Nose Bleed

    >>Overview

• A nose bleed occurs when a small vein, along the lining of nose, bursts 
• Most nosebleeds look scary, but are harmless 
• Can be treated at home 
• Common in children/elderly 

   >>Causes

• Dryness 
• Nose picking 
• Blowing nose with force 
• Use of medications, like aspirin 
• Introducing objects into nose         (mostly children) 
• Injuries 
• Allergies 
• Infections 
• High BP 
• Atherosclerosis 
• Blood-clotting disorders 
• Use of cocaine 

    >>Symptoms

• Bleeding from nose 
• Sometimes bleeding from ears/mouth too 

   >>Types a. Anterior Nosebleed 

• Affects lower part of wall that separates nostrils 
• The wall or septum contains blood vessels 
• These can be broken by blow to nose/fingernail 
• The bleeding starts from front of nose 
• It flows outward when patient is sitting/standing 
• Occurs during dry season/harsh winter 

b. Posterior Nosebleed 

• The bleeding starts deep within the nose 
• It flows down the back of the mouth & throat 
• This happens even when the person is sitting/standing 
• Occurs in old people/those with high BP/injuries 
• This type of bleeding is severe/ requires medical help 

   >>Treatment

• If your nose bleeds,
• Sit down and lean forward 
• Using your thumb & index finger, squeeze soft part of nose 
• This part is between end of nose and the bridge of nose 
• Continue holding till bleeding stops- 
• Do not stop in-between 
• If bleeding continues, hold for another 10 minutes 
• If the patient is a child, divert attention by TV/Stories 
• Avoid picking, blowing or rubbing nose for 2 days 
• Place an ice pack on the bridge of nose 

  >> Consult a Doctor If,

• The bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes
• The bleeding is caused by an injury 
• You get nosebleeds often

   >>Prevention 

• Keep fingernails short
• Quit smoking
• Open your mouth while sneezing
• Use a humidifier at night in case of dry weather 

Poisoning - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

    >>Overview

• Poisons are substances that cause injury, illness or death
• These events are caused by a chemical activity in the cells 
• Poisons can be injected, inhaled or swallowed 
• Poisoning should be suspected if a person is sick for unknown reason
• Poor ventilation can aggravate Inhalation poisoning 
• First aid is critical in saving the life of victims 

   >>Causes

• Medications 
• Drug overdose 
• Occupational exposure 
• Cleaning detergents/paints 
• Carbon mono oxide gas from furnace, heaters 
• Insecticides 
• Certain cosmetics 
• Certain household plants, animals 
• Food poisoning (Botulism) 

   >>Symptoms

• Blue lips 
• Skin Rashes 
• Difficulty in breathing 
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting/Nausea 
• Fever 
• Head ache 
• Giddiness/drowsiness 
• Double vision 
• Abdominal/chest pain 
• Palpitations/Irritability 
• Loss of appetite/bladder control 
• Numbness 
• Muscle twitching 
• Seizures 
• Weakness 
• Loss of consciousness 

   >>Treatment

• Seek immediate medical helpMeanwhile,

• Try and identify the poison if possible 
• Check for signs like burns around mouth, breathing difficulty or vomiting 
• Induce vomiting if poison swallowed 
• In case of convulsions, protect the person from self injury 
• If the vomit falls on the skin, wash it thoroughly 
• Position the victim on the left till medical help arrives 

>>For inhalation poisoning

• Seek immediate emergency help 
• Get help before you attempt to rescue others 
• Hold a wet cloth to cover your nose and mouth 
• Open all the doors and windows 
• Take deep breaths before you begin the rescue 
• Avoid lighting a match 
• Check the patient's breathing 
• Do a CPR, if necessary 
• If the patient vomits, take steps to prevent choking 

   >>Steps to Avoid

• Avoid giving an unconscious victim anything orally 
• Do not induce vomiting unless told by a medical personnel 
• Do not give any medication to the victim unless directed by a doctor 
• Do not neutralize the poison with limejuice/honey

