...:::First Aid:::... 



 
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



In this section, 
W/we will cover some basic 
first aid practices, 
in the event that a scene has 
produced some form of injury. 
I will try to break down the possible injuries, 
and the proper care for the injury. 
The first thing to remember, 
injuries that occur may not be serious 
enough to warrant 
a trip to the local Emergency Department 
of the nearest hospital,
and can be treated at home. 
Do NOT think for one moment that this guide will take 
the place of a trip to the Emergency Room! 
This is meant only as a guide to first aid.

BURNS:

Burns are classed into three categories, known as degrees 
by the American Medical Association'. 
They are : 
first, second and third degree burns.

First Degree: A first degree burn is a burn that 
reddens the skin, much like a minor sunburn, 
there is no tissue damage and it only 
requires minimal treatment. 
The effects may be felt for a while, but will 
disappear in a matter of minutes,
 hours or over a couple days, depending on the burn. 
The treatment for a first degree burn is rather simple, 
cool the affected area with water, a wet cloth or even ice. 
Do not use such treatments as, butter, 
oils, salves, balms, etc., 
as they tend to trap the heat, and further add 
to the discomfort of the individual. 
If you have an Aloe plant or pure aloe gel from 
the store you can use it on the burn.

Second Degree: A second degree burn is one that 
produces not only the reddened skin,
 but also produces blistering as well. 
An example of a second degree burn is 
a sunburn that blisters, 
or a burn from touching a hot iron, resulting in a blister. 
The treatment for this is much the same, by 
cooling the affected area with 
ice, water, or cool wet cloths. 
The blisters that form are the body's way of cushioning
the injured area and should NOT be 'popped', ruptured,
or otherwise broken or lanced. Cover them with a 
clean dressing and let them heal.
If you have an Aloe plant or pure aloe gel from the store 
you can use it on the burn.
Depending on the size of the injured area, 
if larger than a quarter or 
2 cm in diameter,
seek medical attention.

Third Degree: A third degree burn is 
obviously the worst of the three, 
this is a SERIOUS medical condition 
and requires immediate medical attention. 
It involves charring of the skin and 
underlying layers of muscle tissue. 
The Treatment for this type of burn involves 
covering the burn with a STERILE wet dressing, 
and keeping the dressing wet to the Emergency Room. 
In this type of burn, the risk of infection is 
a very real possibility, and great care 
should be taken to avoid that.

LACERATIONS:

The next issue is lacerations. 
A laceration is any cut, scratch or tear in the skin, 
usually producing bleeding. Before I go any further, 
lets make one thing clear: if the blood is 
'pumping' from the wound, 
an artery has become compromised, and requires 
IMMEDIATE medical attention! 
Treat this kind of injury is as follows: 

Direct Pressure: Cover the laceration with 
a clean cloth or dressing, 
pressing it over the wound. 
If the material becomes soaked in blood,
 apply another layer over the one 
already covering the wound. 
Do not lift the first layer off the wound. 
Repeat as necessary. 

Immediately call for an ambulance and seek medical attention!

Direct pressure is used for all types of lacerations, 
abrasions and other injuries where bleeding has occurred. 
In the event that direct pressure is not 
stopping or slowing down the blood loss,
 then elevate the injury above the level 
of the heart, or body. 
In some cases, the application of an ice pack 
is necessary. In these cases, seek medical attention. 

DO NOT even consider a tourniquet in this case, 
unless its a last resort, where the loss 
of the limb is outweighed 
by the possible loss of life. 
Since I can’t foresee any situation 
coming from a scene where this is a consideration, 
I will not address the application of a tourniquet. 
If the cut is minor then clean it well with soap and water, 
then rinse it with peroxide, air dry and 
apply an antibiotic ointment 
such as Neosporin and a band-aid or guaze pad and tape.

ABRASIONS:

Abrasions are those injuries that are called, 
'road rash' 'carpet burns' etc. 
They can be quite painful but unless they cover 
a great part of the body, 
they are not usually life threatening. 
They are a possible source of infection, 
since the skin has been broken. 
Treatment of abrasions usually includes 
cleaning them well with soap and water, 
then rinse them with peroxide, 
air dry and apply an antibiotic ointment such 
as Neosporin and covering 
the abraded area with a clean dressing and 
keeping the area clean and dry.

BRUISING:

Bruises are nothing more than blood from a 
broken blood vessel trapped 
in the spaces between cells in a tissue. 
Not much can really be done for treatment. 
I suggest the application of ice to the affected part.

SPRAINS, STRAINS:

Sprains and strains are nature’s way of telling U/us: 
‘Hey F/fool, Y/you over did something, 
and now I’m going to make you uncomfortable for a while!’
The treatment for strains and sprains is 
the alternation of ice and 
heat to the affected area, usually in 20-minute intervals. 
The source for heat should be a heating pad 
with a towel or similar cloth between 
the heating pad and the skin. 
Try not to go any higher than ‘medium’ setting. 
If pain and swelling persists, consult your personal physician.

PERSONAL NOTE:

As a Licensed Emergency Medical Technician and Firefighter, 
I heartily encourage E/everyone to attend 
basic first aid courses as well as 
learn CPR! 
O/one never knows when 
these skills will be called upon,
during a scene, or somewhere in the ‘real world’

I wish A/all good scening, and good health!

Sir Lone Star, Firefigher/EMT-B 


::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


The Legal, The Emotional and The Medical Side

Sexually Transmitted Infections


::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::