Emergency First Aid Before Actual Help Arrives
Injuries happen. That’s a fact of life. But there are steps you can take to avoid worsening acute injuries until medics arrive. Keep these in mind to prevent further damage and for better recovery. Let’s see emergency first aid before actual help arrives.
Sprains and Strains
One of the most common acute sports-related injuries is sprains or strains. The difference is that the sprain is stretch or tear to a ligament while a strain is stretch or tear to a muscle or tendon. But both are still painful and should call for an immediate pause or stop once they occur. Sprains may swell while strains may swell as well plus muscle spasms and cramping.
Quickly wrap the injured part with an elastic bandage or wrap and elevate the injured area using a sports bag, shirt, or plain black hoodie to reduce the blood flow and swelling in the area.
If ice is accessible, best to apply it to the affected area as it causes the blood vessels to narrow and limits inflammation, swelling will then reduce.
Dislocations and Fractures
These are much worse than the previous one. Although they’re all painful, dislocations and fractures involve the bone and may take far too long to recover. Apply the primary first aid similar to that of sprains and strains. Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the pain may help as well while waiting for medics to arrive. Try to cover (use sterile bandages if accessible) if the injury cuts through the skin or is exposed to prevent infection.
Cuts
It may be mild but if it’s deep, it may require emergency help. For mild cuts, soap and water would be helpful to prevent contamination. Applying ice may help if bruising appears aside from the cut. If it’s a deep cut, do not pull out the foreign object as it may speed up blood loss. Call emergency services immediately.
Concussion
This can be a tricky injury as it does not have physical visibility like sprains, strains, cuts, or dislocations. The symptoms may not appear immediately so be wary and observe if the following happens later on:
- Dizziness
- Imbalance
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Confusion
- Depression
- Difficulty in speaking
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Irritability
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Nausea and vomiting
Best to go to the hospital or call emergency services if these symptoms appear.
Having an online fitness trainer helps prevent injuries, too. He/she knows when you can and cannot test your limits to physically improve but not to the point of injury. They’re wiser to have than spending time in the hospital, especially during this pandemic time. Prevention is better than cure after all.