First Aid, Safety & Preparedness

How long you perform intermittent compression depends on what your healthcare provider says. On average, however, compression to an acute injury (not a fracture or dislocation) should be used for about 20 to 30 minutes, three to four times per day.(This... Full Answer

Every year thousands of lives are saved by family members, emergency personnel, and strangers who know how to use cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when someone's heart and breathing stops. Thousands more people might be saved if we all know how... Full Answer

Here's a short course on hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) steps to take in an emergency: Check to make sure the person has stopped breathing and has no heartbeat. If the person moves or pushes you away, stop administering CPR. Dial... Full Answer

If an athlete has just been injured in practice, the first thing you should do is assess if he is conscious and breathing. If he is unconscious and/or not breathing, you should immediately call 911.Other reasons to call 911 are if the athlete's heart has... Full Answer

An emergency contact form should always include: Complete information for the athlete: Name, date of birth, address, phone number, family doctor, allergies, and medications. Complete information for the emergency contact: Name, relationship to athlete,... Full Answer

Depending on the severity of the injury, referral to a doctor may be required. If your child has completely bitten through their tongue, immediate referral is necessary to treat the injury. Treatment usually consists of cleansing the site and... Full Answer

Check the airway to make sure there are no objects blocking the windpipe in the back of the throat. Next, tilt the head back slightly to ensure the airway is maximally open. Immediately administer CPR and contact emergency services because this... Full Answer

While any snake bite can be dangerous, some snakes are poisonous. Most people do not know the different species of snakes and which ones are poisonous. If you are bitten by a snake, get immediate medical attention. A snake bite can cause serious... Full Answer

If you have a rash of unknown origin, you want to clean and dry the area. Use a gentle soap, one with out antimicrobial properties, and pat the rash dry. Try to identify any possible agents that may have caused the rash. These may include the following:... Full Answer

For injuries that penetrate the lip, place a rolled dressing between the lip and the gum. You can place another dressing on the outer surface of the lip. If the tongue is bleeding, apply a dressing and direct pressure. Applying cold to the lips... Full Answer