BURN

For All Burns

1. Stop Burning Immediately Put out fire or stop the person's contact with hot liquid, steam, or other material. Help the person "stop, drop, and roll" to smother flames. Remove smoldering material from the person. Remove hot or burned clothing. If clothing sticks to skin, cut or tear around it. 2. Remove Constrictive Clothing Immediately Take off jewelry, belts, and tight clothing. Burns can swell quickly. Then take the following steps:

For First-Degree Burns (Affecting Top Layer of Skin)

1. Cool Burn Hold burned skin under cool (not cold) running water or immerse in cool water until pain subsides. Use compresses if running water isnt available. 2. Protect Burn Cover with sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth. Do not apply butter or ointments, which can cause infection. 3. Treat Pain Give over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen (Aleve). 4. When to See a Doctor Seek medical help if: You see signs of infection, like increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, or oozing. The person needs tetanus or booster shot, depending on date of last injection. Tetanus booster should be given every 10 years. Redness and pain last more than a few hours. Pain worsens. 5. Follow Up The doctor will examine the burn and may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication.

For Second-Degree Burns (Affecting Top 2 Layers of Skin)

1. Cool Burn Immerse in cool water for 10 or 15 minutes. Use compresses if running water isnt available. Dont apply ice. It can lower body temperature and cause further damage. Dont break blisters or apply butter or ointments, which can cause infection. 2. Protect Burn Cover loosely with sterile, nonstick bandage and secure in place with gauze or tape. 3. Prevent Shock Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury, or it would cause discomfort: Lay the person flat. Elevate feet about 12 inches. Elevate burn area above heart level, if possible. Cover the person with coat or blanket.

4. See a Doctor The doctor can test burn severity, prescribe antibiotics and pain medications, and administer a tetanus shot, if needed.

For Third-Degree Burns

1. Call 911 2. Protect Burn Area Cover loosely with sterile, nonstick bandage or, for large areas, a sheet or other material that that wont leave lint in wound. Separate burned toes and fingers with dry, sterile dressings. Do not soak burn in water or apply ointments or butter, which can cause infection. 3. Prevent Shock Unless the person has a head, neck, or leg injury or it would cause discomfort: Lay the person flat. Elevate feet about 12 inches. Elevate burn area above heart level, if possible. Cover the person with coat or blanket. For an airway burn, do not place pillow under the person's head when the person is lying down. This can close the airway. Have a person with a facial burn sit up. Check pulse and breathing to monitor for shock until emergency help arrives. 4. See a Doctor Doctors will give oxygen and fluid, if needed, and treat the burn.

CHOKING TREATMENT
Call 911 if:
The person is choking. The person is unconscious. While Waiting for 911 If the Person Is Conscious but Not Able to Breathe or Talk: 1. Give Back Blows Give up to 5 blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. 2. If Person Is Still Choking, Do Thrusts If the person is not pregnant or too obese, do abdominal thrusts: Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around the waist. Place your clenched fist just above the persons navel. Grab your fist with your other hand. Quickly pull inward and upward. Continue cycles of 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is coughed up or the person starts to breathe or cough. Take the object out of his mouth only if you can see it. Never do a finger sweep unless you can see the object in the person's mouth. If the person is obese or pregnant, do high abdominal thrusts:

Stand behind the person, wrap your arms them, and position your hands at the base of the breast bone. Quickly pull inward and upward. Repeat until the object is dislodged. 3. Give CPR, if Necessary If the obstruction comes out, but the person is not breathing or if the person becomes unconscious: 4. Follow Up When emergency medical personnel arrive, they will take over and may do CPR or take the person to the hospital, if needed.

CPR
CPR Basics Recommendations for: What to do Adults and older children who have reached puberty Call before starting CPR and get an AED, if there is one nearby. Place two fingers on the spot where the ribs come together. Put the heel of your other hand just above your fingers on the breastbone. (See a picture of hand placement for chest compressions .) How do you give chest compressions? Use the heel of one hand with the other hand stacked on top of it. Lace your fingers together. Use the heel of one Use two fingers. hand. If you need more force for a larger child, use both hands as you would for an adult. Young children until the age of puberty Do CPR for 2 minutes. Then call and get an AED, if there is one nearby. Place two fingers on the spot where the ribs come together. Put the heel of your other hand just above your fingers on the breastbone. Babies younger than 1 year Do CPR for 2 minutes. Then call and get an AED, if there is one nearby. Place two fingers on the breastbone just below the nipple line. (See a picture of hand placement for chest compressions on a baby .)

