Cold

Most cases of the common cold get better without treatment, usually within a week to 10 days. But a cough may linger for a few more days. The best thing you can do is take care of yourself while your body heals. For example, drink plenty of liquids, humidify the air, use saline nasal rinses and get adequate rest.


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Eye injuries

1. Cover the injured eye with a clean eye pad or wound dressing. If there is a large foreign body lodged in the eye, DO NOT attempt to remove it, but pad around the eye socket to avoid pressure.

2. Advise the patient to keep the uninjured eye closed if possible to reduce the risk of movement of the injured eye


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Sprains & Strains

1. Rest, Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.

2. Ice: The faster you can apply ice or cold packs to the injured area the better.

3. Compress: Being careful not to make it too tight, wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage.

4. Elevate: Raise the injured area above your heart.


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Broken Bones

Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a clean piece of clothing. Immobilize the injured area. Don't try to realign the bone or push a bone that's sticking out back in.


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Arm and leg injuries

1. Rest: Avoid moving the limb.

2. Ice: Put an icepack on the sore area for 15-20 minutes at a time, using a covered icepack or bag of frozen peas.

3. Compression: Bandage the area firmly.

4. Elevation: Keep the limb raised.

5. Referral: Have the injury checked by your doctor.


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Insect and Animal bites

1. Gently wash the area with soap and water.

2. Apply a cloth dampened with cold water or filled with ice to the area of the bite or sting for 10 to 20 minutes. This helps reduce pain and swelling.

3. If the injury is on an arm or leg, raise it.

4. Apply to the affected area calamine lotion, baking soda paste, or 0.5% or 1% hydrocortisone cream. Do this several times a day until your symptoms go away.


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Minor Head Injuries

1. Keep the person still. The injured person should lie down with the head and shoulders slightly elevated. Don't move the person unless necessary, and avoid moving the person's neck.

2. Stop any bleeding. Apply firm pressure to the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. But don't apply direct pressure to the wound if you suspect a skull fracture.

3. Watch for changes in breathing and alertness. If the person shows no signs of circulation — no breathing, coughing or movement — begin CPR


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Cuts and Grazes

1. clean the wound under drinking-quality running tap water – avoid using antiseptic as it may damage the skin and slow healing.

2. pat the area dry with a clean towel

3. apply a sterile adhesive dressing, such as a plaster – read more about how to apply plasters and other dressings Allergic Reactions

4. If the symptoms are mild, give an antihistamine by mouth such as diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl).

5. If the symptoms are severe and you have injectable epinephrine (such as EpiPen), use it as directed right away and call 911 for emergency medical help.


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Burns and Scalds

1. Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes as soon as possible after the injury. Never use ice, iced water, or any creams or greasy substances like butter.

2. Keep yourself or the person warm. Use a blanket or layers of clothing, but avoid putting them on the injured area

3. Cover the burn with cling film. Put the cling film in a layer over the burn, rather than wrapping it around a limb. A clean clear plastic bag can be used for burns on your hand


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