Hygiene - When possible, wash your hands or wear latex gloves before treating wounds, burns or eye injuries.
What to do in an emergency - Check whether the casualty is conscious. If the casualty is unconscious or semi-conscious: Check the mouth for any obstruction.
Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin using the tips of two fingers.
If the casualty has stopped breathing and you are competent to give artificial ventilation do so. Otherwise send for help without delay. Resuscitation must be started at once before any other treatment is given and should be continued until breathing is restored or until trained medical personnel take over.
Unconsciousness -If the casualty is unconscious the priority is to maintain an open airway. If this cannot be done as described above, place the casualty in the recovery position, which prevents the tongue from blocking the throat and as the head is slightly lower than the rest of the body allows liquids to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of the casualty inhaling stomach contents. The head, neck and back are kept in a straight line, while the bent limbs keep the body propped in a secure and comfortable position. If you must leave an unconscious casualty unattended they can be safely left in recovery position while you get help.
Wounds and Bleeding -Open wounds should be covered and bleeding controlled direct pressure. Apply a sterile dressing pad over the wound and press firmly on top with your hands and fingers. Tie this pad firmly in place. If bleeding continues apply another dressing over top of first dressing. Do not remove the original dressing. (Direct pressure with fingers and thumb on the bleeding point sometimes is necessary). Raising a bleeding limb (if not fractured) will help to reduce the flow of blood. Seek appropriate help.
Suspected Broken Bones -Unless casualty is in a position, which exposes him to further danger, do not attempt to move casualty. If movement is essential the injured parts should be supported and secured before moving if this provides no threat to safety of either party. Seek help.