When to call for emergency help

If the person is not breathing normally or is gasping, find the spot to do chest compressions.

CPR Basics Recommendations for: What to do Adults and older children who have reached puberty Do at least 100 compressions per minute (between 1 and 2 per second). Press the chest down at least 2 inches (5 cm). Young children until the age of puberty Do at least 100 compressions per minute (between 1 and 2 per second). Press the chest down at least one-third of the depth of the child's chest [about 2 in. (5 cm)]. 30 compressions, 2 breaths. Repeat this 30/2 cycle until help arrives or child breathes on his or her own. Babies younger than 1 year Do at least 100 compressions per minute (between 1 and 2 per second). Press the chest down at least one-third of the depth of the baby's chest [about 1.5 in. (4 cm)]. 30 compressions, 2 breaths. Repeat this 30/2 cycle until help arrives or baby breathes on his o

How fast should you do compressions?

How far down should you press the chest?

If you are trained in CPR, how many compressions and breaths do you give? Note: Rescue breathing may be more important to do for children and babies than for adults.

30 compressions, 2 breaths. Repeat this 30/2 cycle until help arrives or person breathes on his or her own.

DIZZINESS TREATMENT
Call 911 if the person has:
A change in vision or speech Chest pain Shortness of breath Convulsions or ongoing vomiting Dizziness that comes after a head injury Double vision Fainting or loss of consciousness High fever and stiff neck Inability to move an arm or leg Slurred speech Share this:

1. Treat Symptoms

The person should sit down or lie still. If the person gets light-headed when standing up, the person should stand up slowly. Avoid sudden changes in position. If the person is thirsty, have him or her drink fluids. Avoid bright lights.

2. Call a Health Care Professional

Call a health care professional if: This is the first time the person has been dizzy. The dizziness is different than before or doesn't go away quickly.

3. Follow Up
At the health care provider's office or hospital, the next steps depend on the particular case. The person may get oxygen or IV fluids to treat dehydration. If blood tests reveal abnormal blood chemistry (electrolyte levels), this will be corrected. Health care providers may start emergency treatment for heart attack or stroke, blood transfusion, or surgery.

FOOD POISONING TREATMENT

Call 911 if:
You think the food poisoning may be from seafood or mushrooms If the person is severely dehydrated 1. Control Nausea and Vomiting Avoid solid foods until vomiting ends. Then eat light, bland foods, such as saltine crackers, bananas, rice, or bread. Sipping soda may help prevent vomiting. Dont eat fried, greasy, spicy, or sweet foods. Dont take anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea medication without asking your doctor. They may make some kinds of diarrhea worse. Your doctor may give you anti-nausea medication if you are at risk of being dehydrated. 2. Prevent Dehydration Drink clear fluids, starting with small sips and gradually drinking more. If vomiting and diarrhea last more than 24 hours, drink an oral rehydration solution. 3. When to Call a Doctor Call a doctor immediately for diarrhea: That lasts more than 3 days That happens after you eat seafood or mushrooms Accompanied by a fever With blood or dark stools

With prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down With signs of severe dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness, fatigue, or increased heart rate or breathing rate

HEAT EXHAUSTION TREATMENT

Call 911 if the person:

Has a very high, weak pulse rate and rapid shallow breathing, especially when combined with high or low blood pressure Is unconscious, disoriented, or has a high body temperature Has warm, dry skin, elevated or lowered blood pressure, and is hyperventilating Get the person out of the heat and into a cool environment. If air-conditioning is not available, fan the person. Spray the person with a garden hose, get him into a cool shower, apply cool compresses, or give the person a sponge bath Give cool, nonalcoholic beverages as long as the person is alert. Have the person avoid physical activity for the rest of the day. Give over the counter acetaminophen if the person has a mild headache.

