How to Stop a Bleeding Wound

7/29/2019 How to Stop a Bleeding Wound

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How to Stop a Bleeding WoundBy: Alice Langholt

To stop a bleeding wound, some first-aid knowledge is necessary. Bleeding can range from mild to

severe, and needs to be stopped as quickly and efficiently as possible. For moderate or severe bleeding,

you'll need to control bleeding until the person can get medical attention. Here are some effective ways to

treat wounds and control bleeding.Types of Bleeding

Bleeding may originate from one of three sources: an artery, a vein or a capillary.

Bleeding from a capillary oozes slowly. It usually doesn't require medical attention, although the wound

must be closely watched for signs of infection.

Bleeding from a vein is dark and steady. If the wound cuts straight across the vein, the vein will eventually

collapse, making the bleeding easier to control. If the wound cuts along the vein, bleeding will continue

until medical help is provided.

Bleeding from an artery can be identified by spurts of bright red blood that occur with each beat of the

heart. This is severe and life-threatening bleeding that requires immediate medical attention. If the person

is far from medical help, you may need to clamp the artery or use a tourniquet.

Ways to Stop Bleeding

Apply and hold direct pressure on the bleeding wound. Use a cloth or gloves if possible, to avoid direct

contact with another person's blood. Hold the pressure on the wound for at least 15 minutes before

checking it.

If there is an object in the wound, apply pressure around, rather than on the object. Do not attempt to

remove the object; doing so could make the bleeding much more severe.

If blood soaks through the dressing, layer another dressing on top of it and continue to apply pressure.

Avoid peeking during the 15 minutes, because disturbing the wound will cause more bleeding. If the

bleeding continues after 15 minutes, elevate the wound above heart level and apply pressure again. Do

not do this if a broken bone could be the cause of the bleeding.

Put a pressure bandage over the wound. This is more than a dressing, it's a gauze roll or long bandage

that's wrapped around the wound with pressure to hold the dressing on it. Be careful not to cut off

circulation with too much pressure. You can check the pulse to be sure it's steady after applying the

pressure bandage. Also check the fingers and toes for a bluish color, which will indicate the circulation is

impeded.Using a Tourniquet

If a person is suffering from arterial bleeding and far from help, you will need to use a tourniquet to stop

bleeding. Before you take this step, try using a pressure point to control bleeding. Add pressure to the

inside of the wrist or upper arm for an arm or hand injury, or where the leg meets the groin for a foot or leg

injury. Combine pressure on the pressure points with pressure on the wound. Again, use 15 minute

intervals.

If this does not stop the bleeding, a tourniquet is a last resort. Be aware that applying a tourniquet is likely

to result in severe tissue damage to the limb. In many cases, using a tourniquet results in the limb being

amputated. This treatment should only be considered if there is a real risk of the injured person bleeding

to death before reaching medical help.

A tourniquet needs to be made from material that won't stretch, such as canvas, or denim. Cut or fold the

material into a strip that is 2 inches wide by 24 inches long, longer if you need to get around the upper

leg.Tie the tourniquet onto the affected limb at least two inches above the wound, using a basic slip knot.

Next, use a square knot or double slip knot to attach a stick, a small rod, a long wrench or any similar,

durable object above the original knot.

Twist the object until the bleeding stops. Once the bleeding stops, do not apply additional pressure. Tie

the object in place on the injured limb so that it can't unwind. Get medical attention immediately.

Shock may result from trauma, heatstroke, blood loss, an allergic reaction, severe infection, poisoning,

severe burns or other causes. When a person is in shock, his or her organs aren't getting enough blood

or oxygen. If untreated, this can lead to permanent organ damage or death.

Various signs and symptoms appear in a person experiencing shock:

The skin is cool and clammy. It may appear pale or gray.

The pulse is weak and rapid. Breathing may be slow and shallow, or hyperventilation (rapid or

deep breathing) may occur. Blood pressure is below normal. The person may be nauseated. He or she may vomit.

The eyes lack luster and may seem to stare. Sometimes the pupils are dilated.

