ABDOMINAL WOUND Abdominal wounds can result from gunshots during hunting or working with firearms, from falling on a knife or sharp object at home or work, or from a variety of other mishaps ranging from automobile accidents to a mugging attack. Such a wound can be a major emergency requiring surgery and other professional care. Call a physician or arrange for quick transportation to a hospital as quickly as possible.  EMERGENCY TREATMENT  If there is severe bleeding, try to control it with pressure. Keep the victim lying on his back with the knees bent; place a pillow, coat or similar soft object under the knees to help hold them in the bent position. If abdominal organs are exposed, do not touch them for any reason. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing. Keep the wound moistened with sterile water or the cleanest water available. Boiled water can be used to moisten the dressing, but be sure it has cooled before applying.  If the victim is to be moved to the hospital or physician’s office, be sure the dressing over the wound is large enough and is held in place with a bandage. In addition to pain, you can expect the victim to experience nausea and vomiting, muscle spasms and severe shock. Make the victim as comfortable as possible under the circumstances; if he complains of thirst, moisten his mouth with a few drops of water, but do not permit him to swallow the liquid.   Back to top  ABRASION  EMERGENCY TREATMENT Wash the area in which the skin is scraped or rub off with soap and water, using clean gauze or cotton. Allow the abrasion to air-dry, and cover it with loose sterile dressing held in place with a bandage. If a sterile dressing is not available, use a clean handkerchief.  Change the dressing after the first 24 hours, using household hydrogen peroxide to ease its removal if it sticks to the abrasion because of clotted blood. If the skinned area appears to be accompanied by swelling, or is painful or tender to the touch, consult a physician.   Back to top  ACID BURNS  Among acids likely to be encountered at work and around the home are sulfuric, nitric and hydrochloric acids. Wet-cell batteries contain acid powerful enough to cause chemical destruction of body tissues, and some metal cleaners contain powerful acids.  EMERGENCY TREATMENT  Wash off the acid immediately, using large amounts of clean, fresh, cool water. Strip off or cut-off any clothing that may have absorb any of the acid. If possible put the victim in a shower bath; if a shower is not available, flood the affected areas with as much water as possible. However, do not apply water forcefully since this could aggravate damage already done to skin or other tissues.  After as much of the acid as possible has been eliminated by flooding with water, apply a mild solution of sodium bicarbonate or another mild alkali such as lime water. Caution should be exercised, however, in neutralizing an acid burn because the chemical reaction between an acid and an alkali can produce intense heat that would aggravate the injury; also, not all acids are effectively neutralized by alkalis – carbolic acid burns, for example, should be neutralized with alcohol. Wash the affected area once more with fresh water, then dry gently with sterile gauze; be careful not to break the skin or to open blisters. Extensive acid burns will cause extreme pain and shock; have the victim lie down with the head and chests a little lower than the rest of the body. As soon as possible, summon a physician or rush the victim to the emergency room of a hospital.   Back to top  AEROSOL SPRAYS Although aerosol sprays generally are regarded as safe when handled according to directions, they can be directed accidentally towards the face with resulting contamination of the eyes or inhalation of the fumes. The pressurized containers may also contain products or propellants that are highly flammable, producing burns when used near an open flame. When stored near heat, in direct sunlight, or in closed auto, the containers may explode violently. EMERGENCY TREATMENT If eyes are contaminated by spray particles, flush the eyes with water to remove any particles of the powder mist. Then carefully examine eye surfaces to determine if chemicals appear to be imbedded in the surface of the cornea. If aerosol spray is inhaled, move the patient to a well-ventilated area; keep him lying down, warm and quiet. If breathing fails, administer artificial respiration. Victims of exploding containers should be given appropriate emergency treatment for bleeding, burns, and shock. The redness irritation of eye injuries should subside within a short time. If it does not, or if particles of spray seem to be imbedded in the surface of the eyes, take the victim to an ophthalmologist. A physician should also be summoned if a victim fails to recover quickly from the effects of inhaling an aerosol spray, particularly if the victim suffers from asthma or a similar lung disorder or from an abnormal heart condition.   