1. Lower Body Temperature

2. Rehydrate

3. Rest 4. See a Health Care Provider

Untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. See a doctor that day if: Symptoms get worse or last more than an hour The person is nauseated or vomiting

HEAT STROKE TREATMENT

Call 911 if the person has the following symptoms:

Body temperature above 103 F Rapid pulse Reduced sweating Disorientation Unconsciousness Seizures Warm, red, dry skin

1. Call 911
Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

2. Lower Body Temperature Quickly

Get the person out of the sun. Immerse the person in a cool bath, spray the person with cool water, or apply cold wet cloths to the armpits, neck, and groin. Fan air across the person to increase cooling. These methods help cool the person quickly. Continue cooling efforts until the person's body temperature drops to 101 to 102 F. Do not give the person anything to drink. If the person experiences seizures, keep him or her safe from injury. If the person vomits, turn the person on his or her side to keep the airway open. At the hospital, health care providers will rehydrate the person and continue cooling as needed.

3. Treat Symptoms 4. Follow Up

HEART PALPITATIONS TREATMENT

Call 911 if palpitations occur with:
Dizziness Confusion Light-headedness Passing out Shortness of breath Pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, jaw, arms, or upper back 1. Take Steps to Reduce Heart Palpitations Leave a stressful situation and try to be calm. Anxiety, stress, fear, or panic can cause palpitations. Cut back on coffee, tea, chocolate, and colas if caffeine seems to cause palpitations. Dont smoke or use tobacco products. Nicotine can cause palpitations. Dont drink alcohol. Avoid illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines. Avoid medications that act like stimulants, such as cough and cold medicines or decongestants. 2. Follow Up Call your doctor for an appointment. Often, palpitations arent serious, but they can be related to abnormal heart valves, heart rhythm problems, or panic attacks. Always call a doctor if palpitations change in nature or increase suddenly.

NOSEBLEEDS TREATMENT
1. Stop the Bleeding

Have the person sit up straight and lean forward slightly. Don't have the person lie down or tilt the head backward. With thumb and index finger, firmly pinch the nose just below the bone up against the face. Apply pressure for 5 minutes. Time yourself with a clock. If bleeding continues after 5 minutes, repeat the process.

2. Call a Health Care Provider

See a health care provider immediately if: Nosebleed doesn't stop after 10 minutes of home treatment. The person is taking blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin, or has a bleeding disorder Nosebleed happens after a severe head injury or a blow to the face.

3. Medical Treatment

The health care provider may use specialized cotton material, insert a balloon in the nose, or use a special electrical tool to cauterize the blood vessels. Broken noses often are not fixed immediately. The health care provider will refer the person to a specialist for a consultation once the swelling goes down. The person should avoid strenuous activity; bending over; and blowing, rubbing or picking the nose until it heals.

4. Follow Up

SPRAINS AND STRAINS TREATMENT

1. Control Swelling With RICE Therapy

Rest the sprained or strained area. If necessary, use a sling for an arm injury or crutches for a leg or foot injury. Splint an injured finger or toe by taping it to an adjacent finger or toe. Ice for 20 minutes every hour. Never put ice directly against the skin or it may damage the skin. Use a thin cloth for protection. Compress by wrapping an elastic (Ace) bandage or sleeve lightly (not tightly) around the joint or limb. Specialized braces, such as for the ankle, can work better than an elastic bandage for removing the swelling. Elevate the area above heart level.

2. Manage Pain and Inflammation

Give an over-the-counter NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin. Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 18.

3. See a Health Care Provider

All but the most minor strains and sprains should be evaluated by a health care provider. Consult a health care provider as soon as possible if there are symptoms of a possible broken bone: There is a "popping" sound with the injury. The person can't move the injured joint or limb. The limb buckles when the injured joint is used. There is numbness. There is significant swelling, pain, fever, or open cuts.

4. Follow Up

Continue RICE for 24 to 48 hours, or until the person sees a health care provider. The health care provider may want to do X-rays or an MRI to diagnose a severe sprain or strain or rule out a broken bone. The health care provider may need to immobilize the limb or joint with a splint, cast, or other device until healing is complete. Physical therapy can often be helpful to bring an injured joint back to normal. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.