Thursday, January 26, 2012

Nose Injuries, Eye Injuries and Shock


Nose Injuries
Severe nosebleed can be most frightening. It can also lead to shock if enough blood is lost! Many cases of nosebleed can be controlled simply by having the victim sit down, pinch the nostrils shut and lean forward (to prevent blood from running into the throat).
Once the bleeding has been stopped, talking, walking and blowing the nose may disturb blood clots and allow the bleeding to resume. The victim should rest quietly until it appears the bleeding remains stopped.
If it is suspected that the victim has suffered head, neck or back injuries DO NOT attempt to control the blood flow as they may cause increased pressure on injured tissue. All uncontrolled nosebleeds require prompt medical attention!
Eye Injuries
Be extremely careful and gentle when treating eye injuries.
Floating objects in the eye which can be visualized may be flushed from the eye with water. If the object cannot be removed in this manner, the victim should seek medical attention.

NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OBJECTS EMBEDDED IN THE EYE!

First Aid care for these injuries consists of bandaging BOTH eyes and seeking professional care promptly! An inverted paper cup covered with a bandage is appropriate for serious eye injuries while the victim is transported to the hospital.
For chemical burns of the eye, wash the eye with copious amounts of water for 15 to 30 minutes. Then wrap a bandage around both eyes and seek professional help.
Eyes are delicate and sight is precious! Prompt professional attention to eye injuries is required to preserve sight!
Shock
SHOCK is common with many injuries, regardless of their severity. The first hour after an injury is most important because it is during this period that symptoms of shock appear.

IF SHOCK IS NOT TREATED, IT CAN PROGRESS TO CAUSE DEATH! 
ANY TYPE OF INJURY CAN CAUSE SHOCK.

Shock is failure of the cardiovascular system to keep adequate blood circulating to the vital organs of the body, namely the heart, lungs and brain.
  • SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK INCLUDE: confused behavior, very fast or very slow pulse rate, very fast or very slow breathing, trembling and weakness in the arms or legs, cool and moist skin, pale or bluish skin, lips and fingernails and enlarged pupils.
Treatment for Shock
A good rule to follow is to anticipate that shock will follow an injury and to take measures to prevent it before it happens.
  • Putting a victim in a lying-down position improves circulation.
  • If the victim is not suspected of having head or neck injuries, or leg fractures, elevate the legs.
  • If you suspect head or neck injuries, keep the victim lying flat. If the victim vomits, turn on their side.
  • If victim is experiencing trouble breathing, place them in a semi-reclining position. Maintain the victim's body temperature, but do not overheat.

No comments: