First Aid Advice for Carers

First Aid Advice for Minor Injuries

First Aid Advice For Minor Injuries

Every year thousands of people become injured through accidents in the home. Some of these are serious and require immediate medical attention but many are minor injuries and can be treated there and then. .

This guide has been put together to give you some advice on those small bumps, scrapes and bruises which happen every day.

It is not meant to be a comprehensive medical document- medical advice should always be sought if there are any concerns for the persons well- being. This guide does not replace certificated First Aid Courses which are available from a number of approved training providers and cover a wide variety of common accidents, injuries and illnesses. These courses cover how to recognise the symptoms, how to treat a casualty and when to get urgent medical attention.

First Aid Kit For Minor Injuries

First steps

If someone is injured, here are some steps that you should take:

–First check that you or the injured person are not in any danger, and if possible make the situation safe.

–Assess the injured person and check to see how severe or minor their injuries are.

– Once you have identified how severe the persons injuries are, carry out basic first aid - further information on how to do this can be found within this document.

There are certain situations where you should seek urgent medical advice; this is not a full list but will give you an idea of when to speak to a medical professional:

–If the person is not breathing normally and they are unresponsive.

–If the person has lost consciousness for more than 1 min or if they are an unconscious child.

–If they have severe pain.

–If they are bleeding severely.

–If they are pale, cold and clammy and have a deteriorating response level.

–If they have swelling of their mouth and/or throat such as in a severe allergic reaction.

–If they are having a seizure and this is new, or the seizure activity is different from their normal seizures.

First Aid Kit For Minor

First Aid Kit Contents

It is always a good idea to keep a first aid kit at home, workplaces have strict legal requirements on what the kit should contain but this is not the case for your own, domestic kit. You can buy a kit or, put one together from items you think would be most useful and keep them in a clean, waterproof box. You will need to check expiry dates on the items as they do go out of date - plasters can lose their stick and wound dressings can start to disintegrate as they age. You may want to keep some pain relief tablets or antiseptic gel/cream in your kit which is fine as long as it is kept out of reach from young children. The contents of your own first aid kit will depend on who will be using it and the injuries that are likely to occur, for example:

–If there are young kind in the house, you may want to have a stock of novelty plasters.

– If there are elderly or frail people living in the house, you may want to keep a stock of wound dressings rather than plasters which can cause irritation in thinner skin.

–If you do a lot of walking, then some gel blister plasters are a good idea.

– Again, for those who like walking or if you have a dog or cat then a tick removal tool is a very useful way of removing ticks without risking leaving the mouthparts in.

The following items form the basis of a good first aid kit:

Wound dressings of mixed sizes

These consist of a dressing pad attached to a roller bandage. They are easy to apply and are useful for wounds bigger than a plaster can cover and for use on fragile skin.

Waterproof plasters

Again, these come in a variety of sizes and are used for small cuts. Hypoallergenic ones are available.

Triangular bandage - preferably fabric

These are multi use as they can be used to make a sling and can be folded to create a bandage. They are packaged in a sterile pack as so can also be used to dress burns.

Crepe bandages or open weave roller bandages and adhesive tape

These are used to give support to injured limbs and joints. The tape helps to secure the bandage.

Cleansing wipes

These should be alcohol free and are used to clean a wound prior to dressing it.

Disposable gloves and a face shield

Both of these act as barriers to infection for situations where you come into contact with bodily fluids or have to give rescue breaths.

The number of each item you have will depend on how frequently you think you will need it. Sometimes scissors and safety pins are kept in first aid kits- this is fine but you can get by without them and in some situations you may not want to keep them in a kit that is accessible to small children or anyone with reduced capacity if you feel they may hurt themselves if they used them.

First Aid Kit For Minor Injuries

Minor Cuts and Grazes

Wounds and bleeding can be quite daunting particularly if there is a lot of blood lost.

If the wound is severe, quick, efficient action is needed to stem the loss of blood and prevent the casualty developing circulatory shock so you should call for medical advice as soon as you can.

