Dealing with Toxins and Toxic Fumes

 Dealing with Toxins and Toxic Fumes

Dealing with Toxins

Intoxication by inhalation:

Many cases of intoxication result from inhaling some fumes or vapors of toxic liquids. Intoxication by inhalation is characterized by the rapid spread of the toxin in the blood, which causes the intoxication to happen quickly. In this case, the injured person requires immediate medical attention. If you find yourself with a person who has inhaled toxins, follow the instructions below:

1. Call emergency numbers for help.
2. Take the necessary precautions to protect yourself before trying to save the injured person. You can do that by placing a wet cloth on your nose and mouth.
3. Open windows and doors to let toxic gases and fumes out.
4. Immediately take the victim out to fresh air. Relieve any pressure on their body by loosening neck ties and removing tight clothing. 
5. Avoid lighting matches or using a lighter, because some gases are flammable.
6. Once the victim is rescued, they must be examined. Their airway, respiration, and pulse must be checked and monitored. Start performing rescue breathing and CPR on them if necessary.
7. Perform artificial respiration in the case of a respiratory failure after removing obstructions in the victim's mouth as follows:
   
• Tilt the victim's head back, to open airways, while pinching the nostrils closed with your fingers.
• Seal the mouth and exhale directly into the victim's mouth. Watch for the victim's chest to rise by itself as the lungs get filled with air.
• Release the nostrils and the seal around the mouth to allow the victim to exhale. Watch for the chest as it moves back down.
• Repeat the previous process until the patient regains his normal breathing.
8. If the victim vomits, place him on one side to prevent suffocation.
9. If the victim is unconscious, avoid giving them anything orally.
10. Keep the person warm if they seem to be cold or start shivering. 
11. Calm the injured person down if they are aware of their surroundings.
12. Immediately take them to the nearest hospital.

Dealing with Gases

Precautions to be taken during chemical incidents:

If you were outside and learned that you are in a toxic gas area, do the following:

• Enter the nearest house or store. If you cannot do that, stay inside your car and keep calm.
• Turn off car engine and close the windows.
• Place a piece of cloth over the ventilation holes of the car.
• Cover exposed areas (e.g. hands and face). It is also preferred to cover the lower limbs of children and toddlers and use socks and shoes.
• If you have a gas mask, use it.
• It is advisable to keep a nylon bag containing a wet towel or wet gauze pads, to be used in cases of nerve gases. In cases of mustard gas, the towel or pieces of cloth should be dry. Use it to cover the head, hands, or lower limbs of children, as well as the car's ventilation holes. 

When you arrive home:

• Ensure that the doors and windows are closed. Stay in the room prepared to be used in toxic gas wars, accompanied by your family members.
• If your clothes are contaminated, take them off immediately and place them outside your home in an airtight container. Dispose of them afterwards. Either burn your contaminated clothes or bury them with lime soda.
• Wash your body and the affected areas to remove the remnants of toxins and reduce their absorption. You can use lukewarm water and soap if you are sure they are not contaminated. Keep them away from your mouth, eyes, or nose.
• Stay calm, and make sure all your family members remain calm as well.
• In the case of an injury, call Civil Defense (998), the Red Crescent (997) or go to the nearest clinic or hospital. Give your doctor a full description of the symptoms, after making sure that the air is free of toxins.

Epistaxis (Nosebleed)

 Epistaxis (Nosebleed)

 

Epistaxis (Nosebleed) is a very common medical problem. It is usually caused by dry air that make blood drain out through nostrils. It can range from slight, which stops on their own and is not serious, to severe that requires immediate medical care.

Types:

1. Anterior nosebleed, which is the most common but not serious, occurs when the blood vessels in the front of the nose break and bleed.
2. Posterior nosebleed, which is less common but may be life-threatening due to losing a lot of blood, comes from the back of the nose near the throat.

Causes:

The lining of your nose contains many tiny blood vessels that lie close to the surface and are easily damaged.

