Cold Waves

Cold waves occur generally in cold regions. People who live in Himalayan regions are found affected more because they have to walk over snow and the climate  is very cold. Cold  waves may cause shivering and even unconsciousness.

In  order to prevent ourselves  from cold waves, we should wear warm clothes during winter, live indoors when the cold wave is on, keep the room warm with available heater o r fire and take hot drinks during cold season.

First Aid for Cold Waves

• Put the casualty in bed well-covered with warm clothes.
• Apply any means such as fire, heater, etc, to warm up the body.
• If the casualty is conscious, give him/ her hot drinks.
• If necessary, apply resuscitation.
• In extreme cases, take the casualty to the hospital for medical help.

Snake Bite

The effect of snake bite depends upon how poisonous the snake is. Some snakes are non-poisonous, some less poisonous and some are highly poisonous. When a poisonous snake bites, it is very fatal if proper care and treatment is not provided immediately. In order to prevent ourselves from snake bites, we should keep the surroundings of the house clean, clear the grass, bushes etc. from our residential surroundings. We should never walk bare-footed and always carry a torch or light while walking at night.

First Aid for Snake Bite

• Apply tight bandage a little above and if possible a little below the bitten spot.
• Keep the patient calm.
• Clean the bitten part with soap and water.
• Cut open the bitten spot with a sharp knife or razor and allow blood to flow out or suck  blood from that part using a suction cup. Never suck the venom using your mouth.
• Apply resuscitation if needed.
• Watch closely the pulse rate and breathing of the casualty and if he/she is in danger, rush him/her to the hospital at once.

Drowning

Drowning is a common accident where there are rivers, ponds or lakes. We should be very careful while going into the water. We should never go swimming alone. We should not swim when we are  tired. We should always be careful about our children if river or pond is nearby.

First Aid for Drowning

• Pull out anything, if stuck, in the mouth or nose.
• Lie the casualty on his/her chest. Apply pressure from his/her back and make the casualty vomit out water.
• If breathing is difficult, apply resuscitation.
• Cover the victim to conserve the body heat.
• If the victim is unconscious for a longer duration, take him to the hospital as soon as possible.

Electric Shock

Electric shock causes unconsciousness, respiratory paralysis, cardiac disorders, etc. It occurs when we touch the exposed parts in the electric circuit. Therefore, we should be very careful while handling electrical appliances or live electrical wires in our homes. We should never touch the switches, plugs, or any other electrical appliances with wet hands.

First Aid for Electric Shock

• Switch off the electric current at once and then  only remove the victim from the electric contact.
• When the victim is free, check his breath. He may need artificial respiration.
• Cool the affected areas and place a sterile dressing over it.
• Keep the victim warm and comfortable. Hot drinks, fresh air and cheerful atmosphere are very necessary.
• Take the victim to the hospital for medical help.