Thankfully, most bleeding wounds are minor and can be treated at home.

Minor Cuts and Grazes

Prompt first aid can help the healing of minor wounds and prevent infection. Although most can be protected by the application of a plaster, some individuals are allergic to plasters or may have less resilient skin, such as in older people and a wound dressing can be used instead. Wound closure strips can also be really useful – they act like mini stitches bringing the edges of the cut together. You do have to be careful though - always ensure that the cut is clean so that you don’t seal any dirt in.

Wash the injury gently with water or cleansing wipes from the first aid kit to remove any debris and dirt. Be mindful the combination of blood and water may make it look like there is a lot more blood than there is, pat the wound dry with a gauze swab.

Raise and support the injured part above the level of the persons heart, if that is possible; this should stop the bleeding.

Treatment for a small cuts

Seek medical advice if

Press a clean wound dressing pad onto the injury to stop the bleeding and cover with a sterile adhesive bandage or a plaster..

If the bleeding continues after 30 minutes take them to the nearest hospital.

Inspect the wound regularly and remove the bandage once a scab has formed.

You are unable to properly clean the wound or there is a high risk of infection.

The cut is deep or is more than 1cm long

The wound is dirty or was caused by a human or animal bite.

The person has not had a Tetanus injection, or they can’t remember when they last had one.

First Aid Kit For Minor Injuries

Grazes

These are really common in children who have fallen when running. Grazes are often not very deep but they can cover a wide area and tend to happen on the knees or palms of the hands and so they can be tender when the person moves about; grazes can also have bits of grit and dirt in them.

Clean the wound as much as possible - by rinsing under running water. If you find that there is grit or small stones trapped under the skin seek medical advice on how to remove them.

Treatment for a small graze

If the graze covers an area too big to be covered by a plaster then use a small wound dressing.

Monitor the graze to check it is healing and has not become infected- signs of this would be swelling, redness, heat coming from the wound and throbbing pain.

Bruises

These are caused by bleeding underneath the skins surface- this can happen rapidly, or they can take a few days to develop. Older people can receive significant bruises from quite small bumps. If you don’t have a cold compress in your first aid kit you can make one from wrapping a bag of frozen peas in a tea towel. Never put the bag of frozen peas directly onto the skin as this could cause additional damage- it must be wrapped up.

Ask the person to rest.

Treatment for a bruise

Raise and support the injured part in a comfortable position.

Apply a cold compress which you should keep in place for at least 10 minutes.

Other Considerations

If the wound has an object in it leave it in place, unless the object can easily be washed out of the wound.

What to do if there is an object in the wound

Apply firm pressure on either side of the object. Use rolled up wound dressings to build up padding on either side of the object and cover over it with a sterile dressing.

Raise and support the injured part above the casualty’s heart or lay the casualty down and treat for shock if necessary.

Monitor their vital signs and call for an ambulance or appropriate medical support.

Put your protective gloves on and gently clean the area around the splinter with warm water.

Hold the tweezers close to the end for a better grip, grasp the splinter with the tweezers as close to the skin as possible.

What do you do if the casualty has a splinter

Draw the splinter out in a straight line at the same angle that it went into the skin; make sure it does not break.

Carefully squeeze the wound a little so that it bleeds a bit, this will help to flush out any remaining dirt.

Clean and dry the wound and cover with a dressing.

If the splinter is wooden, soaking it in warm water may help.

When to get medical advice

If the splinter is deeply embedded, lies over a joint or is at all difficult to remove then you should leave it in place and seek medical advice.

Apply direct pressure on external wounds with sterile cloth or your hand, maintainling pressure until bleeding

Treatment for External Bleeding

Put on protective gloves and wash your hands before and after treatment.

Ask the casualty to sit down, this will reduce the blood flow to the site of the injury and minimise shock.

Raise and support the injured part above the level of the casualty’s heart.

Apply direct pressure to the wound with your fingers and palm, use a sterile pad for this if one is available.