The person may be conscious or unconscious. If conscious, the person may feel faint or be very

weak or confused. Shock sometimes causes a person to become overly excited and anxious.

If you suspect shock, even if the person seems normal after an injury:

Call 911 or your local emergency number.


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Have the person lie down on his or her back with feet about a foot higher than the head. If

raising the legs will cause pain or further injury, keep him or her flat. Keep the person still.

Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement) and if absent, begin CPR.

Keep the person warm and comfortable by loosening any belts or tight clothing and covering

the person with a blanket. Even if the person complains of thirst, give nothing by mouth.

Turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking if the person vomits or bleeds from the

mouth.

Seek treatment for injuries, such as bleeding or broken bones.

Fracture

Can be easier to detect because of deformity in suspected area

Severe pain where the break has occurred

Open fracture if skin is torn then it is an open fracture

Closed fracture abrasion, cut or tear of skin where fracture has occurred

Sprain

Cannot put any weight on the area without feeling severe pain

May look crooked or lumpy

Numbness or red streaks Swelling, pain, bruising, instability and loss of mobility

Strain

Muscle spasms

Weakness of muscle use

Cramps or swelling / inflammation

Swelling, pain, bruising, instability and loss of mobility

Dislocation

Swollen or discolored around area

Intense pain Cant move the joint

Swelling, pain, bruising, instability and loss of mobility

Out of place or visibly askew

For sprains and strains

Minor sprains and strains can be treated at home using the following measures. Start treatment as soon

as possible to reduce swelling and speed up recovery. The less swelling, the more blood can get to the

injured part to start the repair process.

Apply the R.I.C.E. method (see below).

Do not apply heat during the first two days as this will only increase swelling.

Use paracetamol for the first day of the injury, since it will reduce pain without increasing

bleeding. Thereafter, ibuprofen (or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatories) or aspirin is a good

choice. Don't give aspirin to a child younger than 16 years.

Arnica oil works well to reduce swelling.

Remove rings immediately if the injury is to the hand or fingers.

After 48 hours, start moving the limb gently, but only enough not to cause pain.

Gradually increase the range of movement let pain be your guide.

Strains usually heal in about a week. Sprains may take up to three weeks to heal.

For fractures

Apply the R.I.C.E method.

Keep the limb in the position you found it and place soft padding around the broken bones.

Splint the injury with something rigid, such as rolled up newspaper or magazines, to prevent the

bones from shifting. Don't move the broken bones. Splints must be long enough to extend

beyond joints above and below the fracture. If there is an open fracture, cover it with a clean gauze pad. Apply pressure to control bleeding.

Don't try to push the bone back into the wound and don't attempt to clean it.

Get medical attention immediately. Fractures of the femur and pelvis may cause severe internal

bleeding.

Don't give the person anything to eat or drink in case surgery is needed.

See a doctor if:


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You suspect a fracture or dislocation or if you are unsure of the severity of a sprain or strain.

You cannot straighten the affected joint or bear weight on it, or if a joint feels unstable.

The skin over the injury area is broken

The limb below the injury feels numb or tingling, or is white, pale or blue in colour, or feels

colder compared to the other healthy limb.

The ligaments of the knee are injured.

You injure an area that has been injured several times before.

Pain is severe or lasts longer than 24 hours, or if swelling doesn't subside within 48 hours.

A sprain or strain doesn't improve after five to seven days.

Signs of infection develop.

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.


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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

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 face 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.

Allergic Reaction - Home Treatment

You can use home treatment to relieve symptoms of:

A severe allergic reaction. If you have symptoms of a severeallergic reaction,call911or other

emergency services immediately.

Itching or hives. Avoid more contact with whatever you think is causing thehives.

A sore throat caused by postnasal drip. Gargle with warm salt water to help ease throat

soreness.

Hay fever symptoms. Take anantihistamineto reduce symptoms of itchy, wateryeyes; sneezing;

or a runny, itchy nose. Be sure to read and follow any warnings on the label. Don't give

antihistamines to your child unless you've checked with the doctor first.