• Allergic rhinitis or common cold can cause nose infections.
• Face or nose injuries like falls or bike accidents.
• Nosebleeds rarely occur due to a serious problem, such as: bleeding disorders, vascular anomalies, or nasal tumors.
• Medicines, for example, when taking blood thinners or anticoagulants (medications to prevent blood clots, such as: heparin or warfarin), thus one is more likely to have nosebleeds that cannot be stopped easily.

Causes of Frequent Nosebleeds:

• Continuous exposure to dry air.
• Long-term use of steroid nasal sprays, used to treat allergies, or nasal congestion.
• Getting frequent common colds.

In some cases, frequent nosebleeds can be a sign of a bleeding disorder, while other symptoms are often found, such as: frequent bruising in different areas, and prolonged bleeding after minor injuries.

When to Seek Emergency Care?

• If the bleeding is severe, causing breathing difficulty (dyspnoea).
• If the person appears pale or fatigued.
  
• If the bleeding still does not stop even after performing first aid.
• If bleeding occurs after surgery close to the nose, or if the person has a nasal tumor.
• If bleeding occurs after a facial injury.
• If the person is taking anticoagulant medications, such as: aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, while nosebleeds do not stop.
• If the nosebleeds occur frequently, or when bruises appear in the body or bleeding from other places, while current bleeding does not stop.
• If the nosebleeds are severe, and the person suffers chest pain, or feels dizzy.

Nosebleeds First Aid:

• Slightly bending forward while sitting or standing, avoiding lying down or head tilted back, as this will cause blood swallow and vomiting.
• Holding the nose from the soft part (not the bone) in both ways, while avoiding pressure on only one side, even if the bleeding is on only one side.
• Squeeze your nose closed for at least 5 minutes (for children) or 10 to 15 minutes (for adults). Do not release the pressure every so often to check whether the bleeding has stopped, except after the specified time has passed.
• Cold compress or ice pack can be applied to the bridge of your nose. This may help the blood vessels constrict and slow the bleeding.
• If you follow the steps outlined above, and your nose continues to bleed, repeat all the steps once more. Apply pressure for a total of at least 30 minutes. If you continue to bleed, seek emergency medical care.

seizures

 seizures 

​Seizures are common, and one day you might need to help someone during a seizure. So you must learn what you can do to keep the person safe until the seizure stops on its self. Most seizures end in a few minutes.

When the person needs emergency medical attention and when to contact the emergency:

• The seizures occur for the first time.
• The person has difficulty breathing or waking after the seizure.
• The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• The person has another seizure soon after the first one.
• The person is hurt during the seizure.
• The seizure happens in water.
• The person has a health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or is pregnant.
  
  

First aid for seizures:

In this type of seizure, the grand mal seizure, the person may cry out, fall, shake or jerk, and become unaware of what’s going on around them. What you can do to help him: 

• Ease the person to the floor.
• Turn the person gently onto one side, to help him breathe.
• Clear the area around him. 
• Put something soft, like a jacket or something else, under his head.
• Remove eyeglasses, loosen ties and unfasten shirt buttons. 
• Call the emergency if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.​
  
  

What not to do: 

• Do not stop his movements during the seizure.
• Do not put anything in the person’s mouth. This can injure his teeth or the jaw. 
• Do not try to give him CPR, people usually start breathing again on their own after a seizure.
• Do not offer the person water or food until he is fully alert.

First aid for any type of seizure:

• Stay with the person until the seizure ends.
• After the seizure ends, help the person sit in a safe place.
• Once he is alert and able to communicate, tell him what happened in very simple terms.

 wounds.

Wounds are the most common injuries among people. Applying appropriate first aid to open wound can reduce the risk of infection and speed up the healing process.

Wounds First Aid:

• Prior to cleaning or dressing the wound, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then use disposable rubber gloves.
• Taking off jewels  
• Remove jewelry from the affected part of the body.
• Apply direct pressure on the cut or wound to stop bleeding, while avoiding wrapping around the wound site; as this may lead to tissue damage.
• Rinse the wound after bleeding stop, using saline solution if possible, and if not available, drinking water can be used.
• Examine the wound, and remove any contamination or any embedded foreign body.
• Gently, clean around the wound, using clean water and soap.
• Place a sterile gauze pad over the wound, but if it is contaminated, as in case of biting (e.g. as a dog bite) or needle contamination, the wound should be left open.
• Taking analgesics, such as: ibuprofen; to relieve pain, and change the bandage every 24 hours.
  