You may need to cut or remove clothing to expose the wound. Take care in case there are sharp objects protruding out of the wound.

If the casualty is able to, get them to apply the pressure and raise their own limb.

Maintain steady pressure for at least 5 minutes then check to see if blood flow has stopped, most bleeding will stop within 2-5 minutes. If bleeding has not stopped reapply pressure immediately.

If bleeding seeps through the first bandage, cover with a second bandage. If bleeding continues to seep through the bandages remove them and replace with a fresh dressing applying pressure over the site.

Apply a sterile pad or dressing firmly to the site of the wound (do not apply it so tightly that circulation to the fingers or toes is affected).

Apply a sterile pad or dressing firmly to the site of the wound (do not apply it so tightly that circulation to the fingers or toes is affected).

Arrange appropriate medical attention.

Nosebleeds

Causes of Nosebleeds

This can happen as a result of a head injury, a blow to the nose, sneezing, high blood pressure or a dry atmosphere. Usually nosebleeds are not serious however very occasionally they can result in severe loss of blood.

Sit the person down leaning forward (if the head is tipped back blood will go down the throat and may make the person sick).

Ask them to breathe through their mouth and pinch the soft part of their nose. Ask the person not to speak, cough or sniff as this may disturb any blood clots.

Treatment for a nosebleed

After 10 minutes they should release the pressure, if their nose is still bleeding reapply pressure for another 10 minutes and repeat this process.

If the bleeding continues after 30 minutes take them to the nearest hospital.

Once bleeding is under control they may clean around their nose and mouth with lukewarm water. They should not blow their nose for some time after the nosebleed has stopped.

When to get medical treatment

Ask

If the nosebleed follows a significant head injury the blood may appear thin and watery, this is very serious as it can indicate that the cerebrospinal fluid is leaking from around the brain you should call for an ambulance immediately.

Ask the casualty if they are taking any anti- coagulant medication, such as Warfarin which might prevent the blood clotting.

1. Sit and lean forward slightly

2. Breath through mouth

3. Pinch Nostrils

First Aid Kit For Minor Injuries

Sprains and Strains

The bones are supported by a network of soft tissue, ligaments, tendons and muscles. These can be injured in many ways, usually resulting in a sprain or strain. They often occur in the ankles or wrists and can be quite painful. The symptoms can be the same as would be expected in a fracture so, if you are in any doubt seek medical advice as soon as you can.

Sketal muscle

Ligaments bind bone to bone

Joint capsule

Tendons bind muscle to bone

What’s the difference between a sprain and a strain?

A Sprain –

A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments which are the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones together in your joints.

Recognition of a sprain or strain:

A Strain –

A strain is a stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon. A tendon is a fibrous cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones.

Swelling around the injured part.

Bruising or discolouration.

Pain which can be severe Inability or difficulty in using the injured part – particularly.

Injury activity- the person will usually know what caused the injury.

First Aid Kit For Minor Injuries

Treatment for a sprain or strain - Follow the RICE Procedure

Rest Get them to rest the injured limb. Help them to sit or lie down in a comfortable position.

Ice

Comfort

Elevate

Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the injured area to reduce swelling. A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel will work just as well. This helps to reduce the swelling and the pain.

Wrap a comfortable support bandage around the injury. Leave the cold compress in place and wrap around it. Ideally the bandage should extend to the next joint for added support. So, if the ankle is injured- the bandage should go from the toes to the persons knee.

Raise and support the limb, again this should reduce swelling. Keep checking the circulation every 10 mins .

If the person is in great pain, or if they cannot use or move the injured limb at all you should arrange to take them up to Hospital.

Otherwise advise them to rest the injury and seek medical advice if they need to.

First Aid Kit For Minor Injuries

Head Injuries

Head injuries are quite common, particularly in children. While many of these injuries may appear to be minor, all injuries to the head are potentially dangerous and require correct assessment. If the persons consciousness is impaired this may indicate damage to the brain, damage to the blood vessels inside the skull or a skull fracture and requires immediate medical attention.

