Common emergencies

Common emergencies are

• Minor burns

• Major burns

• Dog bites

• Choking

Minor burns

Minor burns1. If the skin is unbroken run cool

water over the area of the burn or soak it in a cool water bath. Keep the area submerged for at least 5 minutes.

2. Calm and reassure the person.3. Cover the burnt area with a dry

sterile bandage or clean dressing.

4. Protect the burn from pressure and friction.

5. Administer analgesics.6. Give TT Injection if the person

has not received it within last 5 years.

Major burns

Major burns

• Wrap the person on fire using a thick material to smother the flame. Douse the person with water.

• Assess & Maintain breathing. If no breathing initiate rescue breathing or CPR.

• Cover the burn area with a dry sterile bandage or clean cloth.

• If fingers or toes have been burned, separate them with dry, sterile non-adhesive dressing.

• Elevate the body part, that is burned, above the level of the heart.

• Take steps to prevent shock. Lay the person flat, elevate the feet about 12 inches and cover the person with a blanket.

• Monitor the vital signs until medical aid arrives.

Do Not’s of major burn management

• Do not apply ointment, butter, ice, medications, cream, oil spray, or any household remedy to a severe burn.

• Do not breathe blow or cough on the burn.

• Do not disturb blisters or dead skin.

• Do not remove clothing that is stuck to the skin.

• Do not give the person anything by mouth, if there is a severe burn.

• Do not immerse a severe burn in cold water. Because this can cause shock.

• Do not place a pillow under the person’s head if there is an airway burn. This can obstruct the airways due to congestion.

Dog bites

Dog bites• Clean the wound to remove its saliva

completely.

• Wash the wound under running water using soap.

• Do not close the puncture wounds with dressing.

• Cover the cut or laceration using dry dressing.

• Administer TT inj.

• Start post exposure prophylaxis against rabies

• Passive immunization using immunoglobulins.

Post exposure prophylaxis against rabies

• Rabivir is the commonly used vaccine.

• 5 doses at 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days

• For people with poor immune system an extra dose is given on 90th Day.

Choking

Choking

• Choking is the mechanical obstruction of the flow of air from the environment into the lungs.

• Causes:

– Respiratory diseases leading to respiratory obstruction

– Compression of the laryngopharynx, larynx or trachea.

– Foreign objects in respiratory tract

Clinical manifestations of choking

• Universal sign of distress

• Difficulty to speak or cry.

• Breathing, if possible, will be laboured, wheezing and gasping will be noted.

• Violent involuntary cough, gurgle or vomiting noise

CHOKING ADULT

CHOKING CHILD

Treatment

• Heimlich maneuver / Abdominal thrust

• Self treatment with Abdominal thrust using chair

• Back slaps 5-20

• Modified chest thrusts for obese and pregnant

• CPR

• Finger sweeping

• Direct vision removal

Thank you