Allergies that are worse in damp weather. Mold may be thecause of allergiesthat get worse in

damp weather. Mold produces spores that move, likepollen, in outdoor air during warmer

months. During winter months, indoor molds can also be a problem.

Indoor allergies. Newer, energy-saving homes that are built with double- or triple-paned

windows and more insulation keep heat as well as allergens indoors.

Allergies to a pet or other animal. Whenallergiesare worse around pets, symptoms may be

caused by your pet's deadskin(dander), urine, driedsaliva, orhair.

Seasonal allergies. These are often caused by exposure to pollen.

For tips on how to treat dry and irritated skin, see the topicDry Skin and Itching.

For information on how to treat aninsect biteor sting, see the topicInsect Bites and Stings and Spider

Bites.Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

Call your doctorif any of the following occur during home treatment:

Trouble breathing, wheezing, or tightness in the chest develops.

Swelling of the throat,tongue, lips, or face develops.

Hivesdevelop or get worse.

Swelling gets worse.
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d.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-hairhttp://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-is-salivahttp://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-skinhttp://www.webmd.com/allergies/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergies-to-animalshttp://www.webmd.com/allergies/tc/controlling-indoor-allergens-topic-overviewhttp://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/pollen-allergies-symptoms-triggers-treatmentshttp://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/allergies-overviewhttp://www.webmd.com/allergies/tc/dealing-with-mold-allergies-topic-overviewhttp://www.webmd.com/eye-health/picture-of-the-eyeshttp://www.webmd.com/allergies/tc/antihistamines-topic-overviewhttp://www.webmd.com/allergies/tc/hay-fever-home-treatment-topic-overviewhttp://www.webmd.com/allergies/tc/treating-a-sore-throat-caused-by-postnasal-drip-topic-overviewhttp://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/skin-conditions-hives-urticaria-angioedemahttp://www.webmd.com/allergies/tc/hives-home-treatment-topic-overviewhttp://www.webmd.com/allergies/tc/allergic-reaction-topic-overviewhttp://firstaid.webmd.com/tc/treating-a-severe-allergic-reaction-topic-overview


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Askin infectiondevelops.

Symptoms have not improved after 2 weeks of home treatment.

Symptoms become more severe or more frequent.

Animal Bites Treatment

Call 911 if:

The person has been seriously wounded

Bleeding can't be stopped after 10 minutes of firm and steady pressure

Bleeding is severe

Blood spurts from the wound

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1. Stop Bleeding

Apply direct pressure until bleeding stops.

2. Clean and Protect

For a wound or superficial scratch from an animal bite:

Gently clean with soap and warm water. Rinse for several minutes after cleaning. Apply antibiotic cream to reduce risk of infection, and cover with a sterile bandage.

3. Get Help

Get medical help immediately for any animal bite that is more than a superficial scratch or if the

animal was a wild animal or stray, regardless of the severity of the injury.

If the animal's owner is available, find out if the animal's rabies shots are up-to-date. Give this

information to your health care provider.

If the animal was a stray or wild animal, call the local health department or animal control

immediately.

4. Follow Up

The health care provider will make sure the wound is thoroughly clean and may prescribe

antibiotics. If there is any risk of rabies infection, the health care provider will recommend anti-rabies

treatment.

The person may require stitches, depending on the location and severity of the animal bite.

The person may also require a tetanus shot or booster.

The health care provider may recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain.

Unintentional poisoning causes thousands of deaths every year, many as a result of products around the

home. Quick response and proper emergency assistance can help prevent some of these deaths. The

following information will help you to know what to do for a victim of poisoning.

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EditSteps

1. 1

The skull and crossbones is a poison warning
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You should understand what poisoning is. A poison is a substance that enters the body and causes

injury, illness, or death. A poison can be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gas, or vapor fumes. The areas

through which poisons can enter the body are:[1]

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o the mouth and digestive system

o through the lungs (fumes)

o absorption of a chemical or plant extract through skin

o via injection.

