Save A Life

The Recovery Position

2009-05-07T08:56:00.000+02:00

Definition

The recovery position is used when a patient has been found unconscious or has fainted. This position prevents the patient from choking on the tongue or from vomit, blood or saliva. It will also keep the airway open and clear, and allow for fluid to drain from the mouth if the person does vomit.

Steps to follow:

Kneel next to the person.
Remove any glasses and bulky objects, such as keys, from his or her pockets.
Place the arm closest to you at a right angle to the body, with the elbow bent at 90 degrees and the palm upwards. With your one hand, bring the furthest arm across the chest and place the back of the hand against the nearest cheek. If the patient is wearing a ring, rotate the ring to avoid damaging the patients’ face.
With the other hand, pull the far leg into a bent position and pull it so that the person gently rolls towards you. Protect the head with one hand.
Adjust the leg so that the hip and knee are bent at right angles. This will support the body.
Tilt the head up slightly. Make sure that the hand is under the cheek to support the head.
Regularly monitor that the airway remains open.
Place a blanket over the person and stay close until help arrives.

Safety in the Home

2009-05-04T08:52:00.000+02:00

We all believe that accidents are something that happens to other people. Accidents in the home are regular and common occurrences. It is vital to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge on how to apply basic First Aid.

Prevention is always the better option and we would like to suggest that if you have children you prepare them for an emergency situation. This could be turned into a fun activity. The first activity we suggest is:

Teach your children as early as possible to know their:

Address and home telephone number
Your names and surname
How to call the local medical emergency services
How to use your mobile phone and to call the mobile emergency medical service

Explain that there are many emergencies that can happen in a home and ask what they would do if:

There was a fire in the house?
If their friend is knocked unconscious by someone in a swing?
If an adult falls down and does not respond to them?
If a friends cuts himself with a sharp object?
If a friends are struggling in the pool?

The most useful way of establishing whether your home is hazardous or safe for your children is to literally get onto your hands and knees and check through the house.

Consider the following:

Exposed or frayed electrical cords
Exposed wall plugs
Window blind cords
Poisonous houseplants
Unlabelled bottles of liquid
Household detergents and cleaning agents in the bottom of cupboards
With infants check you have toilet lid safety catch
With infants, check that all cupboards have a safety catch
Expired medication
Plastic bags must be out of reach
Use rubber backing on all loose carpets
Use rubber mats in baths and in the shower cubicle

First Aid Kit Essentials

2009-05-01T17:07:00.001+02:00

In any emergency a family member or you yourself may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. If you have these basic supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require immediate medical attention.

Simply having the following things to make up a First Aid kit for the home can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

First Aid Kit Essentials

Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).
Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Burn ointment to prevent infection.
Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
Non-stick Sterile Pads: these are soft, super absorbent pads that provide a good environment for wound healing. These are recommended for bleeding and draining wounds, burns, and infections.
Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
Thermometer
Ice pack
Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies or a nebulizer machine.
List of emergency numbers

Things it may be good to have:

Cell Phone
Scissors
Tweezers
Tongue depressor blades
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Blanket
Water
Ready to eat foods
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
CPR Mask
Non-prescription drugs:
Pain and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen
Anti-itch medications, like hydrocortisone cream
An antihistamine, like Benadryl, for allergic reactions
Laxative