   >>Prevention

• Store medicines, cleaning detergents, mosquito repellants and paints carefully 
• Keep all potentially poisonous substances out of children's reach 
• Label the poisons in your house 
• Avoid keeping poisonous plants in or around house 
• Take care while eating products such as berries, roots or mushrooms 
• Teach children the need to exercise caution

Food Borne Illness

          >>Overview

• Occurs by eating contaminated food
• Brought about by bacterial/viral/ parasitic toxins
• Bacteria is most common cause of food contamination
• Bacteria is present in most raw food
• Raw meat /poultry/ sea food/ eggs: increased risk
• Tomatoes/sprout /lettuceare also contamination-prone
• Contamination occurs between production and preparation
• Children/pre
  gnant women/ elderlcy/immuno-deficient at greater risk

     >>Symptoms

• Resembles intestinal flu
• Lasts for few days or weeks

 Common Symptoms are 
    a. Nausea
      b.Abdominal cramps
      c.vomiting
     d.Diarrhea, which may be bloody
      e.Fever
      f. Dehydration
 Severe Symptoms include

a.Shallow breath  b.Rapid pulse c.Pale skin d.Chills e.Chest pain 
• Severity may lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, in children
• Deaths may occur due to severe complications

     >>Treatment

• Most cases are mild and are treated by taking fluids
• Fluids may be taken orally or intravenously
• Severe cases must be hospitalized 

     >>Prevention

• Wash hands well before preparing food
• Clean surfaces and kitchen counters before cooking
• Cook food at appropriate temperatures enough to kill bacteria
• Refrigerate food within two hours of cooking
• Allow enough space in fridge for cool air circulation

Stroke

 >> Overview

• Stroke is also called 'Cerebrovascular Accident' 
• It is an acuteneurologicalinjury 
• It may be due tobloodclot(ischemic) or bleeding (hemorrhagic) 
• Leads to stoppage of blood supply to apartofbrain 
• Oxygen supply is decreased 
• This initiates 'ischemic cascade'-causesbraincelldeath/damage 
• This results in a cerebral stroke 

  >> Causes/Risks

• High Blood Pressure 
• Diabetes 
• Cigarette smoking 
• Heart Disease 

  >> Symptoms

• Numbness/weakness of an arm/leg/face/one side of body 
• Sudden confusion in speaking/understanding speech 
• Impaired vision in one or both eyes 
• Sudden headache 
• Loss of balance/co-ordination 
• Dizziness 

  >> Treatment

• If you suspect stroke, call emergency medical help 
• Reassure the patient 
• Lay the patient down with head and shoulders slightly elevated 
• If patient is not breathing well do a CPR 
• Place the patient on the left side if breathing/not responsive 
• Keep the chin slightly extended 

  >> Steps To Avoid

• Never give a suspectedstrokevictimanything to eat/drink 
• Do not permit the victim to move 

  >> Prevention

• Do regular checkups for BP 
• Eatfoodwith less salt 
• Exercise regularly 
• Eat a balanced, healthy diet 
• Take the BP pills regularly 

Sprain

>> Overview

• Sprain is the stretch/tear of ligamentconnecting bones 
• Occurs in both the upper & lower part of the body 
• Most common sites - ankle/wrists/knee 

  >> Causes

• Trauma/accidents 
• Lifting heavy objects 
• Sporting injuries 

  >> Symptoms

• Pain 
• Swelling 
• Lumps other than swelling 
• Bruising/redness at site of injury 
• Numbness 
• Inability to move the joint 

  >> Treatment

• Apply a cold compress to injured area for 20 min 
• This may be done 4-8 times a day 
• Use a plastic bag with crushed ice, wrapped in a towel 
• Usecompressionbandagesto reduce swelling 
• Keep the injured leg elevated on a pillow 
• Take anti inflammatory pills if necessary 
• Take rest for the recommended period 
• When pain/swelling is diminished, do recommended exercises 

  >> Consult a doctorIf the following occurs-

• Severe pain/numbness 
• Inability to move the joint 
• Inability to assess the severity of injury 

  >> Steps To Avoid

• Do not return to normal activities if not completely cured 
• This could lead to the problem turning chronic 

