1. Bleeding won't stop no matter how many times I change the dressing, what now? Tourniquet?
• First and Foremost do not take the blood saturated gauze off, rather add a new layer of gauze and continue to hold pressure. Removing the old gauze just causes any clot that is forming to be removed and the wound needs to start healing all over again.
• Second NEVER put a tourniquet onto a wound. If the wound is large enough to cause concern, then put on a dressing and hold direct pressure to the wound and call 911. The paramedics are trained to help you control the bleeding until you can get to the hospital!
2. My neighbor's cat bit me and I'm going to bite it back!
• Animal bites and human bites alike are a great source of bacteria which can lead to infection. Any bite that causes the skin to break should be taken to the Emergency Room and evaluated.
• Clean the wound with antibacterial soap as soon as possible to get out as much bacteria as possible then put a clean dry dressing over it with some antibiotic ointment.
• The animal also has to be checked for updated rabies shots. By not going and seeking medical treatment you could risk getting rabies, infection or other injuries. Always get the name and number of the animal's owner for your doctor.
3. I've been drinking beer all day, but I'm still thirsty!
• Staying hydrated does not mean drinking alcohol, coffee, soda or other caffeinated beverages. Stick to water unless you are working or sweating a lot in which case a beverage with electrolytes is encouraged such as Powerade, Gatorade etc...
• Try to take a ten to fifteen minute break every hour out of the sun and cool down. The sun's heat can be powerful so stay aware of how you are feeling and get out of the heat when you start to feel tired and run down.
4. Mommy, I put a pea in my ear and I can't get it out!!
• Laugh or cry if you must, but foreign bodies in strange places happen every day. Stay calm and get help
• Do NOT use a cotton swab to try to remove the foreign body. It will push the object further down and could cause more injury to the inner ear (or other parts depending where the object is located)
• Seek medical help as soon as possible - especially if it is an object in your eye. Flushing with large amounts of water may help, but especially if it is a chemical it is very important to seek out an expert opinion!
5. You took how many Tylenol? It's only Tylenol what could it hurt?
• Never assume that a drug is harmless. Tylenol overdoses may not immediately cause death, but could injure your organs long term leading to chronic pain, illness or even death.
• Vitamins are a type of drug. Don't assume because your child ate a bottle of Flintstones vitamins shaped like gummy characters that they won't cause harm. Always contact your local poison control.
1-800-222-1222
6. The knife isn't that big, I can take it out for you!
• Never remove a foreign body from someone without proper medical training. Fish hooks, knife, nail in the foot... The list goes on and on what we've seen in the emergency room. The bottom line is stabilize the object so it won't move the best you can with towels or gauze then head to the closest emergency room
• Tetanus may seem like a thing of the past, but in reality it can cause serious injury or even death. If your last tetanus shot is over five years old, even if the foreign body was easily removed it is important to get your shot updated to prevent illness.
• Taking out the foreign body can also cause your bleeding to increase. If your object is cutting into a major blood vessel, pulling it out can cause someone to lose a lot of blood or even cause death. Again I can't say it enough times, stabilize the object and get to help immediately!
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