or clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
You notice increasing swelling, redness, pain or oozing, which are warning signs of infection.
You have questions about your risk of rabies or about rabies prevention. If the bite was caused by a cat or a dog, try to confirm that its rabies vaccination is up to date. If the bite was caused by a wild animal, seek advice from your doctor about which animals are most likely to carry rabies.
You haven't had a tetanus shot in the past five years and the wound is deep or dirty. You may need a booster shot

Bats often carry rabies. And people have been infected without obvious signs of a bite.
This is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people in contact with bats � or even those who are sleeping and awaken to find a bat in the bedroom � seek medical advice about rabies shots, even if they don't think they've been bitten.

What do I need in my first aid kit? (American Academy of Family Physicians)
First aid is important for a number of situations that don�t require a trip to the hospital or emergency room. These situations include minor falls, bee stings, burns, allergic reactions, and other common accidents.
A first aid kit is helpful for these types of situations. Many people put together a first aid kit for home and their car.
A well-stocked first aid kit provides you with the supplies you need to be ready for most minor emergencies.

Path to improved wellness
Putting a first aid kit together is as simple as placing some basic items in a small container that you can keep with you. Store the container in the medicine cabinet in your home to keep it away from young children.
You can also keep one in your car or carry one with you when you�re out of the house.
A kit can be large or small. It can contain every possible thing you might need. Or it can contain a few basics.
Consider what you need for you, your family, and your lifestyle.
Possible items could include:

Dressings and bandages (gauze role, sterile gauze pads, eye pad, roll of adhesive tape, elastic bandage for sprains, sterile cotton balls and swabs).
Over-the-counter medicine for cuts, burns, and injuries.
Special medicines for members of your household.
Latex gloves.
Instant cold packs.
Safety pins to fasten splints and bandages.
A suction device (or kitchen turkey baster) to flush out wounds.
Aluminum finger splint.
Syringe and medicine spoon for giving medicine.
Thermometer.
Tweezers to remove ticks, insect stingers, and small splinters.
Scissors for cutting the gauze.
Breathing barrier for giving CPR.
Blanket.
Hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes.
First aid manual.
List of emergency numbers.
Antibiotic ointment.
Sterile eyewash saline.
Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy.
Hydrocortisone cream, ointment, or lotion for itching.
Pain reliever and fever medicines. Do not use aspirin for children and teenagers younger than 18 years of age.
Antihistamine.
Nasal decongestant.
Anti-nausea medicine to treat motion sickness and other types of nausea.
Anti-diarrhea medicine.
Antacid to treat upset stomach.
Laxative to treat constipation.

If you don�t want to put your own first aid kit together, you can buy them from The American Red Cross and at many drugstores.
Once you buy it, go through the items and make sure you know how to use them.
Consider taking a first aid course or purchase a first aid manual to better prepare.

Things to consider
Burns
Burns are common, especially around your home. Burns are commonly caused from heat, fire, radiation, sunlight, electricity, chemicals, or from hot/boiling water.
There are 3 degrees of burns:

First-degree burns: These are red and painful. They swell a little. They turn white when you press on the skin. The skin over the burn may peel off after 1 or 2 days.
Second-degree burns: These are thicker burns. They are painful and typically become blisters on the skin. The skin is very red or splotchy. It may be very swollen.
Third-degree burns: These burns cause damage to all layers of the skin. The burned skin looks white or charred. These burns may cause little or no pain because the nerves and tissue in the skin are damaged.

First-degree burns usually heal in 3 to 6 days; second-degree burns heal in 2-3 weeks; and third-degree burns usually take a very long time to heal.
Most first aid kits can treat first and second degree burns if the injured area is less than 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
For minor burns, soak the burn in cool water for at least 5 minutes. The cool water helps reduce swelling by pulling heat away from the burned skin.
Treat the burn with a skin care product from your first aid kit that protects and heals skin. This would include products such as aloe vera cream or an antibiotic ointment.
You can wrap a dry gauze bandage loosely around the burn. This will protect the area and keep the air off of it.
An over-the-counter pain reliever can help treat swelling, inflammation, and pain.
Some first aid advice for burns is a myth. For example, never put butter or oil on burns. This can cause more damage.

Cuts and scrapes
First aid kits are helpful for cuts, scrapes, and stitches, too. Clean a cut, scrape, or puncture wound (such as a wound from a nail) with cool water.
Use tweezers that have been sterilized with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt that remains in the wound after washing.
If a cut bleeds, that helps clean it out. Most small cuts or scrapes will stop bleeding in a short time.
Wounds on the face, head, or mouth tend to bleed more. To stop the bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure on the cut with a clean cloth, tissue, or piece of gauze.
If the blood soaks through the gauze or cloth you�re holding over the cut, don�t take it off. Just put more gauze on top of what you already have in place. Re-apply pressure for 20 to 30 minutes.

Leaving a cut uncovered helps it stay dry and helps it heal. If the cut isn�t in an area that will get dirty or be rubbed by clothing, you don�t have to cover it.
If it�s in an area that will get dirty (such as your hand) or be irritated by clothing (such as your knee), cover it with an adhesive bandage.
You also can use sterile gauze and adhesive tape. Change the bandage each day to keep the wound clean and dry.

Certain wounds, such as scrapes that cover a large area of the body, should be kept moist and clean to help reduce scarring and speed healing.
Antibiotic ointments help heal the scrape and prevent infection. A bandage does pretty much the same thing.
Most minor cuts and scrapes will heal just fine without antibiotic ointment, but it can help the wound close up and help reduce scarring.

Stitches
To care for an injury that requires stitches, wash the area that has been stitched after 1 to 3 days. Washing off dirt and the crust that may form around the stitches helps reduce scarring.
If the wound drains clear or yellow fluid, you may need to cover it with gauze or a bandage. You also may need to use a small amount of antibiotic cream.
Your doctor will tell you whether he or she wants you to use an antibiotic ointment.
Always keep an eye on your cut, scrape or stitches. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about injuries that can�t be treated with a first aid kit.

Questions for your doctor

How do I know if an accident requires more than a first aid kit?
Should I pack a first aid kit when I travel?
Do first aid kit items expire?
If I only have room for a small first aid kit, which items are the most important?