3. Some advice on first aid in an emergency

CHOKING

A foreign object sticking at the back of the throat may cither block the throat, or induce muscular spasm. This is known as choking. Adults may choke on a piece of food that has been inadequately chewed and hurriedly swallowed. Young children like putting objects inside their mouths; boiled sweets are a particular danger.

RECOGNITION There will be:

• Difficulty in speaking and breathing. There maybe:

• Blueness of the skin (cyanosis).

• Signs from the casualty - pointing to the throat, or grasping the neck.

TREATMENT

YOUR AIM IS:

• To remove the obstruction and restore normal breathing.

FOR AN ADULT

1 Reassure the casualty. Bend her forwards so that her head is lower than her chest.

2, Give up to five sharp blows to her back, between the shoulderblades, with the flat of your hand.

3. If backslaps fail, try abdominal thrusts. The sudden pull up against the diaphragm compresses the chest, and may expel the obstruction.

IF this does not free the blockage, try again four times, then alternate five back blows with five thrusts.

IF the casualty becomes unconscious, treat as described opposite.

FOR A CHILD

Place the child over your knee, head down. Slap him between the shoulder-blades, using less force than for an adult.

IF back blows fail, use the abdominal thrust only if you have been trained to do so on a child. Otherwise begin resuscitation.

FOR A BABY

Lay the baby along your forearm. Slap her between the shoulder blades, using less force than for a child.

IF the baby becomes unconscious, begin resuscitation.

DO NOT use the abdominal thrust.

FOR A CASUALTY WHO BECOMES UNCONSCIOUS

1. Loss of consciousness may relieve muscle spasm, so check first to see if the casualty can now breathe. If not, turn her on her side and give 4-5 blows between her shoulder blades.

2. If back blows fail, kneel astride the casualty, and perform abdominal thrusts.

Put the heel of one hand below the ribcage, and cover it with the other hand. Press sharply inwards and upwards up to five times.

IF she starts to breathe normally, place her in the recovery position and call an ambulance. Check and record breathing and pulse rate every 10 minutes.

IF she does not start tobreathe again, dial 999 for an ambulance and start resuscitation

FEVER

A sustained body temperature above the normal level of 37"C (9§.6°F) is known as fever, and is usually, though not always, caused by infection (by bacteria or viruses). Conditions associated with a high temperature include influenza ('flu), chicken pox, measles, meningitis, and local infections (for example, an abscess).

When to call a doctor A moderate fever is not harmful, but a temperature of above 40 C (102°F) can be dangerous, and may trigger fits in infants and young children. Call a doctor, even if only for advice, if in doubt about the casualty's condition.

RECOGNITION

There will be:

• Raised under-the-tongue temperature. In the early stages, there may be:

• Pallor.

• A "chilled" feeling - goose pimples, shivering, and chattering teeth. As the fever advances there may be:

• Hot, flushed skin, and sweating.

• Headache.

• Generalized "aches and pains".

• Raised armpit temperature

TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS ARE:

• To make the casualty comfortable.

• To bring down the fever.

To seek medical aid, if necessary.

1. Make the casualty comfortable in surroundings that are evenly warm, preferably in bed, and let her rest.

If the fever is very high, or if the casualty is a young child, cool by sponging with tepid water.

2. Give the casualty plenty of bland fluids to drink. A small "hot toddy" may comfort an adult and may induce restful sleep. Give no more than one double measure of spirits.

3. An adult may take two paracetamol tablets. A child may be given the recommended dose of paracetamol syrup (not aspirin), and should be sponged with tepid water to lower the temperature.

HEADACHE

A headache may accompany any illness, particularly a feverish ailment such as 'flu, but may be the most prominent symptom of some serious condition (for example, meningitis or stroke). Mild "poisoning" by a stuffy or fume-filled atmosphere, or by unwise consumption of alcohol or other drugs, can induce a headache in an otherwise healthy person. Headaches may develop for no apparent reason, but can often be traced to tiredness, nervous tension, stress or emotional upset, or undue heat or cold.

TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS ARE:

• To relieve the pain.

• To seek medical aid if necessary.