• 
  

When to see a doctor?

• If the wound has an embedded foreign body, such as a piece of wood, metal, or any other object.
• If the wound is caused by an animal bite or a contaminated needle puncturing the skin.
• If a wound infection occurs, and its symptoms include severe pain, swelling and redness of the wound, wound drainage (pus), and high body temperature.
• If infection symptoms were shown in the blood, such as breathing problems, high  heart rate, high body temperature, shivering, sweating, and severe pain.

 head injury.

​Introduction:

Head injury is a common injury suffered by people of all age groups, especially children. Fortunately, most head injuries are mild, temporary, and curable without persisting health problems. Some head injuries may, however, affect the brain or the tissue surrounding it, resulting in long-term complications. 

Head injury: 

A head injury is any sort of injury to the brain, skull, or scalp. This can range from a mild bump or bruise to a traumatic brain injury.

Types of head injuries: 

• Concussion: This is a jarring injury to your brain. Most of the time, people remain conscious. They may feel dazed and lose balance for a brief time. 
• Brain contusion: This is a bruise of your brain. Minor bleeding in your brain causes swelling.
• Skull fracture: This is a crack in the skull. Sometimes, the broken skull bones can cut into the brain. 
• Hematoma: This is bleeding in your brain that collects and clots, forming a bump. A hematoma may not appear for a day or as long as several weeks.

Causes:

• Falls (most common cause);
• Exercising and sports-related accidents;
• Physical assaults;
• Traffic accidents.

Who is at highest risk?

• Children;
• The elderly;
• Drug and alcohol users.

Symptoms:

• Headache (following the head injury);  
• Ringing in the ears; 
• Vomiting and nausea;
• Dizziness, and disorientedness;
• Neck pain, or visual problems;
• Swelling;
• Loss of consciousness, usually for a short period of time (less than a minute).

When to call the ambulance and seek medical help:

• Loss of consciousness;
• Worsening headache;
• Drastic changes in behavior (such as anger or confusion);
• Trouble understanding, speaking or walking;
• Impaired senses (such as hearing loss and vision impairment).
• Recurrent vomiting;
• Inability to remember incidents before or after the injury;
• Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs;
• Seizures;
• Leaking of blood or a fluid from the ear or the nose.
• Memory loss;
• Problems breathing.

Treatment and first aid:

• The treatment for head injuries depends on the injury severity. Most often, mild injuries do not require treatment. However, you should know the signs and symptoms that require medical attention.
• If the head injury is severe, call the ambulance immediately.
• If the injured person is bleeding, try to stop the bleeding by using gauze, or a clean cloth.
• If the wound is open, do not touch or apply pressure on it. Cover or wrap the wound with a clean piece of gauze (bandage) instead.
• If the person is vomiting while sitting, help them to lean forward. If the person is vomiting while lying down, roll their body to the side to prevent choking.
• If the person is awake, instruct them not to move their head and neck. This can help prevent further damage to their spine and brain.
• If the person is unconscious and breathing, try to stabilize their body. This includes keeping their neck and head in line with their spine.
• If the person is unconscious and not breathing, begin the process of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Some symptoms may appear in the few days following discharge from hospital, such as:

• Moderate headache;
• Problems sleeping;
• Poor appetite;
• General exhaustion;
  
• Problems focusing;
• Bruises or mild scalp swelling;
• Memory loss: the injured person may forget the events right before, during, and after the accident. Memory of these events may or may not come back after treatment.

The injured person should be readmitted to the ER in the following cases:

• Persisting vomiting or nausea; 
• Worsening headache;
• Problems waking up;
• Memory loss;
• Dizziness or faintness;
• Difficulty walking;
• Troubles speaking;
• Spasms or seizures;
• Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs;
• Neck spasm;
• Dizzy or blurred vision;
• Leaking of clear fluid from the ear or the nose; 
• Change in behavior (especially in children).

