*** First Aid in Laura

Each of these messages is copy and pasted from the NC's on the board in the Infirmary
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Basic First Aid

So, you've found your way to the infirmary but there's no Physician to be found? If you need to treat yourself or a friend, here are some basic first aid treatments you would most likely know how to perform.

If you are uncomfortable treating these injuries, or if the injury is more severe than these, please send a bird to Kaiila Mahoney or anyone in the Physicians Caste of Gor group, and they will find someone to assist you. At the very least, this will give you something to do until help arrives!

Happy healing!

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FOR BLEEDING:

Apply direct pressure and elevate the injury above the heart. Do not remove the bandage once it stops bleeding. Instead, leave the bandage in place until a Physician can see you.


FOR BLEEDING WITH A FOREIGN OBJECT STILL IN THE BODY:

If the object (dagger, arrow, etc.) is anywhere in the vicinity of vital organs or major arteries, LEAVE IT ALONE and call for a Physician. You may apply pressure to pressure points if the injury is on a limb. These points are over the major artery for that limb and closest to the heart. ie: for the leg, pressure at the groin for that side, for the arm, tie a cloth above the foreign object just tight enough to slow the bleeding.

If the object is not near a vital organ or major artery, remove it carefully (pull out bladed weapons and simple arrows, PUSH THROUGH barbed arrows), then treat as per Bleeding above.


FOR MINOR BURNS:

Submerge or flush the burn with cool water. Do not apply soap or any medicines to the burn. Do not try to remove any fabric that may be stuck to the burn. Treat the patient for shock. You can apply aloe leaf to the burn.


FOR HEAT EXHAUSTION OR HEAT STROKE:

First priority is to cool the patient: move them someplace cool and/or shaded, offer them cool water to drink, pour cool water over their body and fan them.


FOR SHOCK:

Make the patient lie down and elevate their feet. Keep them comfortable (loosen tight clothing and cover with a blanket) and stay calm. Do not give them anything to eat or drink.


FOR UNCONSCIOUSNESS:

Is the patient breathing? Turn them onto their side, make sure their airway remains unconstricted, and observe them for changes.

If they're not breathing, do they have a pulse? If so, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

If they're not breathing AND they do not have a pulse, you will need to perform CPR.

If mouth-to-mouth or CPR are necessary, you'd best send someone to seek a Physician!