Summer first aid tips from St John Ambulance – A cut out and keep guide

THE nation’s health and first aid charity St John Ambulance is urging people to learn vital first aid which could prevent a trip to A&E, and might even save lives.

The charity’s medical director Dr Lynn Thomas said, “Lots of people will be working in the garden and perhaps doing some indoor DIY too.  And with permission now back for groups of six, from two households maximum, to meet outdoors, people may also be looking forward to seeing others and sharing food and drinks in the garden. 

“We don’t want to stop people from doing what is now permitted, but we do want people to stay safe, especially with the added pressures of the pandemic affecting daily life in general. Make sure you remember the government’s new advice – hands, face, space, fresh air.

“Always dial 999 in an emergency but equipping yourself with some first aid skills can also help you identify when to seek medical attention. No one wants to end up in hospital so we’re urging everyone to be prepared, stock up on essentials like plasters and indigestion remedies, and know some first aid.”

Download the St John Ambulance app for easily accessible first aid advice on the go and here are some key tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe :

Choking 

(adult and child)

 There is a chance that little ones may put something in their mouth that causes an obstruction of the airway, but adults can, of course, also risk choking. Keep an eye on small children but if you do find yourself in a situation where someone can’t breathe, know how to help.

What to do (adult and child): www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA9hpOnvtCk&feature=emb_title

• Cough it out – Encourage the casualty to keep coughing 

• Slap it out – Give 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades. Check their mouth each time

• Squeeze it out – Give 5 abdominal thrusts. Check their mouth each time 

• Call 999/112 for emergency help

• Repeat steps 2 and 3 until help arrives.

What to do (baby): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oswDpwzbAV8&feature=emb_title

 • Slap it out – Lay the baby face down along your thigh and support their head . Give 5 back blows between their shoulder blades ; Turn them over and check their mouth each time 

• Squeeze it out – Using two fingers, give 5 sharp chest thrusts. Check the mouth each time. 

• If the item does not dislodge, call 999/112 for emergency help. Take the baby with you to call 

• Repeat the steps 1 and 2 until help arrives.

Minor burns and scalds

 If someone stands a little too close to the barbeque, follow these steps:

• Hold burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes 

• Remove clothing or jewelry around the burn, unless stuck to the burn 

• Cover lengthways with cling film 

• Monitor casualty and seek medical advice. 

 Alcohol poisoning

We’ll all be excited about being able to see larger groups of people again, but if someone overindulges too much, follow these steps:

• Reassure them, keep them warm 

• Check for injuries 

• Place in the recovery position 

• Monitor level of response 

• If worried call 999 or 112 for emergency help 

Cardiac arrest (adult)

A cardiac arrest happens when someone’s heart stops. If someone has become unresponsive and they are not breathing normally they could be in cardiac arrest and you need to act quickly. Call 999 or 112 for emergency help and start CPR, using a defibrillator if available.

How to do CPR: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=BQNNOh8c8ks&feature=emb_title 

• Call 999/112 for emergency help

• Do not leave them

• If someone is with you, ask them to fetch a defibrillator if they know where the nearest one can be found. If you are on your own, do not leave the patient

• Because of Covid-19, before you start CPR, use a towel or piece of clothing and lay it over the mouth and nose of the casualty 

• Start CPR. Kneel by the casualty and put the heel of your hand in the middle of their chest, put your other hand on top of the first. Interlock your fingers making sure they don’t touch the ribs. Keep your arms straight and lean over the casualty. Press down hard, to a depth of about 5-6cm before releasing the pressure, allowing the chest to come back up

The beat of the song ‘Staying Alive’ can help you keep the right rate.

Do not give rescue breaths

 If a defibrillator is available:

• Ask a helper to switch on the defibrillator and apply pads while you continue CPR

• Follow the voice prompts given by the defibrillator

• Stand back when shock is advised

• Wherever possible, the helper should keep their distance 

• If they become responsive – Put them in the recovery position; Leave the defibrillator pads attached; Monitor level of response.

 The recovery position

Putting someone in the recovery position will help to maintain their airway. Make sure to reassure them, keep them warm and check for any other injuries and do not make them be sick as this may cause a blockage.

What to do: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=GmqXqwSV3bo&feature=emb_title

1.  Place their nearest arm at a right angle to their body with the elbow bent

2. Place the back of their far hand against their cheek 

Hold it there 

3. Pull the far knee up until their foot is flat 

4. Pull on the bent leg to roll them towards you 

5. Tilt their head back to open airway

6. Call 999/112 for emergency help

Monitor their level of response.

Cuts and grazes

Garden sheds and garages are full of sharp tools which could cause injuries. Follow these useful steps if you have a slip with the secateurs or any other equipment.

What to do: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4e7evinsfm0&feature=emb_title

• If the wound is dirty, clean the wound with cold running water or alcohol-free wipes 

• Pat it dry 

• Raise and support the injury 

• Apply a sterile adhesive dressing.

 Severe bleeding

If the injury is more than a cut or graze and blood has started flowing from the wound, follow these steps.

What to do: www.youtube.com/watch? v=NxO5LvgqZe0&feature=emb_title

• Apply direct pressure to the wound 

• Call 999/112 for emergency help  

• Secure dressing with a bandage to maintain pressure  

• Treat for shock  

• Support the injury. 

 In the case of an emergency always call 999 for help. For those looking for quick, easily accessible first aid information, the St John Ambulance app is available free on smartphones or visit our website (www.sja.org.uk). It offers demo videos, an interactive game, and lots of free advice.