Everyday First Aid Tips

In light of what happened at the Boston Marathon on Monday, we thought it could be useful to provide some first aid tips. You may not always have access to a first aid kit in an emergency so here are some suggestions for everyday items you can use in certain situations.

If someone gets burned, but cold water isn’t available, use any cold liquid including juice, beer, and milk, until you have access to cold running water. The aim is to cool the area as quickly as possible and for it to be effective you should keep it covered with the liquid for at least 10 minutes. To protect the burn from infection use plastic wrap, but if that isn’t available you can use a sandwich/freezer bag or a clean plastic bag. Plastic bags won’t stick to the burn and they create a barrier to stop infection.

For broken bones, use items such as clothing, blankets, or simply hold the injured part close to the body in order to support it until you can get medical care.

If someone is bleeding heavily, but you don’t have medical pads, you can apply pressure to the wound using a t-shirt, towel, or even your hand. By applying pressure you can stop or slow down the flow of blood.

For a head injury, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables if there’s no ice. Frozen peas work great because they are already in a bag and are pliable enough to set on your head.

The final tip today is for a diabetic emergency. You can use orange juice, packets of sugar, chocolate, or any regular fizzy drink (not diet drinks) to help bring a person’s sugar level up.

We hope that you never have to deal with an emergency situation, but if you do, hopefully some of these tips could come in handy until folks can get to a doctor. Take good care out there. 

Check out this article from the Red Cross "No First Aid Kit? No Problem" for more everyday first aid tips.