2. 2

Check for obvious sources of poisons

Remain calm. When approaching someone who appears to be poisoned, it is crucial that you observe

and check for anything that may endanger you as well, especially in the case of gas and vapors.

o Ensure that you, the victim, and any other people are safe before attempting to give

first aid. If needed, and if safe to do so, move the patient to somewhere safer, away

from the poison.

o If the poison is in the form of a gas, check the area first for your safety, then remove the

victim from the area and go to an area with fresh air. For more information, read

wikiHow's articles on how tosurvive a gas attackandpreventing carbon monoxidepoisoning after an emergency.

o Look for what may have poisoned the person. Look for tablets, plants (berries), mouth

burns, etc. Knowing the source of the poison is essential for treatment purposes.

3. 3

Vomiting can be a sign of poisoning

Check for signs and symptoms of poisoning. Symptoms and signs of poisoning will vary according to

what has poisoned the victim. Some of the more common symptoms include:[2]

o Nausea and vomiting

o Diarrhea

o Abdominal pain

o Burns or redness around the mouth

o Unconsciousness, or slipping into unconsciousness

o Seizures

o Difficulties in breathing, breath that smells of chemicals or almonds, etc.

o Unusual behaviors such as aggression, hallucinations, confusion, sudden exhaustion, etc.o Physical signs such as stains on clothing, spilled pills, bottles, etc.

4. 4
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Check for consciousness

Check the victim's state of consciousness. The state of consciousness determines the approach to be

taken to caring for the victim and who to contact.

o If the victim is unconscious but is breathing normally, turn the victim on her side in a

supported position. This will open and clear the airway.

o If the victim is unconscious but there are no signs of life, beginCPR.

o Call for emergency services to get medical assistance immediately.

5. 5

American Association of Poison Centers logo

Call the poison control center for a conscious (awake and alert) victim. This will enable you to seek

specific advice on treating the victim. The phone numbers for various countries are noted under "Tips".

Have the following information at hand:

o Victim's age and weight.

o The container, bottle of poison, or any other relevant item, (if available).o The time the poisoning took place.

o Address where the poisoning happened.

6. 6

Stay on the phone and follow all the instructions given to you by emergency assistance or the poisoncontrol center.

Stay on the phone and follow all the instructions given to you by emergency assistance or the poison

control center.

7. 7

Washing eyes might be appropriate
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Note some of the basic responses that you might be able to do before help arrives. The following

actions can be helpful, coupled with advice you're provided from emergency advisers:

o If the source of the poisoning is in solid form, such as pills, wrap your finger in a clean

cloth and remove any pills or residue that may be in the victim's mouth.

o If the poison is a skin corrosive, remove the victim's clothing from the injured area and

flush with water for 30 minutes. Discard the clothing to prevent further injury to anyone

else.

o If the poison has come in contact with the victim's eyes, flush the eyes with clean,

lukewarm water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Ask the victim to blink a lot but to avoid

rubbing their eyes.

o Check the product label if the victim has swallowed a household product. There will

often be emergency instructions provided on the label.

o Do not induce vomiting unless you're advised to do so by medical professionals.

o Do not administer syrup of ipecac. This is no longer advised as an appropriate approach

to treating poisoning and can either mask symptoms or interfere with reliable treatment

options.[3]Vomitingalone will not remove poisons from a stomach.[4]

Asthma Attack

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What Is an Asthma Attack?

Anasthma attackis a sudden worsening ofasthma symptomscaused by the tightening of muscles

around your airways (bronchospasm). During the asthma attack, the lining of the airways also becomes

swollen or inflamed and thicker mucus -- more than normal -- is produced. All of these factors --

bronchospasm, inflammation, and mucus production -- cause symptoms of an asthma attack such as

difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty performing normal daily

activities. Other symptoms of an asthma attack may include:

Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out Coughing that won't stop

Very rapid breathing

Chest pain or pressure

Tightened neck and chest muscles, called retractions

Difficulty talking

Feelings of anxiety or panic

Pale, sweaty face

Blue lips or fingernails

Or worsening symptoms despite use of your medications

Call 911 if you have any of these symptoms.

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hospitalized a few times each year -- once in the intensive care unit - when her colds turned into

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Some people with asthma may go for extended periods without having an asthma attack or other

symptoms, interrupted by periodic worsening of their symptoms, due to exposure toasthma triggersor

perhaps from overdoing it as in exercise-induced asthma.

