Safety and First Aid - 2 Class 5 Notes Science

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. 

In the case of 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.

Minor Burn

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.

Severe Burn

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.

In the case of 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.

Wound

In the case of Animal Bites

The bites of dogs, monkeys and some other animals can cause a very dangerous disease called rabies.

• 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.

Snake Bite

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.

Sling used to give support

In case of a Nose Bleed

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

• 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.

Nose Bleeding