First Aid for External Injuries

Many injuries are obvious, and in obvious need of immediate attention. Having a knowledge of these injuries and how to treat them is not merely convenient, but can prevent long term injury, pain, or even death. Much of it is common sense, but quick action often relies on being prepared in advance for an emergency. The following is a list of external and sometimes traumatic injuries and what first aid measures should be taken to deal with them.

Burns and Scalds occur when the skin comes in contact with very hot objects or even fire or steam. Steam will actually burn worse than fire itself because more heat is transferred to the body more quickly by the moisture. A slight burn will be accompanied by redness and pain. A moderate burn will blister, but sever burns will go beyond the skin and actually destroy tissue. For minor burns apply ice. But for larger buns cool water should be applied to the burned area. Most doctors recommend no ointments be used. If clothing is stuck to burn, do not remove, allow a doctor to do this. If burns are extensive, white, dry, or painless, be sure to bring the victim to a hospital emergency room.
Cuts and bruises are probably the most common form of injury. Cuts are different than minor scrapes, which is merely the removal of a layer or two of skin. For a scrape try a little sodium peroxide and daub any blood with a sterile cloth. Severe cuts should be elevated to slow the blood flow to the area. Clean cuts with soap and water. Stop the bleeding by applying pressure. A Band-aid or bandage may be applied. Bruises should be treated with cold cloths or ice packs to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Dog bites and other animal bites are different than a standard cut because the possibility of infection rises, and punctures can be deep. Wash the affected area with soap and water. Cover the area with a sterile dressing and bandage. The animal should be captured and checked for rabies. If absolutely necessary kill the animal. Sometimes rabies shots must be administered if the status of the animal cannot be determined, because delay in applying rabies vaccine will make the vaccine ineffective.
Electrical shock can be minor or major. A minor shock will only create minor immediate discomfort. However, a major shock can knock a person unconscious. In this case the skin will be pale or bluish and clammy. First Turn off current to the victim, do not touch them first! If necessary, break contact with dry wood, thick dry cloth, or some other object that is an insulator. If the victim is not breathing give mouth-to-mouth, and if there is no heartbeat give CPR. Keep subject warm and call an ambulance.
Fractures and dislocations can cause severe pain, but may also be accompanied by numbness in the area affected. Limbs may appear deformed or bent unnaturally. Broken bones may protrude. First call an ambulance or get person medical attention. Do not move injured part of body until it has been splinted. In case of broken legs, back, or neck, keep person immobilized until ambulance arrives. Cover any open wounds with available clean cloths. Keep victim warm and do not give food or drink.
Gas poisoning is characterized by headache, dizziness, pale skin, and unconscious state. Many gasses can be poisonous, some are odorless, but many have additives to give them an odor. If you find someone who has succumbed to gas poisoning, the first order of business is to get them away from the source of gas. If the person has no breath mouth-to-mouth and CPR may need to be applied. Keep subject warm and call for Emergency Technicians in severe cases.
Most Insect bites and stings are of a minor nature, but some insects are extremely poisonous and some people have allergic reactions to insect bites and stings. A person with a bite or sting will be subject to pain or itching. An allergic reaction might result in shock, a rash, or difficulty in breathing. If the stinger remains in the skin remove by scraping or pulling it out with a fingernail (or two). Do not squeeze the affected area. Application of a cold compress will help reduce swelling and make the patient more comfortable. In extreme cases rush to emergency room or call an ambulance. If stung person is known to react to stings act quickly to get the person medical attention.
A nosebleed may have many causes from a child simply picking his nose, to being hit. To treat, be sure that the patient is leaning forward. Squeeze the nostrils to put pressure on the point of the bleeding. Cold compress applied to the face may also help to stop the bleeding. If bleeding does not stop, bring the patient to the emergency room.
Poisoning or taking in chemicals that are toxic to the body creates a very dangerous situation for the patient. Symptoms may vary with different chemicals, but it is likely that there will be pain in the stomach or throat or mouth. The patient may also experience vomiting and drowsiness. Immediately call an ambulance. As treatment varies for caustic chemicals as opposed to more natural poisons, it is best to consult the poison control center or a doctor before taking any other action.
Shock generally results from another injury, illness, or poisoning. It is indicated by pale skin, especially the face, cold sweats, fast breathing, and a weak pulse. Best treatment calls for keeping the patient warm and lying down. The feet should be kept raised. Call an ambulance. Do not give the patient food or drink. If blocked, clear the airway. Avoid rough and excessive handling.