Mild asthma attacks are generally more common. Usually, the airways open up within a few minutes to

a few hours after treatment. Severe asthma attacks are less common but last longer and requireimmediate medical help. It is important to recognize and treat even mild symptoms of an asthma attack

to help you prevent severe episodes and keep asthma under control.

What Happens if an Asthma Attack Goes Untreated?
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Without immediateasthma medicineandasthma treatment, your breathing will become more labored,

and wheezing may get louder. If you use apeak flowmeter during an asthma attack, your reading will

probably be less than your personal best.

As your lungs continue to tighten during the asthma attack, you will be unable to use the peak flow

meter at all. Gradually, your lungs will tighten so much during the asthma attack that there is not

enough air movement to produce wheezing. This is sometimes called the "silent chest," and it is a

dangerous sign. You may need to be taken to a hospital immediately with asevere asthma attack.

Unfortunately, some people interpret the disappearance of wheezing during the asthma attack as a sign

of improvement and fail to get prompt emergency care.

If you do not receive adequate treatment for an asthma attack, you will eventually be unable to speak

and will develop a bluish coloring around your lips. This color change, known as "cyanosis," means you

have less and less oxygen in your blood. Without immediate aggressive treatment in an emergency

room or intensive care unit, you may lose consciousness and eventually die.

How Do I Recognize the Early Signs of an Asthma Attack?

Early warning signs are changes that happen just before or at the very beginning of an asthma attack.

These changes start before the well-known symptoms of asthma and are the earliest signs that your

asthma is worsening.Recognition

The hypoglycemic victim will present with the following symptoms and may appear to be under the

influence of drugs or alcohol. It can also be confused with stroke or cardiac disorders.

Pale, cool, clammy

Dizziness, weakness

Hunger

Confusion (like being drunk)

Strong, rapid pulse (May be normal in some patients)

Seizures

[edit]Treatment

If possible, have the victim test the glucose level to correctly identify Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia.

When hypoglycemia is suspected, notify EMS immediately. The victim should be transported to a

hospital as soon as possible. Treat the victim for shock and monitor their vital signs, including blood

sugar readings (if possible). If the patient is conscious and able to swallow, administer any form of

glucose (candy juice, soda, Monogel) carefully. Dont give glucose to an unconscious victim as it can

easily become an airway obstruction. Some victims carry with them glucagon injections as a rapid

treatment for severe insulin shock. The victim should know how to administer it, and should administer

it himself.

rature Emergencies
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Heat Emergencies: Victims exposed to heat may

experience symptoms that may be minor to life threatening. To avoid heat related emergencies you

should remember to drink plenty of fluids and dress appropriately for the conditions. Upon discovering

someone suffering from a heat related emergency you must act quickly to avoid further progression of

the situation.

General Heat Sickness: Victims suffering from heat related illness will have muscle cramps, headache,

nausea, weakness, and dizziness. Victims should be actively sweating during this stage. To treat persons

with these symptoms: move them to cool or shaded area, loosen and remove layers of clothing, have

the victim drink cool to cold fluids, fan the victim. Monitor the victim for signs of confusion or abnormal

behavior. If the victim does not recover or show improvement call 911 immediately.

Heatstroke: Heatstroke is a life threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Signs

of heatstroke is confusion, vomiting, inability to drink, red, hot, and dry skin, abnormal breathing, or

seizures. Victims of heatstroke may stop sweating. If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke

call 911 immediately, provide care as you would for general heat sickness.

Never ignore the signs of heat sickness or heatstroke. Never rapidly cool victims with submersion in ice

cold water. Never allow a victim to eat or drink if they are confused, vomiting, or have had a seizure.

