Red Cross First Aid Information

Be prepared in an emergency with a first aid kit and knowledge.

An emergency can occur at any time. It's crucial to be prepared. You can be ready with a few supplies and a little know-how. The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association have sponsored research on the most effective ways to administer first aid. The research was published by the National First Aid Science Advisory Board. The American Red Cross has been the source of knowledge regarding first aid since 1881.

First Aid Kit

The American Red Cross recommends the following contents for a first aid kit: two 5-by-9-inch compress dressings, 25 various-sized bandages, an adhesive cloth tape, five small antibiotic ointment packs, five antiseptic wipes, two small packs of aspirin, a small blanket, a breathing barrier with one-way valve, an instant cold compress, two large pairs of non-latex gloves, two small hydrocortisone ointment packs, scissors, and a three-inch wide and four-inch wide rolled bandage.

Check Victim, Call Help

Call 911 if the severity of the emergency warrants immediate medical attention. Do not move the victim unless the area is unsafe, or the victim is face down and needs CPR. Moving the victim could result in a spinal injury. Turn the victim on one side, resting their head on their elevated arm if they are unresponsive, breathing irregularly or not at all. Do not leave them too long on their side. Resting on the arm could cause nerve damage.

Allergies and Seizures

Allergies can cause reactions such as swelling, breathing difficulties and shock. The board recommends those with allergies and their loved ones learn to use an epinephrine pen. This is a shot prescribed by a doctor. Instructions are usually found on the package's side.

Preventing an injury is essential when a seizure occurs. Ensure the victim's airway is open during and after the seizure. Protect the head and body with soft objects like pillows. Do not restrain the victim or place anything in the victim's mouth.

Bleeding

Apply pressure to the area with a piece of gauze or cloth to stop the bleeding. It may require additional layers of gauze and several minutes of pressure. Try firmly wrapping an elastic bandage around the gauze. Make sure one finger can be placed between the bandage and arm to ensure circulation is not cut off.

Tourniquets are no longer recommended. They can injure nerves, muscles, cause limb loss or shock.

Clean a wound with tap or bottled water until debris is removed. Apply antibiotic cream and bandage.

Burns/Cold Emergencies

Cool a burn with cold water. Apply an ice pack for less than ten minutes. Cover a burn blister with sterile dressing. After electrocution, administer CPR and defibrillation after power has been turned off at the source. Wait until medical help arrives if it is unsafe to help.

Remove wet clothing from hypothermia victims and move to a warm place. Wrap all exposed skin with anything including newspapers. Place containers of warm water in contact with skin. Frostbite victims should seek immediate medical attention. Warm affected part slowly with 100 to 105-degree water. Don't warm if there is a chance it might refreeze.

Sprains, Strains, Fractures

A soft-tissue injury should be cooled with a damp cloth or a cloth-wrapped ice pack for less than 20 minutes. Cover an open wound and stabilize the limb with materials such as clothing in the position it was found. Call an ambulance immediately if the limb turns blue or pale.

A loose tooth should be handled from the crown. Rinse--don't scrub--the tooth in water. Place in a glass of milk and take to your dentist immediately.

Poisoning/Snake Bites

Call poison control, 800-222-1222, if poison has been ingested. Have the package on hand when you call to tell them about the chemicals in the product. Use only remedies provided by poison control. Ingesting milk, water, activated charcoal or ipecac are not proven remedies.

Wrap a snake bite tightly with a bandage to slow lymph flow. Do not move the limb or attempt to suck out the venom.

References

• American Red Cross, American Heart Association: Guidelines for First Aid
• American Red Cross: Anatomy of a First Aid Kit