  >> Prevention

• Avoid exercising/sporting when tired 
• Eat a well balanced meal-for healthy muscles 
• Avoid unhealthy weight gain 
• Exercise daily-particularly stretchingexercises 
• Do warm-up before exercising 
• Practice safety measures, like avoiding clutter 
• Run on even surface 
• Do not wear ill-fitting shoes  

Sun Burn

   >>Overview

• Sunburn is a burn of the skin 
• Results from overexposure to the sun 
• Normal exposure results in the production of Vitamin D 
• Most of us become sun burnt at some time in life 
• Sunburn causes a lot of discomfort 
• It can cause premature ageing/cancer 
• Common in children/young adults 

   >>Causes

• Sun's ultravoilet rays during outdoor activities 
• Tanning beds
• Traveling to places at high altitude 

  >> Risk factors

• Light-skinned or fair-haired people 
• Recent exposure to sun 
• Prior skin injury 
• Infections like Herpes, Porphyria 
• Certain Medications like antibiotics, anti-psoriatic drugs 

   >>SymptomsThe skin injury begins within 30 minutes of exposure to the sun

• Redness of the skin 
• Irritation 
• Blisters 
• Pain 
• Skin burning 
• Skin loss 
• Dehydration 
• Flu-like symptons
• Infection 
• Fever 
• If very severe, shock leading to death may occur 

   >>TreatmentSelf-Help

• Get out of the sun 
• Cover the exposed area 
• Take a cool bath 
• Use a cool compress available commercially like, Burow solution
  a. Dissolve solution in one pint of water
  b. Soak a gauze or clean cloth in it
  c. Wring it well
  d. Apply to sun burnt area for 20 minutes
  e. Change the cloth and solution every 2 hours 
• Applyaloe-based solution 
• Avoid using oils, bath salts, perfumed lotions etc 
• Avoid scrubbing/shaving 
• Use a gentle towel 
• Stay out of the sun while sun burnt 

  >> Consult a DoctorIn case of-

• Pain 
• Headache/confusion 
• Blisters 
• Nausea/vomiting 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Sunburn being present along with other medical condition 

   >>Prevention

• Wear hats, long-sleeved dress, long pants while out in the sun 
• Try to avoid exposure to sun 
• Use sun-block creams during exposure to sun 
• Select a suitable SPF number for the sunblock cream
• Sun Blocks should be reapplied every 2-3 hours 
• Avoid tanning beds 

Shock

  >>Overview

• Shock is a life-threatening condition
• When vital organs fail to get enough blood, shock results

    >> Causes

• Severe infections
• Allergic reactions
• Heat Stroke
• Trauma
• Poisoning
• Injury

  >> Symptoms

• Cool, clammy skin 
• Lackluster eyes 
• Dilated pupils 
• Vomiting/nausea 
• Feeling weak 
• Confusion 
• Excitement 
• Anxiety 
• Shallow/ slow breathing or rapid/ deep breathing 
• Weak and rapid pulse

  >> Treatment     Get emergency medical help.

•  Meanwhile Make the person lie down on the back Raise the legs above head level
• If raising the legs is painful, keep the person still Check for breathing
• If not breathing, do   Cardio pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Make the person comfortable by loosening tight clothes Cover the person with a blanket
• If vomiting or bleeding from mouth -turn the patient on the side Do not feed the person orally

    >> Prevention

• Learn ways of preventing shock 
• If you have a known allergy, carry emergency kits
• Teach family and friends how to use the kit

Snake Bites

>> Overview

• Thousands suffer from snakebites, globally, every year 
• People who live near wilderness/trekkers - more prone 
• Even bite from a harmless snake can cause allergic reaction 

  >> CausesSome common venomous snakes include -

• Viper 
• Cobra 
• Rattle snake 
• Water mocasion 
• Coral snake 
• Copper head 

 >>  Symptoms

• Fang marks 
• Swelling/severe pain at the site 
• Bloody discharge from wound 
• Burning 
• Diarrhea 
• Excessive sweating 
• Blurred vision 
• Numbness/tingling sensation 
• Increased thirst 
• Vomiting 
• Fever 
• Loss of muscle co-ordinations 
• Convulsions 
• Rapid pulse 
• Weakness/Dizziness/Fainting 

