Safety and First Aid - 2 Class 5 Notes Science

What is First Aid?

• Sometimes in spite of being careful, accidents occur.  
• A nurse or a doctor may not be immediately available when a person gets injured. 
• First aid is the care given to the injured person (or the patient) before a doctor or nurse can see him. 
• Proper first aid can prevent the injury from getting worse. 
• Therefore, it is important to know how to give first aid in different kinds of accidents. 

First Aid for Burns

Minor Burns

• The skin becomes red, and no blisters are formed. 
• Put the burnt area immediately under cold water to cool the skin and prevent the inner portions of the skin from getting burnt.
• Apply an antiseptic cream or a paste of baking soda and water on the burnt area.

Severe Burns 

• If the burn forms blisters on the skin, it is more serious. 
• Never break the blisters. If they do break, wash them with soap and water. 
• Cover the blisters lightly with a clean piece of cloth or bandage to protect them from dust, flies and infection. 
• In case of very serious burns, take the patient to a doctor at once.

Chemical Burns 

• Sometimes a person can get burnt by a chemical such as acid.
• In such a case, wash the burnt area immediately with plenty of water. This will wash off the chemical.

First Aid for Wounds

Even a small wound should be taken care of because germs can enter the body through cuts or wounds.

• Wash your hands with soap and water. 
• Wash the wound with water and clean it with cotton wool. 
• Apply tincture of iodine. 
• If case of bleeding, apply ice on the wound to stop the bleeding.
• Cover the wound with a clean plaster or bandage to prevent dirt from getting into it. This also helps to stop bleeding.
• For a deep wound, he may require an injection to prevent a dangerous disease called tetanus. 
• Long, deep wounds may require stitches. 
• If the blood is dark red and flows evenly, place a hard pad of clean cloth on the wound and bandage tightly. 
• If the blood is bright red and flowing in jerks, apply pressure on the wound. The bleeding stops because of the pressure applied.

First Aid for Animal Bites

• In case of an animal bite: Wash the affected area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic lotion. Cover the wound with a bandage, if required. Take the patient to the doctor immediately. 

• In case of bee stings: Apply a paste of baking soda or toothpaste. 
• In case of snake bite: Tie a tourniquet just above the bite to stop the flow of blood to the heart. Immediately rush the victim to a doctor.

First Aid  in Case of Fractures

Sometimes a fall may result in a broken or fractured bone. Usually, if there is swelling and great pain on moving the injured spot even 10-15 minutes after the injury, we assume that there may be a broken bone. An x-ray is done to confirm the fracture in bones. 

• Do not try to move the fractured part. 
• The fractured part needs support. 
• If the fracture is in hand, a cloth sling can be used to give support. The patient must be taken to the hospital immediately. 
• A magazine, newspaper or piece of cardboard can be tied around the fractured part to give support. This acts as a splint.

First Aid for Nose Bleed

At times, when it is very hot, the nose may bleed. The following first aid should be given: 

Nose Bleeding

• Loosen the clothing around your neck. 
• Sit upright with your head held back and arms folded above the head. 
• Then slightly press the bleeding side of your nose firmly with your fingers. 
• Get help from someone to keep an icepack or a wet cloth on your nose and the back of your neck. 
• Breathe through your mouth instead of your nose. 
• After the bleeding stops, do not blow your nose for a few hours. 
• If the bleeding is heavy, take help from a doctor.