General tips: Caring for a head injury after discharge from ER:

• Take rest, keep at home, and stop any activity during the first 48 hours after injury.
• Keep your phone at hand, to call the ambulance when need arises. 
• Ask someone to keep by your side during the first 48 hours.
• Don't go to school or work until after full recovery.
• Avoid driving your car or bike immediately after injury.
• Avoid medications (especially painkillers) unless prescribed by the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor about exercising or practicing sports, such as football. In most cases, they are not recommended during three weeks after a head injury.
• Eating and drinking are usually unrecommended during the first six hours after injury, unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor, following which, the injured person may eat and drink moderately.
• Stop watching or using screens, as well as the activities requiring concentration.
• Apply cold compresses to the swollen area, as recommended by the doctor, and avoid applying ice directly to the skin. 

After recovery:

Protect your head from other potential injuries, by wearing a helmet while exercising, or practicing such sports as cycling, etc.

Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergy)

 Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergy)

Anaphylaxis defined

Anaphylaxis (severe allergy) is the reaction of the human immune system to certain substances, such as: pollen, moth, fungi, some foods, etc. The Immune system usually attacks harmful objects that enter the body. In the case of allergy, though, the immune system perceives some normal substances as being harmful (receives a false alarm), and attacks them by producing antibodies (such as histamine) which develop allergic symptoms.

Anaphylactic shock

Anaphylactic shock is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that may hinder respiration, acute blood pressure, affect the pulse rate. The symptoms may begin in minutes from exposure to the allergic stimuli. The most common of allergic triggers include nuts, especially peanuts. 

Allergic triggers

• Foods (such as egg, nuts, etc);
• Insect stings (of bees, etc);
• Allergy to natural rubber (latex), used in the manufacture of latex gloves, balloons, pencil rubbers, rubber balls, and some tubes and plugs used in laboratories. 

Anaphylactic symptoms

• Swelling in the lips, tongue, face or eyes;
• Swelling and narrowing in the throat;
• Shortness of breath, and difficulty of speaking;
• Skin rash (hives), vomiting and abdominal pain;
• Dizziness and faintness.

Treatment

An adrenaline (epinephrine) injection is emergency; i.e., the onset of the anaphylactic shock. 

Adrenaline injection

Adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injectors are used for emergency treatment of severe allergic (anaphylactic) reaction in the patients at risk of anaphylaxis. The injection contains a single (non-reusable) dose of epinephrine. 

Conditions in need of an adrenaline injection

Patients suffering an anaphylactic shock, triggered by:

o Sings of insects (such as bees, wasps and fire ants);

o Immunotherapy of allergy;

o Some foods;

o Patient-specific triggers, such as: contrast dye, and other allergy-stimulating substances;

o Anaphylactic with no known cause;

o Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIAn).

Adrenaline dosage

o The dose varies according to the athlete's weight.

o If the symptoms persist, the patient should be administered another dose five minutes after the first.

Precautions before taking an adrenaline injection

You should let the doctor know if you:

o Have allergy to the injection, or any of the ingredients thereof;

o Suffering from any of these health problems: cardiovascular disorders, elevated blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, thyroid gland disorders, elevated intraocular pressure (glaucoma), asthma, depression, Parkinson disease, renal disorders, or prostate gland abnormalities.

General tips

o It is critical to know the allergic triggers, and keep away from them.

o Carry the injection with you at all times.

o Tell your family and those around you about the injection, and how it is used if need arises.

o Inject it into the middle of the outer side of the thigh, through the clothes when necessary;

o Don’t inject it into the vein, gluteal muscle, hands or legs. If you injected it into the wrong part of the body, head to the nearest ER immediately.

o Make sure the child’s legs are restrained, to reduce their movement during injection.

o Check the injection every now and then; make sure that its color hasn’t turned pink, brown or whitish-gray, or that it contains precipitate.

o Adrenaline injection is sensitive to light; it should be kept in its package for protection against light.

o Avoid exposing the syringe to excessive coldness or heat, and keep it away from the direct sun.

o The syringe should be used by one person, only once (not reusable);

o Avoid reusing the remainder of the injection

o Adrenaline injection is not reusable; avoid using the remainder of the injection.

o Ask for help at the onset of allergic symptoms.

o Consult your doctor when signs and symptoms of infection are observed, including: constant flushness, high temperature or swelling in the injection area.

o Other symptoms may appear, such as: elevated pulse rate, sweating, vomiting, nausea, paleness, dizziness and headache. These symptoms usually become milder, and then disappear, when at rest.