Back to top  ALKALI BURNS Alkalis are used in the manufacture of soap and cleaners in a certain household cleaning products. They combine with fats to from soaps and may produce a painful injury when in contact with body surfaces EMERGENCY TREATMENT Flood the burn area with copious amounts of clean, cool, fresh water. Put the victim under a shower if possible, or otherwise pour running water over the area for as long as is necessary to dilute and weaken the corrosive chemical. Do not apply the water with such force that skin or other tissues are damaged. Remove clothing contaminated by the chemical. Neutralized the remaining alkali with diluted vinegar, lemon juice, or a similar mild acid. Then wash the affected areas again with fresh water. Dry carefully with sterile gauze, being careful not to open blisters or otherwise cause skin breaks that could result to infection. Summon professional medical care as soon as possible. Meanwhile, treat the victim for shock.   Back to top  ANGINA PECTORIS  Angina pectoris is a condition that causes acute chest pain because of interference with the supply of oxygen to the heart. Although the pain is sometimes confused with ulcer or acute indigestion symptoms, it has a distinct characteristic of its own, producing a feeling of heaviness, strangling, tightness or suffocation. Angina is a symptom rather than a disease, and may be a chronic condition with those over 50. Placing a nitroglycerine tablet may relieve the pain.  An attack of acute angina can be brought on by emotional stress, over-eating, strenuous exercise, or by any activity that makes excessive demands on heart function.  EMERGENY TREATMENT An attack usually subsides in about ten minutes, during which the patient appears to be gasping for breath. He should be kept in a semi-reclining position rather than made to lie flat, and should be moved carefully only in order to place pillows under his head and chest so that he can breathe more easily. A physician should be called promptly after the onset of an attack.   Back to top  ANIMAL BITES / RABIES         Wild animals, particularly bats, serve as natural reservoir of rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal unless promptly and properly treated. But the virus may be present in the saliva of any warm-blooded animal. Domestic animals should be immunized against rabies by vaccines injected by a veterinarian. Rabies is transmitted to humans by an animal bite or through a cut or scratch already in the skin. The infected saliva may enter through any opening including the membranes lining in the nose or mouth. After an incubation period of about ten days, a person infected by a rabid animal experiences pain at the site of the infection, extreme sensitivity of the skin to temperature changes, and painful spasm of the larynx that make it almost impossible to drink. Saliva thickness and the patient become restless and easily excitable. By the time symptoms develop, death may be imminent. Obviously; professional medical attention should begin promptly after having been exposed to the possibility of infection. EMERGENCY TREATMENT The area around the wound should be washed thoroughly and repeatedly with soap and water, using sterile gauze dressing to wipe fluid away from – not toward – the wound. Another sterile dressing is used to dry the wound and a third one to cover it while the patient is taken to a hospital or physician’s office. A tetanus injection is also indicated, and police and health authorities should be promptly notified of the biting incident. If at all possible the biting animal should be identified – if a wild animal, captured alive – and held for observation for a period of 10 to 15 days. If it can be determined during that period that the animal is not rabid, however, or if it cannot be located and impounded, the patient may have to undergo a series of daily rabies vaccine injections lasting from 14 days for a case of mild exposure to 21 days for severe exposure (bite near the head, for example), plus several booster shots. Because of the sensitivity of some individuals to the rabies vaccines used, the treatment itself can be quite dangerous. Recent research, however, has established that a new vaccine called HDCV (Human diploid cell vaccine), which requires only six or fewer injections, is immunologically effective and is not usually accompanied by any side effects. The new vaccine has been used successfully on people of all ages who had been bitten by animals known to be rabid.   