INJURY

SYMPTOMS

TREATMENT

APPENDICITIS

Pain in right lower abdomen – Nausea, possibly vomiting, Low fever, Constipation

Call doctor immediately, While diagnosis is uncertain, don’t give anything to eat or drink, Don’t use laxatives or pain medications

MINOR BURNS

Redness, pain and swelling. Moist, oozing blistered skin appearing within several hours

Remove clothing is not stuck.  Flush in cold water or apply cold cloths. Don’t use butter/ointment. Cover burn with sterile bandage

CHEST PAINS

Chest pain or heaviness, often radiating to left arm. Breathing difficulty. Sweating

Get someone to call for help. If not breathing, begin rescue breathing. If no circulation, begin chest compressions if trained or being guided in CPR

CHOCKING

Inability to breathe, cough or speak. Grasping neck. Bluish lips, nails or skin.

ASK: Are you choking? If victim can’t breathe, cough or speak, begin Heimlich maneuver

CONVULSIONS

Unconsciousness. Body stiffness followed by uncontrolled jerking body movements

Catch falling victim. Clear space. Don’t put anything in mouth or try to stop jerking. Loosen tight clothes. Get someone to call 911

CROUP

In young child: barking, croaking cough. Difficulty breathing. Bluish face.

Call doctor is 1^st attack, if breathing is labored or lips/fingers are blue. Have child breathe moist air in steamy bathroom. Follow doctors orders

CUTS & BRUISES

Cuts: Injuries to skin with bleeding and pain. Bruises: redness on impact, then black and blue

Cuts: Stop bleeding with direct pressure; clean with soap/water; cover with sterile bandage. Bruises: apply cold packs; elevate limb.

DOG BITE

Deep, bleeding, painful wound. Major danger is rabies, which can be fatal.

Stop bleeding by direct pressure. Wash with soap/water. Capture animal; notify animal control to check for rabies. Call doctor.

DROWING

Unconsciousness. Not breathing, possibly no heartbeat. Cold exposure. Shock

If not breathing, begin rescue breathing. Call for help. If no circulation, begin chest compressions if trained or being guided in CPR. Elevate feet, keep warm.

EARACHE

Pain. Discharge from ear. Possible fever. Hearing loss. In baby: pulling ear.

See doctor immediately for diagnosis. Report fever and/or discharge. Use prescribed medications as directed. Keep ear dry during bathing.

ELECTRIC SHOCK

Unconsciousness, breathing difficulty and heart damage. Burns at contact points. Muscle spasms.

Call 911. Disconnect electric source. If not breathing, begin rescue breathing. If no circulation, begin chest compressions if trained in CPR or am emergency dispatcher is guiding you.

OBJECT IN EYE

Watery, irritated, painful eye. Reluctance to open eye. Foreign object visible.

Let eye tear, don’t rub. If loose, object may dislodge itself, or dab eye gently with a clean cloth. If embedded, cover both eyes and get help.

FAINTING

Temporary unconsciousness. Sometimes blurred vision, nausea, paleness, sweating.

Lay on back, elevate feet or bend over with head at knee level. If necessary, call 911. Give rescue breathing only if person has stopped breathing.

FEVER

Body temperature of 100 F measured orally or 101 F measured rectally

Increase fluid intake. Sponge with warm water and give acetaminophen. Call doctor if temperature over 102 F (orally) or persists.

FRACTURES & DISLOCATIONS

Severe pain, swelling or bruising. Loss of motion. Protruding bone or deformity.

Don’t move if unconscious or if back/neck injuries suspected. Treat breathing/bleeding/shock first. Immobilize injury before moving. Call 911.

FROSTBITE

Area (usually extremities) becomes red, then gray, then white. Numbness

Don’t rub. Slowly warm by immersing in tepid (not hot) water. Give warm drinks and wrap in blankets. When rewarmed, call doctor

HEAD INJURY

Unconscious. Vomiting. Pale. Headache. Sleepy. Pupils uneven. Dazed.

Treat any head injury as an emergency. Get someone to call for help. Stay with victim. Monitor closely for unconsciousness.

INSECT BITES & STINGS

Pain. Itching. Swelling. Redness. If allergic: Difficulty with breathing, swallowing.

Scrape off stinger with fingernail, don’t squeeze. Wash with soap/water. Apply cold compress, then calamine lotion. Get help IMMEDIATELY if allergic.

NOSEBLEED

Blood coming from nostrils after blowing, sneezing, picking, illness or injury.

Keep head forward. Squeeze nose closed. If bleeding does not stop, apply cold compress and reapply pressure. If bleeding continues call doctor.

POISONING

Vomiting or diarrhea. Difficulty breathing. Sweating. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.

If symptoms are serious, call 911. Otherwise, call local poison control centre. Report status and nearest hospital. Follow orders. Collect vomit/urine.

SHOCK

Pale, clammy skin. Weakness. Fast breathing. Rapid weak pulse. Confusion.

Lay on back with feet raised unless you suspect head/back injuries. Check for breathing difficulties. Call 911.

STROKE

Headache. Paralysis. Difficulty with speech or vision. Unconscious.

Check breathing and circulation. Begin rescue breathing and/or CPR (if trained) if necessary. Get someone to call 911.

SUNBURN

Red, painful, swollen skin. Blisters if severe. Chills and fever.

Apply cold compresses or bathe in cool water.  Give acetaminophen for pain. Call doctor if symptoms are severe or if feverish and ill. Give fluids.

TOOTHACHE

Sensitivity to heat, cold and sweets. Pain. Facial swelling.

Call dentist. Give aspirin or acetaminophen for pain. After dental treatment, call dentist for fever, pain or continued sensitivities.