Cold Emergencies: Cold emergencies may be systematic or isolated

to one part of the body depending on the extent and nature of the exposure. An isolated injury is usually

referred to as frostbite while a system emergencies is refereed to as hypothermia.Frostbite is common to fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Frostbite occurs typically outside in cold

temperature but may occur indoors when working with cold materials. Signs of frostbite include skin

that looks white, waxy, or grayish. The area is usually hard and numb of sensations. To treat frostbite

remove the victim from the cold to a warm place. Call 911 immediately or activate your emergency

response system. Remove any wet or tight clothing and jewelry. Never attempt to thaw a part of the

body unless access to a medical facility is limited.

Hypothermia is life threatening condition that occurs when the body temperature drops. Hypothermia

may occur even the temperature is above freezing. Signs of serious low body temperature include cold

hard skin, bluish skin, be confused or acting strangely, and have muscle rigidity. Shivering may stop after

the body cools considerably. As body temperature drops the victim may become more unresponsive,

have shallow or absent breathing, or appear dead. To treat hypothermia remove the victim from thecold to a warm place, remove wet clothing and dry the victim, cover them with blankets, and call 911

immediately. If you are a long distance from help or a hospital you may start to actively rewarm the

victim by placing them by a heat source or placing heat packs on the body in areas such as the armpits

and groin.

What is the best first aid for a seizure? Here are some tips if you or someone you love has epilepsy.

Always carry medical identification. If an emergency occurs, knowledge of your seizure disorder

can help the people around you maintain your safety and provide the appropriate treatment.


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Make sure your family, friends, and co-workers know what to do if you have a seizure. (See

below.)

Avoid potential dangers of high places or moving machinery at home, school, or work if you

have active seizures. Though there is less risk if your seizures are under control, your attention

should focus on the specific risks of certain activities (such as mowing, working around farm

machinery, hot appliances, etc.).

It is important for you to remain active, but you should chose your sports and other activities

intelligently . You may want to avoid contact sports, but if your seizures are well controlled, you

can lead a normal life. The buddy system works well, so have another person with you who

knows you have seizures and what to do if you have one. Activities such as baseball, bike riding,

canoeing, horseback riding, or hockey can be made safer by wearing helmets and life jackets and

by having another person with you, but this is true for all people.

If you take anticonvulsantmedication, do not suddenly stop taking it or change the dosage

without consulting your doctor. The type of anticonvulsant medication you are prescribed

depends on the type ofepilepsyyou have, and the dose is determined by yourweight, age,

gender, and other factors.

Be alert to the risks of possibledrug interactionsbetween your anticonvulsant drugs and other

medications you may take, including over-the-counter drugs. Always call your doctor orpharmacist if you are not sure what interactions could occur before taking any medication. Most

pharmacists will do this for you and the Internet has many excellent drug interaction checkers.

Avoid alcohol, as it can interfere with the effectiveness of your medication and may lower the

brain's seizure threshold.

What Should I Do for a Person Who Has a Seizure?

If someone is having a seizure:

Loosen clothing around the person's neck.

Do not try to hold the person down or restrain him or her, this can result in injury.

Do not insert any objects in the person's mouth; this can also cause injury.

Reassure concerned bystanders who may be upset and ask them to give the person room.

Remove sharp objects (glasses, furniture, and other objects) from around the person to preventinjury.

After the seizure, it is helpful to lay the person on his or her side to maintain an open airway and

prevent the person from inhaling any secretions.

After a seizure, the person may be confusion and should not be left alone.

In many cases, especially if the person is known to have epilepsy, it is not necessary to call 911.

Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if another seizure begins soon after the

first, or if the person cannot be awakened after the movements have stopped. If you are

concerned that something else may be wrong, or the person has another medical condition such

as heart disease or diabetes, you should contact a doctor immediately.

Improvised Stretchers

Standard stretchers should be used whenever possible to transport casualties. Ifnone are available, it may be necessary for you to improvise. Sometimes a

blanket may be used as a stretcher. The casualty is placed in the middle of the

blanket on his or her back. Four people kneel (Fig. 11-13) on each side and roll

the edges of the blanket toward the casualty. Stretchers may also be improvised

(Fig. 11-14) by using two long poles (approx. 7 feet long) and a blanket. Most

improvised stretchers do not give sufficient support in cases where there

are fractures or extensive wounds of the body!
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Figure 11-13 - Blanket used as improvised transport stretcher.