Back to top  BLEEDING, MINOR Bleeding from minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises usually stops by itself, but even small injuries of this kind should receive attention to prevent infection. EMERGENCY TREATMENT The injured area should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, or if  possible, held under running water. The surface should then be covered with a sterile bandage. The type of wound known as a punctured wound may bleed very little, but is potentially extremely dangerous because of the possibility of tetanus infection. Anyone who steps on a rusty nail or thumbtack or has a similar accident involving a pointed object that penetrates deep under the skin surface should consult the physician about the need for antitetanus inoculation or a booster shot.   Back to top  BLISTERS If the blister is on the hand or foot or other easily accessible part of the body, wash the area around the blister thoroughly with soap and water. After carefully drying the skin around the blister, apply an antiseptic to the same area. Then sterilized the point and a substantial part of a needle by heating it in an open flame. When the needle has been thoroughly sterilized, use the point to puncture the blister along its margin. Carefully squeeze the fluid from the blister by pressing it with sterile gauze dressing; the dressing should soak up most of the fluid. Next, place a fresh sterile dressing over the blister and fasten it in place with a bandage. If a blister forms in a tender area or in a place that is not easily accessible, such as under the arm, do not open it yourself; consult your physician. The danger from any break in the skin is that germs or dirt can slip through the natural barrier to produce an infection or inflammation. Continue to apply an antiseptic each day to the puncture area until it has healed. If it appears that an infection has developed or healing is unusually slow, consult a doctor. Persons with diabetes or circulatory problems may have to be more cautious about healing of skin breaks than with other individual.   Back to top  BLOOD BLISTERS Blood blisters, sometimes called hematomas, usually are caused by a sharp blow to the body surface such as hitting a finger with a hammer while pounding nails. EMERGENCY TREATMENT Wash the area of the blood blister thoroughly with soap and water. Do not open it. If it is a small blood blister, cover it with a protective bandage; in many cases, the surrounding tissues will absorb the tiny pool of blood under the skin if there is no further pressure at that point. If the blood blister fails to heal quickly or becomes infected, consult a physician. Because the pool of blood has resulted from damage to a blood vessel, a blood blister usually is more vulnerable to infection or inflammation than any ordinary blister.   Back to top  BOILS Boils frequently are an early sign of diabetes or another illness and should be watched carefully if they occur often. In general, they result from germs or dirt being rubbed into the skin by tight-fitting clothing, scratching or through tiny cuts made during shaving. EMERGENCY TREATMENT If the boil is above the lip, do not squeeze it or apply any pressure. The infection in that area of the face may drain into the brain because of the pattern of blood circulation on the face.  Let a physician to treat any boil on the face. If the boil is on the surface of another part of the body, apply moist hot packs, but do not squeeze or press on the boil because that action can force the infection into the circulatory system. Soaking a wash cloth or towel in warm water can make a wet compress. If the boil erupts, carefully wipe away the pus with a sterile dressing, and then cover it with another sterile dressing. If the boil is large or slow to erupt, or if it is slow to heal, consult a physician.   Back to top  BONE BRUISES EMERGENCY TREATMENT Make sure the bone is not broken. If the injury is limited to the thin layer of tissue surrounding the bone, and the function of the limb is normal though painful, apply a compression dressing and icepack. Limit use of the injured limb for the next day or two. As the pain and swelling recede, cover the injured area with a foam-rubber pad held in place with an elastic bandage. Because the part of the limb that is likely to receive a bone bruise lacks a layer of muscle and fat, it will particularly sensitive to any pressure until recovery is complete.   