Basic First Aid Procedures for Common Household Injuries

Chances are, there’s going to be someone in the household who may get into one of the most common home accidents and injuries. The best way to handle it is to be prepared with what to do. There are basic first aid procedures that one can immediately perform during common emergencies like burning, choking, and poisoning.

Remember, it makes a big difference when you’re able to treat the injury at once compared to waiting for medical assistance or driving to the hospital.

Burn First Aid Procedures

A first-degree burn produces redness; a second-degree burn causes blisters, and a third-degree burn results in blackened or broken skin. The first thing to do is submerge the burned area in cool water; either in a bath or under running water or by applying wet towels. Loosely bandage first- or second-degree burns to protect it.

Remember, never put an ice pack on any major burns. Ice damages the skin and worsens the injury. Do not pop blisters, and do not apply butter or antibiotics to burns –it can only breed infection. If the victim has a third-degree burn, chemical burn, electrical burn, or if he’s coughing or having trouble breathing, call 911 at once. Second-degree burns bigger than the palm must be brought to the ER for treatment to prevent scarring.

Choking First Aid Procedures

When one is really choking, they cannot cough strongly, breathe, or speak, and their face can turn blue or red. If the choking person is age one or older, let the victim lean forward and use the palm of your hand to strike the victim’s back between the shoulder blades –do this five times.

If it does not work, position yourself behind the person; place a fist above his belly button, cup the fist with the other hand, then push “in and up” towards the victim’s ribs –do this five times. Never give a choking coughing victim with water or anything else. Always call 911 for real choking.

Poisoning First Aid Procedures

Potential home hazards include carbon monoxide, pesticides, and cleaning supplies. Stings and bites may also be “poisonous” to several people. If the poisoning victim is unconscious or has trouble breathing, immediately call 911. Be ready to tell them the substance involved, the amount is taken, the time of ingestion, and the weight and age of the person.

Never wait for symptoms before calling for help. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or give “ipecac syrup” to the victim. The victim mustn’t drink or eat anything unless a hotline operator advises him to.

Basic first aid procedures for some of the most common household injuries and accidents can help the victim survive, even before medical assistance arrives. Be sure to know when to call for help.