1. Help the casualty to sit or lie down comfortably in a quiet place.

2. If possible, deal with any likely cause of the headache, such as loud noise, bright light, or lack of fresh air.

Headaches range from constant low-grade discomfort to "blinding" pain that is completely incapacitating.

When to call a doctor

Always seek urgent advice if the pain:

• Develops very suddenly.

• Is severe and incapacitating.

• Is recurrent or persistent.

• Is accompanied by impaired consciousness, or loss of power or sensation. • Is accompanied by a stiff neck.

• Follows a head injury

Migraine

Many people are prone to these severe, "sickening" headaches. They can be triggered by a variety of causes. Migraine sufferers usually recognise, and know best how to deal with, an attack. They may carry special medicines.

RECOGNITION Migraines usually follow a pattern:

• There may be a warning period with disturbance of vision, in the form of flickering lights and/or a "blind patch".

• An intense throbbing headache, which may be one-sided, may develop.

• There may be discomfort in the upper abdomen, nausea, and vomiting.

• The casualty cannot tolerate any bright light or loud noise.

TREATMENT

What you can do

Treatment is as for any headache, but help the casualty to take any special medication he or she may have (tablets or nasal sprays) and provide towels and a container in case he or she is sick.

3. An adult may take two paracetamol tablets, or her own painkillers

IF the pain does not ease within two hours, or if you are worried about the casualty's condition, call a doctor.

HOUSEHOLD POISONS

Almost every household contains poisonous substances, such as bleach, paint stripper, glue, paraffin, and weedkiller, which can be spilled, causing chemical bums, or swallowed. Children in particular are at risk from accidental household poisoning.

Preventing poisoning in the home

• Keep dangerous chemicals out of children's reach (not under the sink).

• Keep medicines in a locked cupboard.

• Leave poisonous household substances in their original containers - never put them in old soft-drinks bottles.

• Buy medicines and household substances in tamper-proof containers.

TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS ARE:

• To maintain airway, breathing, and circulation.

• To obtain medical aid.

• To identify the poison.

FOR CHEMICALS ON THE SKIN

1. Wash away any residual chemicalon the skin with plenty of water. Make sure the water drains away from the casualty.

DO NOT contaminate yourself with the dangerous chemical or the rinsing water. 2. Use your judgement to call a doctor or dial 999 for an ambulance. Give information about the spilled chemical

FOR SWALLOWED POISONS

1.Check and, if necessary, clear the airway.

The recovery position lessens the risk of vomiting.

IF the casualty is unconscious, check breathing and pulse, and be prepared to resuscitate. If artificial ventilation is necessary, a plastic face shield will protect you if there is burning around the mouth. Place the casualty in the recovery position; she may well vomit.

DO NOT try to induce vomiting.

2. Use your judgement to call a doctor or dial 999 for an ambulance. Give information about the swallowed poison.

IF a conscious casualty's lips are burned by corrosive substances, give her frequent sips of cold water or milk.

ALCOHOL POISONING

Alcohol (ethanol) is a drug that depresses the activity of the central nervous system. Small quantities generally produce only a slight change of mood. Prolonged intake can result in all physical and mental abilities becoming severely impaired, and deep unconsciousness can ensue.

Dangers of alcohol poisoning

• An unconscious casualty is in danger of inhaling and choking on vomit.

• Because alcohol dilates the blood vessels, hypothermia may develop if the casualty is exposed to the cold.

• A casualty with head injuries who smells of alcohol may be misdiagnosed.

RECOGNITION

There may be:

• A strong smell of alcohol.

• Unconsciousness. The casualty may be reusable, but will quickly relapse.

• A flushed and moist face.

• Deep, noisy breathing.

• A full, bounding pulse.

In the later stages of unconsciousness:

• A dry, bloated appearance to the face.

• Shallow breathing.

• Dilated pupils that react poorly to light.

• A weak, rapid pulse

TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS ARE:

• To maintain an open airway.

• To seek appropriate medical attention.

1. Check the casualty's level of response. Carefully shake his shoulders and shout at him to see if he responds. Shake and shout^ “Can you hear me?” or “Open your eyes!”