Back to top BOTULISM / FOOD POISONING The bacteria that produce the lethal toxin of botulism are commonly present on unwashed farm vegetables and thrive in containers that are improperly sealed against the damaging effects of air. Home-canned vegetables, particularly string beans, are a likely source of botulism, but the toxin can be found in fruits, meats and other foods. It can also appear in food that has been properly prepared but allowed to cool before being served. Examples are cold soups and marinated vegetables. EMERGENCY TREATMENT As soon as acute symptoms – nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal distress – appear, try to induce vomiting. Vomiting usually can be started by touching the back of the victim’s throat with a finger or the handle of a spoon, which should be smooth and blunt, or by offering him a glass of water in which two tablespoons have been dissolved. Call a physician, describe all of the symptoms, which also may include, after several hours, double vision, muscular weakness, and difficulty in swallowing and breathing. Save samples of the food suspected of contamination for analysis.   Back to top  BROWN HOUSE (Recluse) / SPIDER BITES EMERGENCY TREATMENT Apply an ice bag or cold pack to the wound area. Aspirin and antihistamines may be offered to help relieve any pain or feeling of irritation. Keep the victim lying down and quiet. Call a physician as quickly as possible and describe the situation; the physician will advise what further action should be taken at this point. The effects of the brown spider bite frequently last much longer than the pain of the bite, which may be comparatively mild for an insect bite or sting. But the poison from the bite can gradually destroy the surrounding tissues, leaving at first an ulcer and eventually a disfiguring scar. A physician’s treatment is needed to control the loss of tissue; he probably will prescribe drugs and recommends continued use of cold compress. The victim, meanwhile, will feel numbness and muscular weakness, requiring a prolonged period of bed rest in addition to the medical treatment.   Back to top  BRUISES / CONTUSIONS EMERGENCY TREATMENT Bruises or contusions result usually from a blow to the body that is powerful enough to damage muscles, tendons, blood vessels, or other tissues without causing a break in the skin. Because the bruise area will be tender, protect it from further injury. If possible, immobilized the injured body part with a sling, bandage, or other device that makes the victim feel more comfortable; pillows, folded blankets, or similar soft material can be used to elevate an arm or leg. Apply an ice bag or cold water dressing to the injured areas. A simple bruise usually will heal without extensive treatment. The swelling and discoloration result from blood oozing from damaged tissues. Severe bruising can, however, be quite serious and requires medical attention. Keep the victim quiet and watch for symptoms of shock. Administer aspirin for pain.   Back to top  BULLET WOUNDS      Bullet wounds, whether accidental or purposely inflicted, can range from those that are superficial and external to those that involve internal bleeding and extensive tissue damage. EMERGENCY TREATMENT A surface bullet wound accompanied by bleeding should be covered promptly with sterilized gauze to prevent further infection. The flow of blood should be controlled. Don’t try to clean the wound with soap or water. If the wound is internal, keep the patient lying down and wrap him with coats or blankets placed over and under his body. If respiration has ceased or is impaired, give mouth – to mouth respiration and treat him for shock. Get medical aid promptly.   Back to top  BURNS, THERMAL Burns are generally described according to the depth or area of ski damage involved. First-degree burns are the most superficial. Reddening of the skin and swelling, increased warmth, tenderness, and pain marks them. Second-degree burns, deeper than first-degree, are in effect open wounds, characterized by blisters and severe pain in addition to redness. Third-degree burns are deep enough to involve damage to muscles and bones. The skin is charred and there may be no pain because nerve endings have been destroyed. However, the area of the burn generally is more important than the degree of the burn; first or second degree burn covering a large area of the body is more likely to be fatal than a small third-degree burn. EMERGENCY TREATMENT 1.                  For minor burns, application of ice or ice water relieves the pain. 2.                  Wash the area with soap and water. 3.                  Cover with sterile dressing. 4.                  Administer one or two aspirin tablets to relieve the discomforts 5.                  A sterile gauze pad soaked in a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) per quart of lukewarm water can be applied. For more extensive or severe burns, immediately seek professional treatment. While help is being obtained, there are few things you can do. 1.                  Get the victim away from fire or heat. 2.                  Monitor the victim’s breathing and stop any bleeding. 3.                  Cool the burn with cool water 4.                  Cut – never pull- clothing from burned areas. 