   >> Treatmenta. Seek Medical help as soon as      possible.   Meanwhile -

• Wash wound with soap/water 
• Immobilize the affected area 
• Keep area slightly elevated 
• Apply cool compress/wet cloth to affected part 
• Apply a firm bandage 2-4 inches above bite to
  i. Prevent venom from spreading
  ii.Take care of any bleeding

b. Monitor for pulse, respiration and      blood pressure   


  >>Prevention

• Do not attempt to kill a snake. 
• If you spot a snake, leave it alone 
• While hiking or in the woods, stay out of tall grass 
• Do not put your hand into pits/crevices during treks 
• Exercise caution while climbing rocks 

Spinal Cord Injury

>> Overview

• Spinal cord injury is otherwise called 'myelopathy' 
• It results in an injury to the nerve fibers in the cord 
• Can cause loss of physical sensation and mobility 
• Spinal cord remains intact in most of the injuries 
• Complete injury causes no movement/sensation below injury 
• Incomplete injury-retains some movement/sensation below injury 
• Physical therapy, ventilators, wheel chairs often required 

    >> Causes

• Automobile accidents 
• Diving accidents
• Falls 
• Shot by a gun 
• Conditions like
  a. Polio
  b. Tumor
  c. Spina Bifida
  d. Friedreich's Ataxia 

  >> Symptoms

• Loss of sensation 
• Loss of motor functions 
• Loss of bowel/bladder functions 
• Sexual function can get affected 
• Loss of involuntary functions, like breathing 
• Inability to control rate of heart beat 
• Inability to sweat 
• Chronic pain 

  >> TreatmentSeek medical help or call for an ambulance as soon as possible. Meanwhile- 

• Move the person, if surrounding is not safe 
• Immobilize the head, neck and body on both sides
• Movements may dislocate vertebra and cause further injury 
• If there is no sign of breathing, perform CPR 
• Do not tilt head backward during CPR 

  >> Prevention

• Always wear a seat belt while driving 
• Use special seat belts for children and babies
• Do not drink and drive 
• Do not dive into a shallow pool area

Severe Bleeding

>> Overview

• Severe bleeding involves loss of large amount of blood 
• This may occur externally through natural openings, like mouth 
• A cut on the skin too can lead to bleeding 
• Internalbleedingoccurs due to an injury to blood vessel 

  >> Causes

• Accidents/Falls 
• Blow to the head 
• Injuries, like scalp wounds 
• Tooth Extraction 
• Certain medications 
• Illnesses like
  a.Hemophilia
  b. Scurvy
  c. Cancer
  d.Thrombocytopenia
  e. A plastic Anemia
  f.  Leukemia
  g. Hemorrhage
  h.PepticUlcer
  i.  Platelet Disorder
  j. LiverDisease
  k. Septicemia

   >>Symptoms

• Discharge of blood from a wound 
• Bruising 
• Blood instool/urine 
• Blood coming from other areas, like mouth/ear 

   >>Treatment

• Wash hands well before administering to patient 
• Wear synthetic gloves 
• Make the victim lie down 
• Slightly elevate the legs 
• If possible keep the affected area elevated 
• Remove any obvious debris/particle 
• Apply direct pressure using clean cloth/bandage 
• Use hand if cloth is not available 
• Apply pressure continuously for at least 20 minutes 
• Do not remove the cloth to check the bleeding 
• Hold the bandage in place using an adhesive tape 
• If bleeding seeps through bandage, do not remove it 
• Add extra bandage on top of the first one 
• Apply direct pressure on the artery if necessary 
• The pressure points for arm--below arm- pit/above elbow 
• For leg--behind knee/near groin 
• Squeeze the artery keeping finger flat 
• Continue applying pressure on the wound 
• Once bleeding stops immobilize the affected part 
• See a doctor 

 >>  Consult a doctor

• If bleeding does not stop 
• If bleeding occurs through nose, ears etc 
• Coughing up blood 
• Vomiting 
• Bruising/deep wounds 
• Abdominaltenderness 
• Fracture 
• Shock 

  >> Steps To Avoid

• Do not try to replace a displaced organ 
• Just cover the wound with a clean cloth 
• Do not try to remove an embedded object