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Even a minor fender bender can cause serious damage to the cars involved or result in injuries to passengers. If you happen to be involved in a fender bender, there are a few things you should do to make sure that everyone is safe and that you are in compliance with all local laws.
More than 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. every year, reports the American Academy of Ophthalmology. While a great portion of these injuries require emergency medical care, the afflicted can treat many at home. Getting woodchips in the eye is a common injury for woodworkers. It is usually not considered a severe injury, especially if the wood chip is merely a speck. Treat most cases involving wood chips with simple first aid.
A broken jaw can be severely painful. You can experience loose or damaged teeth, facial numbness on the side of the broken jaw as well as difficulty opening your mouth. Depending on the severity of the break you may also experience bruising and swelling of the face. Many complications can arise from a broken jaw, including difficulty in chewing and talking. You can also suffer from an infection in your jaw or face coupled with airway blockage. To prevent any further complications, seek proper treatment as soon as possible.
Shock -- a life-threatening condition shutting down the body due to insufficient blood or oxygen flow to the tissues -- when caused by head injury or any other cause, needs immediate first aid. The presence of head injury requires special considerations.
A strained or pulled groin muscle can cause a great deal of pain and swelling. Most groin injuries can be treated at home with basic first aid, but if you experience severe pain, bleeding, or genital injury, seek medical attention.
Most head injuries are minor and do not require a trip to the hospital, but it can be a very serious injury requiring immediate medical attention in some cases. Knowing how to properly administer first aid for a head injury is important in minimizing the risk.
A dislocated knee is a serious injury that requires emergency medical attention. Splinting or wrapping the injured leg properly as part of first aid is important and can be done with a few common materials. Call 911 first, and be sure to check the victim for other life-threatening injuries. Also make sure the victim's airway is clear and breathing and circulation are stable.
A wrist fracture is a common form of bone injury in the elderly and in children. Elderly are susceptible due to bone brittleness attributed to age, while young children have softer bones that are more prone to snapping. It is a painful experience and it may take several months for an individual to regain his or her full wrist mobility and strength. Learn how to care for a wrist fracture, including stretching and strengthening techniques, to help you recover as quickly as possible.
Knowing what to do immediately in the event of eye injuries or irritations can prevent vision loss and help ensure that damage is kept to a minimum. While severe eye injuries will require emergency medical attention, there are a number of first-aid procedures that need to be done as soon as possible depending on the situation.
Administering the right first aid procedures when dealing with eye injury is vital in preventing permanent damage and even blindness. The following procedures are done immediately after injury and before seeking professional medical care.
Hiking in the mountains, wilderness camping and kayaking down remote rivers have become popular forms of recreation. Medical emergencies can occur, particularly if outdoor enthusiasts aren't properly prepared. Several organizations offer courses in Basic Wilderness Life Support ® and wilderness first aid that include special training in handling problems when medical care isn't nearby.
When you suspect a spinal injury, only medical professionals should move an injured person. But when there is more immediate danger (for example, a slippery slope or an icy river), you - and those with you - may need to move the injured person to safety yourselves.
Head injury is one of the most common reasons for death in the wilderness. By asking some important questions and conducting a careful examination, a rescuer may be able to assess whether an injured person might have suffered injuries to the head.