5.                  If fabric is stuck to the burn cut around it and leaves it in place. 6.                  Cover the burn with a cool, moist sterile pad or clean sheet. 7.                  Do not apply oils, sprays or ointments 8.                  If fingers or toes are burned, gently separate them with dry, sterile, non-adhesive dressings. 9.                  To prevent shock, make sure the victim’s head is lower than his feet 10.              Be sure that the victim is covered sufficiently to keep him warm, but not enough to keep him over heated, exposure to cold can make the effects of shock more severe. 11.              Provide the victim with plenty of non-alcoholic liquid such as sweetened water, tea, or fruit juices, so long as he is conscious and able to swallow. 12.              To prevent infection, do not permit absorbent cotton or adhesive tape to touch the wound caused by a burn. 13.              Do not apply iodine or any other anti-septic to the burn. 14.              Do not open any blisters 15.              Do not permit any un sterile matter to touch the burn area. 16.              Do not cough, sneeze or even breathe toward the wound resulting from a burn. Serious infections frequently develop in burn victims from contamination by microorganisms of the mouth and nose.   Back to top  CARBUNCLES Carbuncles are quite similar to boils except that they usually develop around multiple hair follicles and commonly appear on the neck or face. Personal hygiene is one factor involved in the development of carbuncles; persons apparently susceptible to the pustular inflammations must exercise special care in cleansing areas in which carbuncles occur, particularly if they suffer from diabetes or circulatory illnesses. EMERGENCY TREATMENT Apply moist hot packs to the boil-like swelling. Change the moist hot packs frequently, or place a hot-water bottle on the moist dressing to maintain the moist heat application. Do not handle the carbuncle beyond whatever contact is necessary to apply or maintain the moist heat. The carbuncle should eventually rupture or reach a point where it can be opened with a sterile sharp instrument. After the carbuncle has ruptured and drained, and the fluid from the growth has been carefully cleaned away, apply a sterile dressing. Frequently, a physician must open carbuncles.   Back to top  CAT SCRATCH FEVER Although the scratch or bite of a house cat or alley cat may appear at first to be only a mild injury, the wound can become the site of entry for a disease virus transmitted by apparently healthy cats. The inflammation, accompanied by fever, generally affects the lymph nodes and produces some aches and pains as well as fatigue. Although the disease is seldom fatal, an untreated case can spread to brain tissues and lead to other complications. EMERGENCY TREATMENT 1.                  Wash the scratch thoroughly with water and either soap or mild detergent. 2.                  Cover with a sterile dressing. 3.                  Watch the area of the scratch carefully for the next week or two. If redness or swelling develop, even after the scratch appears healed, consult your physician. 4.                  The inflammation of the scratch area may be accompanied by mild fever and symptoms similar to those of influenza; in small children, the symptoms may be quite serious. 5.                  Bed rest and antibiotics usually are prescribed.   Back to top  CHARLEY HORSE A charley horse occurs because a small number of muscle fibers have been torn or ruptured by overstraining the muscle, or by the force of a blow to the muscle.  EMERGENCY TREATMENT 1.                  Rest the injured muscle and apply an icepack if there is swelling. 2.                  Compression dressing can be applied to support the muscle. 3.                  Avoid movement that stretches the muscle, and restrict other movements that make the victim uncomfortable. If pain and swelling persist, call a doctor. 4.                  During the recovery period, which may not begin for a day or two, apply local heat with a hot water bottle or an electric heating pad, being careful not to burn the victim. A return to active use of the muscle can begin gradually as pain permits.   Back to top  CHEMICAL BURNS OF THE EYES EMERGENCY TREATMENT 1.                  Flush the victim’s eye immediately with large quantities of fresh, clean water; a drinking fountain can be used to provide a steady stream of water. If a drinking fountain is not available, lay the victim on the floor or ground with his head turned slightly to one side and pour water into the eye from a glass or cup. 2.                  Always direct the stream of water so that it enters the eye surface at the inside corner and flows across the eye to the outside corner. 3.                  