FIRST AID A SELF-HELP GUIDE
Panic is the last thing you should do when confronted with an emergency. Being prepared and familiar with what to do in an emergency is important. This leaflet is a simple first aid guide to help you take charge.

How to treat insect bites & stings
   •  Remove any sting left behind with a pair of clean tweezers.
   •  Apply calamine lotion to soothe the area and an ice pack if there is
      swelling.
   •  Seek medical help immediately if the stinging is widespread or if
      there are possibilities of any allergic reactions.

How to treat burns and scalds
   •  Remove all constricting accessories and clothing from the affected
      area.
   •  Place the affected area immediately under cold running water for at
      least 10 minutes to least the pain and to flush away the chemicals
      in the case of a chemical burn.
   •  Apply a soothing cream and avoid breaking any blisters that may
      appear.
   •  Get medical help immediately.

How to treat poisoning
   •  If the poison was inhaled, ensure the victim has sufficient fresh air.
   •  Call a doctor or the hospital immediately and describe the symptoms
      shown by the victim and the substance that may have been involved.
   •  Follow instructions given and then transport patient immediately to a medical facility, or keep the patient warm and
      calm until medical help arrives.

How to treat fractures or broken bones
   •  The patient should not be moved without medical supervision unless absolutely necessary.
   •  If the patient with a back or neck injury must be moved, keep the back, head and neck in a straight line with the help
      of a board.
   •  For other fractures, place the injured part in as natural a position as possible without causing discomfort to the patient.
   •  Apply a splint (board, pole, thick folded newspaper, etc.) long enough to extend well beyond the joints and below
      the fracture.
   •  Fasten splint with bandage at the fracture and beyond joints above and below it.
   •  Apply pressure with a bandage to control any bleeding.
   •  Call for medical help immediately.

How to treat shock
   •  Have the patient lie down with legs elevated.
   •  Keep patient covered to prevent chills.
   •  Give non-alcoholic fluids if patient is able to swallow unless abdominal injury is suspected.
   •  Reassure patient.
   •  Call for medical help immediately.

WHAT’S IN YOUR MEDICINE CHEST?
Besides knowing what to do during emergencies,  having a fully equipped medicine chest is important for applying proper first aid. Know what you should include in your medicine chest and check it regularly to make sure it’s always fully equipped and nothing has expired.

What’s in a basic first aid kit?
1. Sterile Cotton Ball 10’s To apply medication
2. Sterile Gauze Swab  3” x 3” To clean wounds
3. Triangular Bandage To support an injured arm
4. Norit Tablets To prevent diarrhoea
5. Antacid Tabletts To relieve gastric pain
6. Paracetamol Tablets 500mg 20’s To relieve pain and fever
7. Elastic Bandage 2” To hold dressings in place or provide support for sprained ankle
8. Safety Pins Assorted 10’s To hold ends of bandages together
9. W.O.W Bandage 5cm x 5m To bandage wounds and hold dressings in place
10. Plastic Tweezer To remove stings or splinters or to handle sterile cottonballs or gauzeswabs
11. Medicated Oil 3ml To relieve nasal congestion and faintness
12. Surgical Scissors To cut gauze and bandages
13. Antiseptic Cream Application for minor infection
14. Pain Relief Cream To relieve pain
15. Steel Container For putting water/lotion during wound dressing
16. Calamine Lotion To soothe insect bites and minor skin rash
17. Wound Disinfectant To disinfect wound
18. Proflavine Lotion To prevent infection of cuts, grazes and wounds
19. Plaster 20’s To cover small wounds
20. Surgical Tape 1/2” To hold dressings in place
21. Cotton Tips 100’s To apply medication
22. Sodium Chloride 0.9% Solution 15ml To clean wounds