 

fractures 

​Introduction: 

A bone fracture is a medical condition that occurs when significant pressure is exerted on the bones, caused by: falls, traffic accidents, or bone stress (to which stress fractures in athletes are attributed). Besides, fractures may be attributed to some medical conditions that weaken the bones, such as: osteoporosis and some cancers. Fractures caused by diseases are referred to as pathologic fractures. 

Common fractures are of two types:

• Closed fracture: where the damaged bone does not tear through the skin; and 
• Open (compound) fracture: where the skin is torn and penetrated by the damaged bone. Open fractures are more serious.

Symptoms: 

The signs and symptoms of a fracture vary according to the affected area, severity of the injury, and which bone is affected, as well as the patient's age and general health.  However, they often include some of the following: 

• Pain, swelling and bruising;
• Discolored skin around the affected area;
• Angulation: the affected area may be bent at an unusual angle;
• ​Inability to move the affected area;
• In the case of open fractures, where the skin is torn: bleeding;
• When a large bone is affected, such as the pelvis or femur, other symptoms develop, including: skin paleness, nausea and dizziness (feeling faint).

First aid of fractures:

• Stop bleeding, especially in the case of open fracture where the skin is torn, by wrapping the wound with a sterile bandage or a clean cloth.
• Avoid moving the affected area; any movement can result in serious complications—especially in the case of neck and back fractures.
• Cool the affected area by applying and ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a clean cloth.
• Treat the patient's shock: help them get into a comfortable position, encourage them to rest, and reassure them. Cover them with a blanket or clothing to keep them warm.
• Call the ambulance, and help the patient get to the emergency department for examination and treatment.​​
  
  

Cast care:

A cast may be used to treat fractures, by fixing the damaged bones. Casts are necessary for better healing, and mitigating the pain caused by bone movement. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the cast, to reduce the risk of complications, and avoid infection. Following are some cast care instructions: 

• It is common to experience swelling of the fracture area, which results in a feeling of discomfort at first. To mitigate swelling, it is advisable to place the cast on pillows, and elevate it above the level of the heart, for 24 - 48 hours.
• Use cold compresses, by applying a pack of ice, or a clean cloth including ice cubes, to the swollen area. It is advisable to use compresses for 20 minutes every two hours. But avoid applying ice directly to the skin.
• Take painkillers (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen) for at least 48 hours to reduce pain. 
• Keep the cast dry while bathing, and make sure that water does not get into it. Before you bathe, wrap your cast with two layers of plastic. Then put a plastic bag over it. Keep the plastic bag tightly sealed by using and adhesive tape.
• If the cast gets wet, it must be dried immediately. You may use a hairdryer on a cool setting (never use the hot settings because it might burn your skin).
• Keep the cast clean, and keep it away from dirt or sand, so as not to be infected.
• Never insert any objects (pens, etc.) into the cast when feeling itchy. This may damage the skin, and cause infection.

When to see a doctor?

• When skin rash appears, or foul odor comes from inside the cast;
• If the cast gets too tight, or too loose;
• In case of increased pain and swelling, that make movement of fingers more difficult;
• When feeling numbness or tingling in the arm, fingers or toes;
• If your fingers feel cold or turn blue;
• If you feel increased pain inside or near the cast; or
• If the cast gets too wet to be dried.