If the victim is unable, because of intense pain, to open his eyes, it may be necessary to hold the lids apart while water pours across the eye. Continue flushing the eye for at least 15 minutes. (An alternate method is to immerse the victim’s face in a pan or basin or bucket of water while he opens and closes his eyes repeatedly; continue the process for at least 15 minutes). 4.                  When chemical has been flushed from the victim’s eye, the eye should be covered with a small, thick compress held in place with a bandage that covers both eyes, if possible; the bandage can be tied around the victim’s head. Note: Apply nothing but water to the eye; do not attempt to neutralize a chemical burn of the eye and do not apply oil, ointment, salve, or other medications. Rush the victim to a doctor as soon as possible, preferably to an Ophthalmologist.   Back to top  CHEMICALS ON SKIN May household and industrial chemicals, such as ammonia, lye, iodine, creosote, and a wide range of insecticides can cause serious injury if accidentally spilled on the skin.  EMERGENCY TREATMENT  1.                  Wash the body surface that has been affected by the chemical with large amount of water. 2.                  Do not try to neutralize the chemical with another substance; the reaction may aggravate the injury. 3.                  If blisters appear, apply a sterile dressing. If the chemical is a refrigerant, such as Freon, or carbon dioxide under pressure, treat for frostbite. 4.                  If the chemical has splashed into the eyes or produces serious injury to the affected body surface, call a doctor. The victim should be watched closely for possible poisoning effects if the chemical is pesticide, since such substances may be absorbed through the skin to produce internal toxic reactions. If there is any questions about the toxicity of a chemical, ask your doctor or call the nearest poison control center.   Back to top  CHIGGER BITES  EMERGENCY TREATMENT 1.                  Apply ice water or rub ice over the area afflicted by bites of the tiny red insects. 2.                  Bathing the area with alcohol, ammonia water or a solution of baking soda also will provide some relief from the itching. 3.                  Wash thoroughly with soap, using a scrub brush to prevent further infestation by the chiggers in other areas of the body. 4.                  Apply sulfur ointment as protection against mites that may not have attached themselves to the skin. 5.                  Continue application of ice water or alcohol to skin areas invaded by the insects. 6.                  Clothing that was worn should be laundered immediately.   Back to top  CONVULSIONS  EMERGENCY TREATMENT 1.                  Protect the victim from injury by moving him to a safe place; loosen any constricting clothing such as a tie or a belt; put a pillow or coat under his head; if his mouth is open, place a folded cloth between his teeth to keep him from biting his tongue. 2.                  Do not force anything into his mouth. 3.                  Keep the patient warm but do not disturb hi; do not try to restrain his convulsive movements. 4.                  Call a doctor as quickly as possible. 5.                  Watch the patient’s breathing and begin artificial respiration if breathing stops for more than one minute. Be sure that breathing actually has stopped; the patient may be sleeping or unconscious after an attack but breathing normally. Convulsion in a small child may signal the onset of an infectious disease and may be accompanied by a high fever. The same general precautions should be taken to prevent self-injury on the part of the child. If placed in a bed, the child should be protected against falling onto the floor. Place him on his side-not on his back or stomach-if he vomits. Cold compresses or ice packs on the back of the neck and the head may help relieve symptoms.  Immediate professional medical care is vital because brain damage can result if treatment is delayed.   Back to top  EAR, FOREIGN BODY IN EMERGENCY TREATMENT Do not insert a hairpin, stick, or other object in the ear in an effort to remove a foreign object; you are likely to force the object further into the ear canal. Instead, have the victim tilt his head to one side, with the ear containing the foreign object facing upward. While pulling gently on the lobe of the ear to straighten the canal, pour a little warmed olive oil or mineral oil into the ear. Then have the victim tilt the ear downward so the oil will run out quickly; it should dislodge the foreign object. Wipe the ear canal gently with a cotton-tipped matchstick, or a similar device that will not irritate the lining of the ear canal, after the foreign body has been removed. If the emergency treatment is not successful, immediately call a doctor.   