First Aid Tips

Wherever people work there is a chance that they may need access to first aid.
First aid facilities can include first aid kits, staff that have first aid training and
even first aid rooms in some circumstances.
It is the employer’s duty to identify what level of first aid is needed for their
establishment, and to make sure it is always available


Better be safe than sorry, if someone is ill or seriously hurt - seek medical attention - especially infants and young children.
Most hotels and resorts will be able to assist you in the event that someone in the family becomes sick or requires medical attention, including providing names of local health care providers. Some Hotels/Resorts, like Club Med, have doctors on site, others, like Walt Disney World® Resorts, have a clinic available for guests.
If a family member has a special medical condition, check with your doctor to obtain references for a physician to contact at your destination if a problem occurs.
If your medical bag (see section below) doesn't contain anything to help with the illness, check with a local pharmacy for assistance.
Your pharmacist may also be able to advise you on the best medications to take with you for the ages of the family. Chewable pepto bismol type tablets are a convenient, effective treatment for mild stomach upset. It works quickly and some feel that it also treats common bacteria that may cause stomach aches.
Fever is something that should be treated aggressively while on holiday - tepid baths, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for each member of the family should be readily available.
Hotel Staff may also have a supply of medicines for guest use.
Keep your medical bag with you and readily available when travelling.
Have saltine or plain crackers handy and some flat ginger ale should help with upset stomachs.
use a clean pad or towel with compression to stop or reduce bleeding, until medical attention is obtained if bleeding is severe.
If possible, clean all scrapes and cuts and then treat with an antibacterial ointment to help avoid infection. See First Aid Tips for Cleaning, Treating and Protecting Minor Wounds and First Aid Tips for Cuts
Always have bandages available - while they may not be necessary to cover a scrape, they sure make kids feel better.
To remove bandages easily, soak cotton swab in baby oil and apply to all sides of the bandage - wait five to ten minutes and the bandage should come off much easier.
For nosebleeds, apply pressure and pinch the nostrils closed for about five minutes and it should stop.
For burns - seek medical attention immediately if severe. If mild, immerse in cool water and see Sun Safety Tips for tips on sunburns.
In an emergency try to remain as calm as possible.
In the event of a bee sting, watch for severe reactions such as hives on the body, headaches, nausea, vomiting and difficulty breathing - see medical attention immediately. To remove stinger, gently scrape area with a finger nail, wash or wipe area with clean cloth or antiseptic wipe, apply cold compress. An antihistamine may be given to relieve minor symptoms - Hint - you can also apply a liquid antihistamine externally directly to the bite to relieve some pain and swelling. If the bite occurs in the mouth, give an ice cube to suck on or a popsicle and seek medical attention at the first sign of any swelling. See First Aid Tips for Insect Stings.
For insect bites, try not to scratch and apply calamine lotion. Watch for allergic reactions.
Watch for tick bites - there is a risk of contracting lyme disease from these bites. Ticks can remain in the bite - which can look like a little bump - remove the tick with tweezers by pulling upwards evenly and steadily. Try not to twist or crush the tick. Lyme disease is a possibility in the Northeast United States from deer ticks. To avoid catching this, keep kids out of wooded areas and tall grass. Check their clothing and bodies after outdoor activities for bites. Clean any bites thoroughly and contact a doctor if a rash develops.
Apply a cold compress to minor bumps, it should relieve the pain and reduce the swelling. If pain continues, give some age appropriate pain killer.
If a head injury or bump occurs, watch for symptoms of a concussion, which may include loss of consciousness (even for a second or two), persistent vomiting, lethargy, sleepiness or unequal pupil size.
If someone comes into contact with Poison Ivy wash contaminated skin carefully with soap and water - be careful not to spread the oil or touch anything else- where gloves if possible. If a reaction develops - seek medical attention. Rash usually disappears within a week to 10 days.
To ease the removal of a splinter dip a cotton swab in cooking oil and rub on splinter area, then apply ice to numb area and remove with a tweezers