{"id":130188,"date":"2016-08-10T11:39:54","date_gmt":"2016-08-10T09:39:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/130188\/whats-in-your-first-aid-kit\/"},"modified":"2016-08-10T11:39:54","modified_gmt":"2016-08-10T09:39:54","slug":"whats-in-your-first-aid-kit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/lifestyle-news\/2016\/08\/10\/whats-in-your-first-aid-kit\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s in your First Aid kit?"},"content":{"rendered":"

BURNS<\/em><\/strong>
\nIf the burn is larger than your hand or due to electricity\/chemicals you should take them to casualty. Burns need to be irrigated with cold water before dressing. If the pain continues, cover with a Burn Shield<\/a> for eight hours. Cover blisters with a clear dressing. After three days cut the blister skin off and redress with clear dressing until healed.\u00a0Plastic wrap is a good temporary cover to minimise pain and exposure to bacteria. Burn shields are great cooling agents, but must be removed after eight hours.<\/p>\n

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ABRASIONS<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>(Broken skin)<\/p>\n

If the abrasions are large or in multiple areas or on the hands, face or feet, go to casualty. Cover with an absorbent\/non-stick pad and a transparent dressing (this will absorb the fluid but keep the open area moist). When the dressing is full of fluid replace. When changing dressings irrigate the area well, dry the wound and surrounding skin to allow dressing to stick.\u00a0What to use:<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>Non-adherent gauze; transparent dressing (to cover the non-adherent dressing \u2013 make sure it is bigger than the dressing).<\/p>

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LACERATIONS<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>(Clear cuts through skin)<\/p>\n

Not all lacerations need to be sutured, but often the cosmetic outcome is better with stitches or skin glue. If there is a loss of function to the area or it is on the scalp, take to casualty or a GP. If it is very deep and edges do not approximate well, take to casualty or GP. If it\u2019s superficial apply Leucostrips\/Steristrips across both edges approximating the edges with a little pull. They should overlap to provide good support from end to end.<\/p>\n

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SPLINTERS<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Remove with a needle. If it becomes red and painful allow to drain and then clean well. If difficult seek medical advice.
\nREMEMBER:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

*\u00a0 Bites or lacerations from dirty instruments\/chemicals: If the area becomes increasingly painful and red and there is substantial fluid leaking, see a GP or go to casualty.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0 When it comes to sprains and fractures, support with bandages and seek medical advice.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0 Medication should be kept in a separate kit to dressings and plasters to limit children having access.
\n\"First<\/a><\/p>\n

What should be in your FIRST AID kit?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n