Back to top  ELECTRIC SHOCK An electric shock from the usual 110-volt current in most homes can be a serious emergency, especially if the person’s skin or clothing is wet. Under these circumstances, the shock may paralyze the part of the brain that controls breathing and stop the heart completely or disorder its pumping action. EMERGENCY TREATMENT It is of utmost importance to break the electrical contact immediately by unplugging the wire of the appliance involved or by shutting off the house current switch. DO NOT TOUCH THE VICTIM OF THE SHOCK WHILE HE IS STILL ACTING AS AN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR. If the shock has come from a faulty wire out of doors and the source of the electrical current can’t be reached easily, make a lasso of dry rope on a long sturdy dry stick. Catch the victim’s hand or foot in the loop and drag him away from the wire. Another way to break the contact is to cut the wire with a dry axe. If the victim of the shock is unconscious, or if his pulse is very weak, administer mouth-to-mouth respiration and cardiac massage until he can get to a hospital.   Back to top  EYE, FOREIGN BODY IN EMERGENCY TREATMENT Do not rub the eye or touch it with unwashed hands. The foreign body usually becomes lodged on the inner surface of the upper eyelid. Pull the upper eyelid down over the lower lid to help work the object loose. Tears or clean water can help wash out the dirt or other object. If the bit of irritating material could be seen on the surface of the eyeball, try very carefully to flick it out with the tip of a clean moistened handkerchief or a piece of moistened cotton. Never touch the surface of the eye with dry materials. Sometimes a foreign body can be removed by carefully rolling the upper lid over a pencil or wooden matchstick to expose the object. After the foreign object has been removed, the eye should be washed with clean water or with a solution made of 1 tsp. of salt dissolved in a pint of water. This will help remove any remaining particles of the foreign body as well as any traces of irritating chemicals that might have been a part of it. Iron particles, for example, may leave traces of rust on the eye’s surface unless washed away.    If the object cannot be located and removed without difficulty, a small patch of gauze or a folded handkerchief should be taped over the eye and the victim taken to a physician’s office – preferably to an ophthalmologist. A physician also should be consulted if a feeling of irritation in the eye continues after the foreign body has been removed.   Back to top  FEVER EMERGENCY TREATMENT If the fever is mild, around 100 degrees Fahrenheit taken by mouth, have the patient rest in bed and provide him with a light diet. Watch closely for other symptoms, such as rash, and any further increase in body temperature. Aspirin is given usually for adults. If the temperature continue to rise and is accompanied by pain, headache, delirium, confused behavior, coughing, vomiting, or other indications of severe illness, call a physician. Describe all the symptoms in detail, including the appearance of any rash and when it began.   Back to top  FINGERNAIL INJURY EMERGENCY TREATMENT 1.                  Wash the injured nail area thoroughly with warm water or soap. 2.                  Trim off any torn bits of nail. 3.                  Cover with a small adhesive dressing or bandage. 4.                  Apply petroleum jelly or cold cream to the injured nail area twice a day, morning and night until it is healed 5.                  If redness or irritation develops in the adjoining skin area, indicating an infection, consult a physician   Back to top  FISH POISONING EMERGENCY TREATMENT 1.                    Induce vomiting to the patient to remove the bits of poisonous fish from the stomach. Vomiting usually can be started by pressing on the back of the throat with a finger or a spoon handle that is blunt and smooth, or by having the victim drink a glass of water with two tablespoon of dissolved salt. 2.                    Summon a physician as soon as possible, describe the type of fish eaten and the symptoms which may include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscular weakness, and numbness or tingling sensations that begins about the face and spreads to the extremities. 3.                    If breathing fails, administer mouth-to-mouth respiration; a substance commonly found in poisonous fish causes respiratory failure. Also, always prepare emergency treatment for convulsions.   Back to top  FOOD POISONING EMERGENCY TREATMENT 1.                  If the victim is not already vomiting, try to induce it to clear the stomach. Vomiting can be started by pressing the back of the throat with the finger or a spoon with a blunt and smooth surface, or by having the patient drink a solution of two tablespoon of salt in a glass of water. If the victim has vomited put him to bed. 2.                  