Accidents Happen. Here’s How to Respond
We think of our homes as safe places, but the National Safety Council reports that more than half of all injury-involved accidents happen at home. That’s why familydoctor.org says, “You may feel your most comfortable when you’re at home, but be aware there are dangers in your home, too.”
When those dangers result in an injury, your first response should be to assess the seriousness of the injury. If it is life-threatening or could cause long-term damage, call 911. If it is serious but not life-threatening, consider a trip to an urgent care clinic. However, if it is not that serious, it likely can be treated at home.
Following are some guidelines to help you respond to five of the most common home injuries.
Scratches and cuts. Wash your hands and use a cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding with gentle pressure. Lift the injury above the heart if possible. Once bleeding has stopped, clean the wound by holding it under water and, if necessary, use tweezers that have been dipped in alcohol to remove any debris in the wound. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a bandage.
Burns. Hold the burn under cool (not cold) running water or soak it in cool water for 15-20 minutes. Then gently dry the burned area and apply antibiotic ointment. Aloe vera can also be used to keep the burned area cool. Cover the burn with a sterile bandage or gauze. Do not open blisters that might develop.
Sprains. Follow the well-known “RICE” protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Apply ice or a cold
compress to ease pain and swelling, wrap an elastic band around the injured area and elevate it. Then rest to allow the injury to heal. An anti-inflammatory drug can be used to reduce pain and swelling.
Eye injuries. If a chemical of some sort has gotten into the eye, rinse with lots of water and get medical help. If a foreign particle has gotten into the eye, bend over a basin with the eye facing downward, gently pull down the lower lid and let warm water run over the eye for a few minutes. Check to see if the irritant has been dislodged from the eye. If not, cover the eye and seek medical help.
Poisoning. The best immediate response to poisoning is to call 1-800-222-1222, which will connect you to your local poison center for guidance from an expert.
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Tags: accidents, health, safety