A common type of head injury is concussion. This occurs when the brain is badly shaken around inside the skull. This may be a result of a direct blow to the head, a fall or by indirect physical trauma to the skull e.g. from having been shaken or from an impact such as a rugby tackle.

Indications of head injury

Scalp wound

Fracture

Swelling, bruising

Symptoms of Minor Head Bumps

Loss of consciousnes

Nasal discharge

Stiff neck

A concussion is a voilent jarring or shaking that results in a disturbance of brain function

They have a headache that goes away on its own or is relieved by painkillers.

They feel a slight dizziness.

They are feeling sick.

They are feeling a bit dazed.

Person has not lost consciousness at all.

Person may have a small area of swelling where the impact occurred - often called an ‘egg’.

First Aid Kit For Minor Injuries

There are a number of ways that you can relieve a minor head knock.

Apply a cold compress to the injury to reduce swelling; a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel could be used, but never place ice directly on the skin as it’s too cold; apply the compress regularly for short periods to help reduce the swelling.

Advise that the person does not use aspirin; as it can sometimes cause bleeding at the site of the injury.

Get plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations where possible; if the person wants to sleep and they are tired- let them sleep but keep an eye on them.

Evaluate for symptoms again after a few minutes; Some concussion symptoms don’t appear right away. This means, if you suspect someone has had a concussion, let them sit for a bit and see if the symptoms develop.

Make sure someone stays with the person for at least the first 24 hours; call NHS 111 for advice if there is no one who can stay.

You should see your GP if symptoms last more than 2 weeks but if certain symptoms have worsened, the person will need medical treatment as soon as possible. Check for head and neck aches that get worse, weakness or numbness in the arms and legs, repeated vomiting, increased confusion or fogginess, slurred speech, and seizures.

If more serious symptoms start to develop, seek immediate medical treatment

Important Information

Useful questions to ask when assessing a head knock

Avoid drinking any alcohol following a head injury.

Only return to work, college or school when you feel you have completely recovered.

Only drive a car or ride a bike when you feel you have completely recovered.

Do not play any contact sports for at least three weeks without seeing your GP first – this includes sports such as football and rugby.

Can they answer simple questions?

Can they remember the incident?

Can they remember immediately before and after it?

Do they now have any difficulty concentrating?

Can they follow instructions such as ’sit down here’?

Been knocked out but have now woken up.

Are over 65 years or they are a child.

Been vomiting since the injury.

A headache that does not go away with painkillers.

A change in behaviour, like being more irritable.

When to go to hospital to get treatment

Have become sensitive to noise or light.

Dizziness, drowsiness or difficulty focussing.

Problems with memory- can’t remember the incident or what happened immediately beforehand.

Been drinking alcohol just before the injury.

Has a condition that may impair their memory, a blood clotting disorder or take blood-thinners (like warfarin).

Has had brain surgery in the past.

Symptoms usually start within 24 hours, but sometimes may not appear for up to 3 weeks.

Call 999 for an ambulance if they have ...

Been knocked out and has not woken up.

Significant confusion such as- does not know who or where they are.

Difficulty staying awake or keeping their eyes open.

Having a seizure (or fit).

Has now got problems with their vision.

Clear fluid coming from their ears or nose.

Bleeding from their ears or bruising behind their ears.

The pupils of their eyes are different sizes.

Numbness or weakness in part of their body.

Problems with walking, balance, understanding, speaking or writing.

Has hit their head in a serious accident, such as a car crash.

Also call 999 if you cannot get someone to A&E safely.

First Aid Kit For Minor Injuries

Burns and Scalds

Superficial burns and scalds can result from contact with a variety of different sources. The way we treat burns depends on a number of factors including the depth and extent of the injury, the cause of the burn, the age and general well-being of the casualty and what part or parts of their body have been affected by the burn.

