Ever wondered how you would react in a medical emergency?
It’s important to be prepared with a first aid kit and the knowledge to use it. Make sure you have a first aid kit in your home and in your car. This is the best way to ensure that if you are ever faced with an emergency situation, you have everything you need to act quickly and effectively. Your actions could save a life.
Common Emergencies
Injuries as a result of accidents in and around the house are one of the most common form of medical emergency, in Australia. They range from fairly easy-to-treat situations, such as nosebleeds, sprains and strains, to more complex situations, such as severe bleeding, seizures, and fractures.
Some of the most common medical emergencies in Australia are:
- Transport accidents
- Being struck by projected or falling equipment
- Falling or tripping over
- Accidental poisoning
How to Handle an Emergency
Being first on the scene in a medical emergency is not something that everyone is equipped to handle. But, with good preparation and composure you can help someone in need.
Remain calm
Even though you will need to act quickly and decisively, it is vital that you stay calm. This will not only ensure that you make good decisions, but it will also help whoever you are treating to stay calm. Panic can cause further injury and delay treatment.
Assess the emergency
Stop and take account of the situation.
- Do you need to apply immediate medical care?
- Will an ambulance be required?
Remember DRSABCD: Danger – Never place yourself, an injured person, or bystanders in danger.
Response – Does the injured person respond when you talk or touch them?
Send – If more help is required send someone for it, or call 000.
Airway – Is the injured person breathing? If not, check that their airway is clear.
Breathing – Chest movements will indicate breathing, watch and feel for breath.
CPR – If the injured person is not breathing or is unconscious, apply CPR
Defibrillator – Apply an automated external defibrillator is there is one on the scene.
If possible, communicate with the injured person. Let them know what you are doing and how it will help them. Be present in the moment and use a phone only to contact emergency services.
Use your First Aid Kit
Even if you feel that an ambulance is required, a good first aid kit will have all the tools needed to take care of minor injuries, and comfort the injured person, while you are waiting.
- Try to keep them warm with an extra layer, or blanket
- Make sure they are hydrated with water or electrolytes
- Elastoplast’s Crepe Bandages can be used to stop bleeding or to immobilise injured limbs
- Elastoplast Sport Hot/Cold Packs can be used for burns or to reduce swelling
- Sterilised tweezers can remove shards of glass or splinters
Seek medical advice immediately in case of breathing problems, unconsciousness, a deep wound with a major loss of blood, a severe burn, a suspected fracture or broken bone a suspected heart attack, a severe allergic reaction, a snake, animal bite or human bite, poisoning, severe shock, any condition which turns rapidly worse.
Always see your doctor if the wound is deep, bleeding or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth.
Also make sure to seek medical help if you are not able to clean the wound properly.
In case you have diabetes a proper wound care is of special importance. Always discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor and/or podiatrist, even for the care of minor wounds and skin cracks – especially on your feet.
Please note that none of the above given tips or recommendations substitute medical advice. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products‘ packages. Important: consult a health professional in case of any uncertainty of treating your wound properly.
The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care or advice. If you have or suspect a health problem, you should consult your doctor. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it, because of something you have read on this website.
For further information regarding Elastoplast products, please contact us via email on anz.consumerservices@beiersdorf.com. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products' packages.