Why is the recovery postion so important when someone is unconscious? Putting someone in the recovery position ensures that their airway is clear and open. It also means that they will not choke on fluid or vomit in their mouth. When you are unconscious or unresponsive, most of your muscles relax and go floppy. Your […]
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) states that approximately 700 people sustain a new spinal cord injury (SCI) each year in the UK. Currently there are no ‘cures’ for spinal cord injury and in the UK there are 40,000 people living with long term disabilities as a result of such injuries. Spinal injuries can […]
There have been recent updates in asthma treatments, including the MART treatment plan. Read on to find out more information. MART Treatment Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) is an asthma treatment plan where someone is prescribed one combination inhaler instead of two separate preventer and reliever inhalers. Several types of combination inhalers can be used […]
Eye injuries are unpleasant and painful – and can be frightening. Some of the most common injuries are as follows: blows to the eye– such as being hit by a fist, elbow or ball or walking into something scratches and abrasions– often caused by fingernails or tree branches foreign bodies– could be grit, wood, sand […]
Read More… from Eye injuries – The most common causes and how to help
Ear problems can be very uncomfortable and unpleasant, especially in children. However, they don’t usually cause long term problems. Here are the top common ear problems and how to deal with them so they don’t cause too much pain or distress. Ear infections These are the most common form of ear pain, especially in children. […]
Read More… from 10 common ear problems and what you can do about them
Anaphylaxis and adrenaline auto-injectors a comprehensive guide Anaphylaxis is an extremely severe allergic reaction. Reactions usually begin within minutes and progress rapidly, however, they can occur up to 2-3 hours after exposure. Exercise can also initiate symptoms a while after exposure to an allergen. Common allergens include food and insect stings. In the UK, 5–8% […]
An injury to the tooth is very scary but can happen very easily whilst running or playing. However, a whole tooth that has been knocked out can be kept alive and re-implanted! What to do If someone is hit in the face and their tooth is knocked out, complete with its root, you should advise […]
What to do if someone cuts their finger off It is surprisingly common for people to accidentally cut off part of their fingers, most often by shutting their hand in a slamming door or window or catching their fingers in a hinge or other moving part. If you know the most appropriate, immediate first aid […]
Read More… from Amputated, bruised and crushed fingers: What to do
1) Understand what is normal for your pet so you can quickly spot if something is wrong Help your dog to become accustomed to being examined, so that it becomes a normal part of petting and being with them. Gradually get them used to having their ears, skin, paws, gums and eyes examined, so that […]
If someone cuts themselves and it is bleeding, it is important to know how to help: What should you do? If someone is bleeding a lot, the priority is to stop the blood coming out! It is never a priority to immediately wash an injury. If the wound is serious enough for them to need […]
Read More… from First aid for bleeding and treatment for shock