Type of burn Causes

Dry Burn

Flames, contact with hot objects such as cigarettes or the cooker hob, iron, hapr straighteners, friction e.g. rope burns.

Scald Steam, hot liquids.

Electrical Burn

Low voltage current such as in domestic appliances, high voltage current such as in mains cables, or more rarely, lightning strikes.

Cold Burn Frostbite or contact with freezing metals or vapours such as liquid nitrogen.

Chemical Burn

Exposure to domestic chemicals such as cleaning agents, bleaches or caustic soda.

Radiation Burn Prolonged exposure to the sun or a sunbed.

Categorising Burns

Superficial

Partial Thickness

The least serious burns are those where the outermost layer of the skin is the only layer damaged by the burn. The skin is usually red with swelling and pain. Unless a substantial area of the body is affected by the burn, treat as a minor burn.

These occur when the first layer of the skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin is also burned. These injuries develop blisters and are extremely painful.

Full Thickness

These are the most serious however they can be painless as the nerve endings may have been destroyed. This type of burn ALWAYS requires medical attention no matter how small.

First Aid Kit For Minor Injuries

There are 10 times you should get medical attention for a burn:

-If the burn is on the face, genitals, soles or palms.

-If the burn extends all the way around a limb or the torso.

-If the burn is superficial and covers 5% of the body or more.

-If the burn is partial thickness and covers more than 1% of the person’s body.

-All full thickness burns.

-All electrical burns.

-All chemical burns.

-Burns which comprise a mixed pattern of varying depths.

Best practice would also say the you should seek medical advice:If the casualty is a child If the casualty is elderly

Fill a sink with water, let the plug out and turn on the tap so that the affected part is immersed in cool water but not directly under the tap.

Do not put ice directly on the burn.

Put on Protective, disposable gloves

Cool the burn for at least 10 mins

Gently remove any jewellery, watches, belts or constricting clothing from the injured area before it begins to swell.

NEVER

Touch the affected area

Burst any blisters Apply lotions, fat, ointment or adhesive tape to the area

Do not use fluffy cotton, which may irritate the skin. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on the burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the affected area, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.

First Aid Kit For Minor Injuries

Bee and Wasp Stings

For most of us, a bee or wasp sting is painful rather than dangerous. Multiple stings can be a higher risk for triggering a reaction and a sting in the mouth can carry the risk of the swelling affecting the person’s ability to breathe. Generally, though the two biggest dangers from bee or wasp stings are:

–Anaphylactic Shock

–Infection in the wound

Symptoms of a Bee or Wasp sting

The initial, sharp pain associated with a sting is usually followed by a mild, localised swelling and soreness.

First take the individual away from the site of the bee or wasps if they are close. Bees leave behind a stinger with a venom sac attached to it, if you try to pull this out the venom will be injected into the person.

Instead use a blunt object such as a credit card or your finger-nail and drag it away from the skin.

Wash the area carefully with soap and water.

Treatment for Bee or Wasp Stings

Apply a cold compress (such as a flannel or cloth cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes.

Raise or elevate the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling.

The pain and swelling can sometimes last a few days.

Avoid scratching the area, to reduce the risk of infection.

Avoid traditional home remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they're unlikely to help.

Stinger

First Aid Kit For Minor Injuries

For a sting in the mouth

Give the casualty an ice cube to suck or cold water to sip to minimise the swelling.

Seek medical advice.

When to call an Ambulance

Widespread red blotchy skin.

If the casualty displays any of the following symptoms, call for an ambulance

Vomiting and abdominal pain Swelling of the face and neck.

Difficulty breathing ranging from tightness in the chest to really severe difficulty.

Puffiness around the eyes or lips.

Acute Anxiety.

Symptoms don’t start to improve within a few days or are getting worse.

Contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice if

The person has been stung or bitten in the mouth or throat, or near their eyes.

A large area (around 10cm or more) around the bite becomes red and swollen.

They have symptoms of a wound infection, such as pus or increasing pain, swelling or redness.

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