Severe weather advice

With snowfall and severe coldness setting in, advice is being offered on how to look after vulnerable people in these adverse conditions.

Alan Weir, Clinical Director at St John Ambulance said: "As the UK is about to experience severe weather conditions, we are likely to see an increase in people becoming ill and injuring themselves. The elderly and vulnerable are particularly susceptible to slips and falls; and prolonged periods in the cold could lead to hypothermia. 

"We encourage members of the public to look out for elderly neighbours and vulnerable people in their area, and be prepared to give first aid treatment if need be.

"Learning basic first aid can have an incredible impact and can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved. We encourage anyone who would like to learn first aid to go to our website to view our first aid videos."

Advice

Frostbite

1. Help them indoors or somewhere warm

2. Remove any constricting clothing or jewellery 

3. Slowly warm affected parts

•Do not rub

•Do not place on direct heat

4. Place affected part in warm water

•Put on a light dressing

5. Advise they take the recommended dose of paracetamol 

6. Call 999/112 for emergency help

Hypothermia

1.  Move them somewhere warm and sheltered

2.  Remove and replace wet clothes

3.  Cover them in blankets

•If outside, protect them from the ground  

4.  Call 999/112 for emergency help

5.  Monitor breathing, level of response and temperature

6.  If alert, give them a warm drink or chocolate

Fractures

1.If there’s an open fracture

•Cover the wound with a sterile dressing

•Apply pressure around the wound, not over a protruding bone

•Secure with a bandage

2.Support the injured part above and below the joint

3.Place padding around injury

4.Call 999/112 for emergency help

•Do not move the casualty unless you have secured the limb

5. Treat for shock

6. Monitor breathing and level of response

Strains and sprains

•R –Rest injured part

•I –Apply an Ice pack

•C –Provide Comfortable support

Check the circulation every 10 minutes

•E –Elevate the injured part

Advise them to rest

If the pain is severe or unable to move, seek medical advice