Call a physician and describe the food ingested and the symptoms that develop. 3.                  If the symptoms are severe, professional medical treatment with antibiotics and medications for cramps may be required. Special medications also may be needed for diarrhea caused by bacterial food poisoning.   Back to top  FROST BITE EMERGENCY TREATMENT 1.                  Begin rapid rewarming of the affected tissues as soon as possible. If possible, immerse the victim in a warm bath, but avoid scalding. (The temperature should be between 102 degrees Fahrenheit to 105 degrees Fahrenheit) 2.                  Warm wet towels also will help if changed frequently and applied gently. 3.                  Do not massage, rub, or even touch the frostbitten flesh. 4.                  If warm water or warming fire is not available, place the patient in a sleeping bag or cover him with coats and blankets. 5.                  Hot liquids can be offered if available to help raise the body temperature. For any frostbite case, prompt medical attention is important. The depth and degree of the frozen tissue cannot be determined without a careful examination by a physician.   Back to top  GAS POISONING Before attempting to revive someone overcome by toxic gas poisoning, the most important thing to do is remove him to the fresh air. If this isn’t feasible, all windows and doors should be opened to let in as much fresh air as possible. Any interior with a dangerous concentration of carbon monoxide or other toxic gases is apt to be highly explosive. Therefore, gas and electricity should be shut off as quickly as possible. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY MATCHES BE LIGHTED IN AN INTERIOR WHERE THERE ARE NOXIOUS FUMES. The rescuer needn’t waste time covering his face with a handkerchief or other cloth. He should hold his breath instead, or take only a few quick, shallow breaths while bringing the victim to the out –of-doors or to an open window. EMERGENCY TREATMENT Administer artificial respiration if the victim is suffering respiratory arrest. Arrange for medical help as soon as possible, requesting that oxygen should be brought to the scene.   Back to top  HEART ATTACK A heart attack is caused by interference with the blood supply to the heart muscle. When the attack is brought on because of a blood clot in the coronary artery, it is known as Coronary occlusion or Coronary thrombosis. The most dramatic symptom of a serious heart attack is a crushing chest pain that usually travels down the left arm into the hand or into the neck and back. The pain may bring on dizziness, cold sweat, complete collapse, and loss of consciousness. The face has an ashen pallor, and there may be vomiting. EMERGENCY TREATMENT The victim must not be move unless he has fallen in a dangerous place. If no physician is immediately available, an ambulance should be called at once. No attempt should be made to get the victim of a heart attack into an automobile. Until help arrives, give t he victim every reassurance that he will get prompt treatment, and keep him as calm and quiet as possible. Don’t give him any medicine or stimulants. If oxygen is available, start administering it to the patient immediately, either by mask or nasal catheter, depending on which is available. If the victim is suffering from respiratory arrest, begin artificial respiration. If he is suffering from cardiac arrest, begin cardiac massage.   Back to top  HEAT EXHAUSTION Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is exposed to the high temperatures and large amounts of blood accumulate in the skin as a way of cooling it. As a result, there is a marked decrease in the amount of blood that circulates through the heart and to the brain. The victim becomes markedly pale and is covered with cold perspiration. Breathing is increasingly shallow and the pulse weakens. In acute cases, fainting occurs. Medical aid should be summoned for anyone suffering from heat exhaustion. EMERGENCY TREATMENT 1.                  Place the victim in a reclining position with his feet raised about 10 inches above his body. 2.                  Loosen or remove his clothing. And apply cold, wet cloths to his wrist and forehead. 3.                  If he has fainted and doesn’t recover promptly, smelling salts or spirit of ammonia should be placed under his nose. 4.                  When the victim is conscious, give him sips of salt water (approximately one teaspoon of salt per glass of water), the total intake to be about two glasses in an hour’s time. If the victim vomits, discontinue the salt solution.   Back to top  LEECHES   EMERGENCY TREATMENT 1.               &nb