IF the casualty is unresponsive, check breathing and pulse, and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary. Place him in the recovery position.

2. Use your judgement to call a doctor or dial 999 for an ambulance.

3. Protect the casualty from the cold; insulate him from the ground, and cover with a coat or blanket.

POISONOUS PLANTS

Although there are relatively few poisonous plants in the United Kingdom, they can cause serious illness if eaten. Young children are most at risk, as they are

attracted to brightly coloured berries and seeds, and are liable to eat them.

PLANTS THAT ARE POISONOUS IF SWALLOWED: mushrooms (death cap, brown roll rim, spotted fly agaric, Cortinarius speciosissimus (often mistaken for the edible chanterelle); seeds, bulbs, and rhizomes (Laburnum, Lupin, Daffodil, Iris); berries (deadly nightshade, holly, laurel, mistletoe, yew, wild arum (lords-and-ladies).

TREATMENT

YOUR AIMS ARE:

• To maintain airway, breathing, and circulation.

• To obtain medical aid.

DO NOT try to induce vomiting. It is often ineffective, and may harm the casualty further.

I. Check and, if necessary, clear the airway.

IF the casualty is unconscious, check breathing and pulse, and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary. Place the casualty in the recovery position: he or she may well vomit.

2. Use your judgement to call a doctor or dial 999 for an ambulance. If in doubt, always call an ambulance.

3. Try to identify the plant, and which part of it has been eaten. Preserve pieces of the plant, and samples of any vomited material, to show the doctor or send with the casualty to hospital.

PART IV

FIRST AID ACTIVE VOCABULARY

1. Causes of Accidents. Причины несчастных случаев

Verbs

explore (the world) = investigate – исследовать

poison – отравлять

fall (fell, fallen) - падать

break (broke, broken) – ломать, прерывать

injure = hurt – травмировать, ранить

cut – резать, порезать

drown – тонуть

burn – гореть, обжигать

scold - ошпарить

bite – кусать

affect - поражать

scold - ошпарить

affect - поражать

transmit (through) – передавать, переносить (через)

Adjectives&Nouns

sense (of danger) – чувство (опасности)

ordinary = usual = common - обычный

danger(ous) – опасность (опасный)

(exposed electric) cord = wire – (оголенный электр.) провод, шнур

(electric) appliance – (электро)прибор

heater - нагреватель

with bare hands – голыми руками

indoors/outdoors – в помещении\на улице

poison (-ing, -ous) – яд (отравление, ядовитый)

injury = trauma = wound – травма, повреждение, рана

cut - порез

fire – пожар, огонь

burn – ожог

bite – укус

sudden - внезапный

rise (of temperature) – подъем (температуры)

Pronoun

(him)self – сам

2. Symptoms and Signs. Симптомы и признаки

Verbs

become unconscious потерять сознание, «стать бессознательным»

lose consciousness – терять сознание

beat – бить(ся)

swell (swelled, swollen) – отекать, опухать

bleed – кровоточить

pierce (the skin) – пронзить, прорвать (кожу)

feel dizzy – чувствовать головокружение

vomit - I vomit- у меня рвота

sweat – потеть

behave (in a strange manner) – вести себя (странным образом)

swallow – глотать

appear = seem – выглядеть, казаться

get stuck - застрять

accompany - сопровождать

Adjectives&Nouns

conscious - сознательный

consciousness – сознание, сознательное состояние

(heart) beat – (сердце)биение

breathing = respiration - дыхание

pain, ache – боль

headache – головная боль

swelling - опухоль, swollen - опухший

bleeding – кровотечение

weak(ness) – слабый (слабость)

dizziness – головокружение

vomiting - рвота

cool - прохладный

wet - мокрый

sweat – пот

delirious - бредящий

difficulty (in swallowing) – затруднения (при глотании)

foam = froth - пена

convulsion, cramp – судорога, спазм

cramp-like – схваткообразный

severe = bad/mild = slight – сильный, тяжелый\ легкий

diarrhea – поноc

Conjunction

as if – как будто