Prevention of bone fractures: 

The elderly:

• Undergo regular medical checkups, and assessments of the risk factors of falls;
• Undergo bone tests, to check if you suffer from osteoporosis or low BMI—this is especially necessary for women post-menopause, or aged 65 and above;
• Maintain physical activity, to strengthen foot muscles and improve the body balance;
• Undergo a yearly eye examination to assess the visual acuity, and update the visual measurements; and
• Maintain a safe household environment, to avoid falling, by positioning the furniture in a manner that allows for reasonable space, and helps avoid stumbling, as well as maintaining good illumination throughout the house, as a way of avoiding stumbling.

Children:

• Play safely, and ensure safety of the playgrounds; falls while playing are a common cause of fractures in children;
• Pay close attention on children while at home, and keeping an eye on them when ascending or descending the stairs, or in any other place where falls are possible; and
• Exercise safely, by putting on such protective uniforms and tools as: helmets, knee and elbow pads, etc.
  

 bites.

​Introduction: 

Animal bites are common and the bite can cause a minor wound, but it can be accompanied by serious complications. One of the most serious complications of bites is rabies, so you should know what to do when bitten.

Animal Bites:

Dog Bites:

Most bites occur in children, more likely to sustain injuries in their neck and head. In adults the bites occur to shoulders and legs, particularly the right hand. A dog bite can lead to a range of injuries, including scratches, deep open cuts, and tearing away of a body part. Dog bites rarely cause death.

Cat Bites:

Cats can cause wounds with their teeth or claws. Most of cat bites involve the upper extremities such as arms, hands and face. Deep wounds are a concern because cats have long, sharp teeth, so bacteria can reach the bone, or joint, leading to inflammation. Infection causes redness, swelling, and severe pain quickly between 12 and 24 hours after the bite.

Rodents Bites:

The most common are rats, and bites occur at night, often on the hands or face.

Human Bites:

Children are more susceptible to this type of bites, as a result of playing with an aggressive child. The bites result in a semi-circular or oval red patch and may cause bruising or holes in place of teeth. These bites are usually located on face, upper arms and trunk. 

Risk of Rabies:

Anyone who is bitten by animals such as raccoons, foxes, or bats needs immediate medical attention even if the wound is minor; as these animals may be rabies-carrying.

First Aid for Bites:

• Wash the area with soap and water to reduce infection. 
• Apply emergency medical care such as:

Minor Wounds:

• Wash the wound thoroughly.
• Apply antibiotic cream.
• Cover the wound with clean gauze.

Go to emergency immediately when the wound is red, painful, with high body temperature, swelling, or if you suspect the dog was frenzied.

Deep Wounds:

• Squeeze the wound with a clean gauze to stop bleeding. 
• If you cannot stop the bleeding, or if you feel exhausted, call emergency. 
• Go to the doctor as soon as possible to examine the wound.

When to see a doctor:

• If severe bleeding cannot be stopped after applying pressure for 15 minutes, or having severe pain.
• If you notice a high body temperature, or when the wound is red, or feel pain, with swelling.
• If the bite is deep, five years have passed since the last tetanus shot.
• If the bite wound is large.
• If the patient has diabetes, liver disease, cancer, weakened immune system.

 

Eye Injury

Eye Injury

Introduction:

It is often not possible to identify the severity of eye injury, as some problems such as retinal detachment can be diagnosed only by a doctor. Some eye injuries may lead to elevated intraocular pressure or minor bleeding that can only be determined and controlled after having severe eye damage, which may cause loss of vision. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor even if the injury is minor. 

Common Causes of Eye Injuries:

• Punches in the eye.
• A blow to the eye by hands or other objects such as a ball or other sports tools while exercising. 
•  Penetration of volatile parts into your eyes during work, explosions or fireworks.
• Chemical exposure.  
  

Symptoms:

If you notice any of these signs after an eye injury, you should go to a doctor immediately, as they indicate a serious eye injury:

• Persistent eye pain.
• Vision problem.
• Torn eyelid.
• On eye movement not like the other. 
• Proptosis in one eye. 
• Changes in the shape of the pupil.
• Blood in the eye. 
• Presence of foreign body in the eye. 

