First Aid

Cuts. Bleeding can usually be stopped by applying pressure to the cut for 2 or 3 minutes. The cut then can be carefully inspected. If it has bled freely any germs will normally have been washed by the blood. Apply a plaster dressing firmly, bringing the edges of the cut together so that it knits quickly. Keep dry for 1 to 2 days. If the cut is deep and the edges cannot be pulled together with a dressing consult a doctor or the practice nurse. A tetanus injection may be needed.

Crazes. Dirt will often enter a graze caused by falling on a hard or rough surface. It must be cleaned out carefully with an antiseptic solution. After cleaning, leave the graze uncovered. Exposure to the air will caused a scab to form. This will gradually dry and fall off. It is not a good idea to apply a dressing. This may stick to the graze or make it soggy and infected.

Bruises. Bruises are very common in children. They normally get better in 7 to 10 days. Parents sometimes worry that a bone may be broken. Children's bones are rubbery and rarely break, but if in doubt consult the doctor. If a child gets up at once after a fall and moves about normally, it is unlikely that a bone has been fractured. But the child may be stiff the next day because of the bruising which has occurred. Serve bruising can be treated by rest for 24 to 48 hours. In the case of a badly bruised leg, the limb should be raised. Lying in bed is the easiest way to do this. A cold compress may ease a bad bruise if applied at once. This is made by soaking some material in water and applying it to the bruise.

Bruises on the head may cause anxiety. If the patient was not "knocked out" and can remember the accident it is unlikely that serious injury has resulted. But if the patient was knocked unconscious and cannot remember what happened, he or she should be taken to a hospital casualty department.

Insect bites. These are common in the summer. They look like spots about 5mm across. They are very itchy and usually appear on exposed parts, e.g. arms and legs. The itching can be relieved by calamine lotion.

Burns and scalds. Minor burns and scalds cause redness of the skin. Immediate treatment by pouring cold water over a burn is often helpful. If burns cause severe blistering or break the skin, the doctor should be consulted. Sunburn should, if possible, be prevented by avoiding long exposure and covering exposed areas adequately. It may be treated by calamine lotion and solute aspirin to relieve the pain.

Questions:

1. The purpose of the booklet is:

a) to tell us what to do until a doctor arrives;

b) to explain what causes minor illnesses;

c) to show that it is unnecessary to call a doctor;

d) to help us to treat minor illnesses at home.

2. The one injury which we are told not to cover is:

a) a bruise;

b) sunburn;

c) a graze;

d) an insect bite.

3. When treating a minor cut, we are first told to:

a) clean out the injury;

b) press down on the injury;

c) wash the blood away;

d) close up the injury.

4. The injury which we are told how to avoid is:

a) sunburn;

b) insect bites;

c) scalds;

d) cuts.

5. Patients with badly bruised legs are advised to go to bed so that:

a) they can rest completely;

b) their injured leg can be lifted up;

c) they can soak their leg in water;

d) a cold compress can be applied.

Exercise 13. Complete the text below by filling each gap with one of the following verbs:

dressing setting giving taking saving fitting

sterilizing taking out transplanting taking off performing

Well, don't you think it's unfair? There they are upstairs, _________________ bones, __________________ skin grafts, __________________ pacemakers, _________________ organs, _________________ lives and exciting things like that. And here I am spending the whole of my day __________________ people's pulse, _________________ injections, ________________ bandages, ________________ stitches, _________________ wounds and __________________ bottles. And to think they earn four times as much money for all the fun they have!

Exercise 14. Where can you find these patients? Match the patients with the correct wards or departments.

1) Intensive Care Unit

2) Casualty and Emergency Department

3) Paediatric Ward

4) Maternity Unit

5) Orthopaedic Ward

6) Surgical Ward

7) Geriatric Ward

8) Ophthalmic Ward

9) Gynaecological Ward

a) Mary who has just had a baby

b) John who had fractured his leg