The right way to handle these emergency situations

“Ignorance is bliss” is an absolute fallacious statement when it comes to personal safety or well being of others. The unavoidable situations such as meeting an accident or encountering a mishap demands immediate medical attention and knowing the right way to provide first aid could save you from succumbing to life-critical situations.

A lot of times, we follow old wives’ tales to treat a wound, burn and sometimes severe conditions like seizures. Following wrong practice may do more harm than good and a mistake could even claim a life. Here we have mentioned a few scenarios where we usually go wrong and also, the right way to tackle these emergency situations.

RUBBING FROSTBITTEN PARTS: Rubbing frostbitten parts is a wrong practice to treat it. This may damage our capillaries and could worsen the situation. The right way to cure a frostbite is by trying to warm the affected body part. Place your hand in cold water and gradually increase the water temperature.

PATTING AT THE BACK OF A CHOKING PERSON: This is the common mistake that we usually make. Patting at the back of a person who’s choking could further impact their windpipe. Instead, make that person lean and tell him/her to breathe in slowly. This practice will ease choking.

DRAGGING SOMEONE WHO IS INJURED OR MET WITH AN ACCIDENT: The most critical situation which must be handled with utmost care. If a person meets with an accident, do not drag him/her out of the vehicle. This will make things more complicated and could even risk the victim’s life. Immediately call for an ambulance and if the vehicle is still on, turn off the engine.

STRAIGHTAWAY APPLYING OINTMENT ON BURNS: Burned skin produces excess heat and rubbing or applying an ointment or cream trap the heat. The right way to provide first aid on a burned skin is by putting it under the cold water for at least 15 minutes and then applying the ointment on it.

PUTTING SOMETHING IN A PERSON'S MOUTH WHO'S GOING THROUGH A EPILEPTIC FIT: By doing so, you are making the sufferer prone to other health hazards. Putting hard object to make their mouth open, could break their teeth. Place something soft under the head of the person. This will avoid them from receiving any brain concussion. Once the spasms are over, make them lie on their side.

APPLYING TOURNIQUET EVEN IF THERE IS NO ARTERIAL BLEEDING: Tourniquet is a device used to compress or constrict blood flow. But do not try using it for just any bleeding. Apply tourniquet in case of arterial bleeding. When there is a wound and blood doesn’t trickle, but comes out like a fountain, press down on the artery in the groin or under the armpit. Now, draw the limbs near torso with the help of tourniquet - you can also use a belt. In case of any venous bleeding, avoid tourniquet and use a bandage.

TRYING TO TAKE OUT THE TONGUE OF AN UNCONSCIOUS PERSON: When a person falls unconscious, making them lie on their back is dangerous as their tongue can call back which could block the airway. Make them lie on their side and do not pull out their tongue. (All images from shutterstock)