First Aid, Safety & Preparedness

Recently Answered
Q Should I let my doctor know I am using antibiotic ointment?
2 Answers
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Stacy Wiegman, Pharmacy
Since antibiotic ointments are a relatively mild form of treatment, you probably do not need to inform your doctor if you are using them. However, if you experience any kind of skin irritation, you should stop using your antibiotic ointment and... Full Answer
Q Do antibiotic ointments have any side effects?
3 Answers
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Stacy Wiegman, Pharmacy
Antibiotic ointments are mild treatments and do not usually cause side effects. However, occasionally individuals have a reaction to these ointments and a small rash may develop. If you develop a rash or have an allergic reaction to this... Full Answer
Q What over-the-counter products can I use for wound care?
1 Answer
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Stacy Wiegman, Pharmacy
There are many different over-the-counter products that can be used for wound care. These products include bandages, antibiotic ointments, topical anesthetics and disinfecting products. If your wound is severe or becomes infected, your doctor may... Full Answer
Q How should I treat my child's fever after surgery?
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It is very normal for a child to have a low fever in the first 24 hours after surgery. You need to call your doctor if the temperature goes above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius). Encouraging your child to drink fluids every few... Full Answer
Q What does ICE mean?
2 Answers
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Dr. Kathleen Handal, Emergency Medicine
Make sure all your phone directories (work, home, cell) include the entry ICE (in case of emergency). ICE is the person you want emergency medical services to call if you’re ill or injured. Make sure your children’s phones contain ICE,... Full Answer
Q How do I move an injured victim by myself?
1 Answer
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Dr. Kathleen Handal, Emergency Medicine
If you're alone and a victim absolutely has to be moved after an accident, follow these steps to perform the clothes-drag technique: Lay victim on back and grab victim's clothing behind his/her neck. (Be careful not to cause an airway... Full Answer
Q What is the log-roll technique for moving someone who is injured?
1 Answer
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Dr. Kathleen Handal, Emergency Medicine
The log-roll technique allows you to safely turn a victim who is lying face down after an accident. Remember, it is important to roll the person as a unit. If you have assistance, stabilize the head and neck while you instruct your helper to... Full Answer
Q When should I move someone who has been in an accident?
1 Answer
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Dr. Kathleen Handal, Emergency Medicine
Positioning a victim after an accident should only be done to avoid danger or to provide care. Only change position if victim is: Unconscious In immediate danger in current location Breathing and unresponsive Vomiting or has debris in... Full Answer
Q What are ways to ice an injury?
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You can use a simple paper cup of frozen water to massage on and around the area. This helps cold penetrate more deeply than with a bag of ice. Another option is to use an ice bath. This can be used on larger areas, such as a leg or both legs at a time.... Full Answer
Q How many minutes should I use heat or ice to treat my injury?
1 Answer
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A good rule of thumb is that you should use heat or ice for no more then 20 minutes. Use caution to ensure that you do not cause any damage to the skin by using either heat or ice for too long of a period of time. Once you go numb, you have used the ice... Full Answer