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What to Do Until Help Arrives
If someone with you is sick or hurt, follow these basic first aid steps by using the Check-Call-Care procedure:
- Check the scene; make sure it is safe for you to get closer, and then check the injured person to see if s/he has any life-threatening conditions (i.e, constant or sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, lack of consciousness, or severe injuries from falls, head wounds, or burns).
- Call for help; if the injured person has any of the life-threatening conditions listed above, call 911 right away, or have someone else call while you stay with the person.
- Care; do your best to comfort the sick person and prevent further injury until emergency workers arrive.
Caring for a Hurt or Sick Person
Here are some ways you can help:
Control Bleeding
- Cover wounds with a pad, bandage, or cloth and press firmly
- Do not let the injured person eat or drink anything.
- If there are no broken bones, lift and keep the injured area above the level of the heart.
- If the bleeding does not stop, put on extra bandages, and squeeze the artery against the bone at a point between the injury and the heart (usually inner legs or inner arms).
Care for Shock
- Do not let the injured person eat or drink anything.
- Keep the injured person from getting either too cold or too hot.
- Lift and keep the legs about 12 inches above the floor or ground (if no broken bones).
Tend Burns
- Cool the burned area with lots of cool water.
- Cover the burn with dry, clean bandages or cloth
Care for Injuries to Muscles, Bones & Joints
- Apply ice or a cold pack to control swelling and lessen pain.
- Avoid movement or activity that causes the injured person any pain.
- If you must move the victim because the area is unsafe, try to keep the injured part still.
Reduce Any Care Risks
The risk of getting a disease while giving first aid is rare. However, to lower the risk more:
- Avoid direct contact with blood and other body fluids.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water right away after giving first aid.
- Use latex or rubber gloves if you have them.