Scratched Eye:

Eye scratches are most often caused by a child, a pet, or during sports. The person can feel the symptoms immediately, and the condition may worsen after several hours.

Symptoms of Scratched Eye:

• Eye pain.
• Feeling like something stuck in your eye.
• The scratched cornea, convex layer of the eye, can cause blurred vision.
  

The scratch may also cause headache or sensitivity to light.

Treatment of Scratched Eye:

• Most eye scratches are minor and will heal on their own in a few days, but should be checked by a doctor.
• If there is severe eye pain or vision problems go to emergency.

Your doctor may prescribe eye drops, such as antibiotic drops with corticosteroids, or moisturizing eye drops to reduce inflammation and scars. However, eye drops should not be used without a doctor consultation and prescription. 

First Aid for Scratched Eye:

• Do rinse your eye with saline solution or clean water.
• Do blink, blinking can help get rid of small bits of dust or sand in your eye.
• Don't touch your eye with anything, rubbing it with your hands won't help remove any foreign objects and could hurt your eye ​more. 
• Don't wear contact lenses. Wearing your contact lenses will slow the healing process and could cause complications.
• Don't use redness-relieving eye drops, which can be painful and they won’t help you heal any faster.

If your eye is sensitive to light because of the scratch, sunglasses will make you more comfortable. 

First Aid for Most of Eye Injuries:

For a Blow to the Eye:

• Gently apply cold compress to relieve pain and swelling.
• Don't put pressure on the eye.
• If there is severe pain or vision problems go to emergency right away.
• Don't neglect the eye blows because a light blow can cause retinal detachment and loss of vision.  
  

For cuts or Puncture:

• Apply a clean protective cover on your eye until you are able to see a doctor. 
• Avoid putting pressure on the eye protective covering. 
• Avoid rinsing the eye with water.
• Avoid removing anything stuck in the eye.
• Avoid rubbing your eye or putting pressure on it. 
• Do not take aspirin, or any anti-inflammatory drugs, as it will increase bleeding.
• Go to emergency or see your doctor right away. 

For Chemical Burns:

• Immediately wash out the eye with clean water.
• Identify the chemical and inform your doctor, some chemicals hurt the eye more than others. 
• See your doctor right away. 

First Aid for all Eye Injuries:

• Don't touch, rub or put pressure on the eye.
• Don't try to remove any object stuck in the eye.
• Don't apply ointment or medicine to the eye without a prescription.
• Don't use eye drops without a prescription, as they may increase pain, or may lead to complications.

 

 

Burns

Burns are tissue damage that results from exposure to burning heat, chemicals and electricity, as well as overexposure to the sun, and the like causes of burns. Common as they are, most skin burns are minor and can be managed at home. However, it is important to know the signs of a more serious skin burn, which should be evaluated and treated by a health care provider. Moderate to severe burns can cause a number of serious complications and usually require urgent treatment.

Causes of burns:

Hot water, steam, and hot objects;

Flames;

Chemicals;

Electricity; or

Overexposure to the sun.

When to see a doctor:

If the burn involves the face, hands or fingers, genitals, or feet;

If the burn is on or near a joint (e.g., knee, shoulder, hip);

If the burn encircles a body part (e.g., arm, leg, foot, chest, finger);

If the burn is large (larger in diameter than 7 cm) or deep;

If the burn is sustained by a person who is under age 5 or over age 70; or

If there are signs of skin infection, such as increasing redness, pain, pus-like discharge, or temperature greater than 38ºC.

Burn types:  

Burns are classified based on the thickness of the skin burned. The classification of a burn can change over the first few days. This means that a burn may appear superficial initially, and then become deeper over time.

Superficial skin burns (first-degree burns): 

Superficial skin burns involve only the top layer of skin, are painful, dry, and red, and turn white when pressed. Superficial burns generally heal in three to six days without scarring. Such type of burns include: non-blistering sunburns.

Superficial partial-thickness skin burns (second-degree burns): 

Superficial partial-thickness skin burns involve the top two layers of skin. They are painful burns, especially when exposed to the air, cause the skin to become red (which turns white when pressed), and usually develop blisters. Superficial-partial thickness burns usually heal within seven to 21 days. The burned area may permanently become darker or lighter in color but a scar does not usually form. Sunburns that blister after several hours are good examples of superficial partial-thickness burns.

