Festive First Aid

St John Ambulance

Christmas is one of the most eagerly anticipated times of the year and, for many, is a time for parties, high spirits and excessive consumption of goodies.

Unfortunately, it’s also a time when a significant number of accidents and ailments occur within the home.

St John Ambulance has issued some simple but life saving first aid tips for the festive period.

The frenzied removal of difficult wrapping on presents with a sharp knife, or problems mastering the perfect technique of carving the Christmas turkey are just a couple of examples where it can all go horribly wrong. To treat a severe bleed: 

• Wash and dry your own hands, cover any cuts on your own hands and put on disposable gloves
• Remove or cut clothing as necessary to expose the wound
• Apply direct pressure over the wound with your fingers using a sterile dressing or clean, non-fluffy pad. If you do not have a dressing, ask the casualty to apply direct pressure himself
• If there is an object in the wound, apply pressure on either side of the object
• Secure the dressing with a bandage that is firm enough to maintain pressure, but not so tight that it impairs circulation
• As shock is likely to develop, help the casualty to lie down, on a rug or blanket if there is one as this will protect him from the cold. Raise and support his legs so that they are above the level of his heart
• Call 999/112 for emergency help

Burns are also a common injury at this time. Minor burns can be treated at home effectively, but if you suspect the injury is severe it’s vital to advise the injured person to see a doctor. 

• Flood the injured part with cold water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain is relieved
• Gently remove any jewellery, watches, belts or constricting clothing from the injured area before it begins to swell
• When cooled cover the burn with kitchen film placed lengthways over the injury or use a clean plastic bag. Alternatively, use a sterile dressing or clean non-fluffy pad, 
• Do not apply ointments or fats, they may damage the tissue and increase the risk of infection
• Do not apply adhesive dressings or tape as removing them may tear the damaged skin
• Seek medical advice if the casualty is a child or if you are in any doubt about the casualty’s condition. If a minor burn is larger than a postage stamp it requires medical attention. All deep burns of any size require urgent hospital treatment.

New toys and gadgets where participants mimic the movements of an activity or sport in the comfort of their home are potential hazards during the Christmas period. Strains and sprains should be treated initially following the RICE procedure: Rest, Ice pack, Comfortable support, Elevation: 

• Help the casualty to sit or lie down and support the injured part in a comfortable position, preferably raised
• Cool the injured area by applying a cold compress such as an ice pack
• With the cold compress in place, wrap the area in a layer of soft padding such as cotton wool
• Secure with a support bandage that extends to the next joint; for an ankle injury the bandage should extend from the base of the toes to the knee, make sure it’s not too tight
• Support the injured part in a raised position and check circulation underneath the bandage every 10 minutes. If circulation is impaired, loosen the bandage
• If the pain is severe or the casualty cannot move or use the injured part, arrange to take or send them to hospital, otherwise advise the casualty to rest and to seek medical advice if necessary

Settling around the table for Christmas lunch with the whole family, there’s always the risk of someone choking on their food: 

• Ask the casualty ‘Are you choking?’ If the casualty is breathing encourage them to cough to try to remove the obstruction themselves. 
• If they can’t speak, cough or breathe, bend them forward. Give up to five sharp blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. Check their mouth, but do not do a finger sweep of the mouth.
• If choking persists, stand behind the casualty. Put both arms around them and put one fist between the navel and the bottom of the breastbone. Grasp your fist with your other hand, and pull sharply inwards and upwards up to five times. Recheck the casualty’s mouth
• If the obstruction has not cleared, call 999/112 for emergency help. Continue the sequence until help arrives or the obstruction is cleared, or they lose consciousness. If they lose consciousness, open the airway and check breathing. Be prepared to give CPR

If the casualty is an infant, follow these steps:

• Lay the baby face down on your thigh supporting their head
• Give up to five back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand, check the mouth for any obvious obstruction and remove, but don’t stick your fingers down the throat
• If the obstruction hasn’t cleared, with the baby laid face up along the length of your thigh, put two fingers just below the level of their nipples and push downwards up to five times. Check their mouth and carefully pick out any obvious obstructions
• If the obstruction is still not clear, call 999/112 for emergency help. Continue the sequence until help arrives