Figure 11-14 - Stretcher made from poles and a blanket.

Fireman's Carry The Fireman's Carry (Fig. 11-15) is one of the easiest ways to carry an

unconscious casualty.

1 .Place the casualty face down. Face the casualty, and kneel on one knee at the

casualty's head. Pass your hands under the armpits; then slide your hands downthe sides and grasp them across the back.

2. Raise the casualty to his knees. Take a better hold across the casualty's back.

3. Raise the casualty to a standing position and place your right leg between the

casualty's legs. Grasp the right wrist in your left hand and swing the arm around

the back of your neck and down your left shoulder.

4. Stoop quickly and pull the casualty across your shoulders and, at the same

time, put your right arm between the casualty's legs.

5. Grasp the casualty's right wrist with your right hand and straighten up. The

procedure for lowering the casualty to the deck is also illustrated. Do not

attempt if the casualty has an injured arm, leg, ribs, neck, or back!


13/16

Figure 11-15 - Fireman's Carry

Figure 11-16 - Tied Hands Crawl Tied-Hands Crawl The tied-hands crawl (Fig. 11-16), may be used to drag an unconscious casualty

for a short distance. It is particularly useful when you must crawl underneath a

low structure, but it is the least desirable because the casualty's head is not

supported.

1. Place the casualty face up. Cross the casualty's wrists and tie them together.

2. Kneel astride the casualty and lift the arms over your head so that the

casualty's wrists are at the back of your neck.

3. When you crawl forward, raise your shoulders high enough so that the

casualty's head will not bump against the deck. Blanket Drag The blanket drag (Fig. 11-17), can be used to move a casualty who, due to the

seriousness of the injury, should not be lifted or carried by one person alone.

1. Place the casualty face up on a blanket, and pull the blanket along the deck.


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2. Always pull the casualty head first, with the head and shoulders slightly

raised, so that the head will not bump against the deck.

Figure 11-17 - Blanket Drag

Pack-Strap Carry The pack-strap carry (Fig. 11-18), can be used to move a heavy casualty for

some distance.

1. Place the casualty face up. 2. Lie down on your side along the casualty's uninjured or less injured side.

Your shoulder should be next to the casualty's armpit.

3. Pull the casualty's far leg over your own, holding it there if necessary.

4. Grasp the casualty's far arm at the wrist and bring it over your upper shoulder

as you roll and pull the casualty onto your back.

5. Rise up on your knees, using your free arm for balance and support. Hold

both of the casualty's wrists close against your chest with your other hand.

6. Lean forward as you rise to your feet, and keep both of your shoulders under

the casualty's armpits.

Do not attempt if the casualty has an injured arm, ribs, neck, or back!

Figure 11-18 - Pack-Strap Carry

Chair Carry The chair carry (Fig. 11-19), can be used to move a casualty away from a

position of danger. The casualty is seated on a chair and the chair is carried by

two people. This is a good method to use when you must carry a casualty up or

down steps or through narrow, winding passageways. Do not attempt if the casualty has an injured neck, back, or pelvis!


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Figure 11-19 - Chair Carry

Figure 11-20 - One-Person Arm Carry

Arm Carries There are several kinds of arm carries that can be used in emergency situations

to move a casualty to safety. The one-person arm carry (Fig. 11-20), should not

be used to carry a casualty who is seriously injured. Unless the casualty isconsiderably smaller than you, you will not be able to carry the casualty very

far. The two-person carry (Fig. 11-21), unless absolutely necessary, should not

be used to carry a casualty who is seriously injured. An alternate two-person

carry (Fig. 11-22) also can be used.

1. Two rescuers kneel beside the casualty at the level of the hips, and carefully

raise them to a sitting position.

2. Each rescuer puts one arm under the casualty's thighs; hands are clasped and

arms are braced.

3. Both rescuers rise slowly to a standing position.

Do not attempt if the casualty is seriously injured!


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Figure 11-21 - Two-Person Carry by Arms and Legs

Figure 11-22 - Two-Person Arm Carry

How to Stop a Bleeding Wound

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