Deep partial-thickness skin burns (third-degree burns): 

Deep partial-thickness skin burns extend deeper into the skin, are painful with deep pressure, almost always form blisters, and do not turn white with pressure. Deep partial-thickness skin burns take more than 21 days to heal and usually develop a scar, which may be severe. Burns that blister immediately are deep partial-thickness burns. A blister that persists for several weeks is also considered a deep partial-thickness burn.

Full-thickness burns (fourth-degree burns): 

Full-thickness skin burns extend through all layers of the skin, completely destroying the skin. The burned area usually does not hurt, is a waxy white to leathery gray or charred black color. The skin is dry and does not blanch when touched. Full-thickness burns cannot heal without surgical treatment and scarring is usually severe.

Skin burn treatment:

Small superficial or superficial partial-thickness burns can often be treated at home. However, burns that are larger or deeper should be evaluated by a health care provider. Home treatment of skin burns should include cleaning the area, immediately cooling it, preventing infection, and managing pain—as detailed below:

1. Clean the area: 

- Remove any clothing from the burned area. If clothing is stuck to the skin, do not try to remove it and seek emergency medical care.

- Gently remove any accessories (e.g., rings, watches, belts, shoes, etc.), if any.

- Wash the burned skin gently with cool tap water and plain soap. It is not necessary to disinfect the skin with alcohol, iodine, or other cleansers.

2. Cool the area: 

- After cleaning the skin, you may apply a cold compress to the skin or soak the area in cool (not iced) water for a brief period of time to mitigate pain and reduce the extent of the burn.

- Avoid placing ice directly on the skin because this can damage the skin further.

3. Prevent infection: 

- To prevent infection in partial-thickness and severer burns, apply aloe vera or an antibiotic cream to the burned area.

- Avoid applying other substances (e.g., mustard, egg whites, lavender oil, butter, mayonnaise, toothpaste) to skin burns.

- Keep burns clean by washing the burned area daily with soap and water.

- Burns that form blisters should be covered with a clean bandage, preferably a bandage that does not stick to the skin (e.g., non-sticking bandage or a vaseline dressing). Minor burns may be covered with a clean bandage, as needed.

- Change the dressing once or twice a day, and do not try to break open skin blisters with a needle because this can increase the risk of skin infection.

4. Tetanus prevention:

If you have not had a tetanus shot in the past five years and your burn is superficial partial-thickness or deeper, you need a tetanus booster vaccine.

5. Treat pain:

- Elevating burns on the hand or foot above the level of the heart can help to prevent swelling and pain.

- You may take a painkiller (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen) if needed.

- If the pain so severe that it cannot be controlled with the above-mentioned medications, consult your doctor.

- Topical anesthetic agents should not be used regularly on burn wounds, as irritation may occur.

6.       Avoid scratching the skin: 

The burned area naturally becomes itchy as the skin begins to heal. Try to avoid scratching the skin. Use a moisturizing lotion or an antihistamine if needed.

Skin burn follow-up: 

If the burn is not healing, or when redness spread greater than 2 cm from the edge of the burn, you should see a doctor.

Most skin burns that are small and superficial will heal within one week and will not usually scar.

After a superficial partial-thickness burn, the skin may become darker or lighter in color, but will not usually scar.

Preventing skin burns: 

To avoid sunburns, avoid exposure to the sun during daytime (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). 

Keep lit candles, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children.

Keep hot foods and drinks, irons, and curling irons away from the edge of counters and tables.

Keep children away from hot stoves, fireplaces, and ovens.

It is advisable to cook on the rear burners when possible. Never carry a child in your arms while cooking.

Install a smoke detector on each floor of your home, and test its quality once per month.

Set the thermostat on your hot water heater no higher than 49°C.

Cover car seats, especially strollers, with some sort of protective cover against the sun in summer. And avoid parking the car in an open, unshaded place on a hot day.