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Photo: K. Ananthan

what you can do Before you call for help

Over the years, S. Raja Sabapathy, Director and HoD, Plastic, Hand and Micro Surgery, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore has seen many cases where timely first aid has made a vital difference. “In case of burns, the intensity of heat and duration of contact matter. One has to immediately reduce both by pouring water on the affected area till the patient is comfortable. Never use a blanket,” he says. Sadly, people still debate on whether it is right to pour water as it causes the skin to blister.

“Blisters show that the skin is alive, and capable of reacting,” he explains. People have to be ‘pre-educated’ to come out of disaster well, he feels. Because, there is no time to get educated during an emergency. “You cannot go online or check a reference book. Your existing knowledge will give you the strength to act.”

What does one do when a limb or finger is severed? “Place it in a bag. It need not even be sterile. Tie it, and place the bag on a bed of ice. That way, the tissues don’t disintegrate,” he says.

As for accidents where entire limbs are damaged and bleeding, he suggests that the affected portion be tied, and placed above heart level. That way, the pressure on the heart is less.

A little common sense goes a long way in saving lives, insists V. P. Shanmuga Sundaram, Chief Laparoscopic and Transplant Surgeon, K.G. Hospital, Coimbatore He cites the example of an ambulance driver in Andhra Pradesh who was sent to rescue a man impaled on the road median rods. Instead of pulling him out (causing more injury and blood loss), he used a hacksaw in the ambulance to cut the rods and rushed the man to the hospital. He survived. The doctor also speaks about “second accidents”, caused when a patient is being shifted from the site of injury. “In case of a fracture, always stabilise the limb. When a fractured limb hangs, the blood vessels inside bleed.” Support it with a stick, scale, a rolled newspaper … anything. “And, when lifting anyone with a possible spine or head injury, use a board, so that their body is supported,” he suggests.

The trick, he says, is to use your mind and come up with alternatives that work. Everything mentioned in the first aid book will not always be available on hand. For instance, in the case of electricity-related accidents, it is not always possible to find a wooden pole. “Instead, wrap a bed-sheet, throw it around the person, and pull. Or, take the nearest plastic chair, and try to break contact,” he advises.

And, never ever place cotton on an open wound. It sticks to the skin, and removal is painful. Instead, wrap it in gauze. And, if an injured person is thirsty, don’t give him water. He might aspirate, and the fluid will enter the lungs. “Moisten the lips with a soaked piece of cotton,” says Dr. Shanmuga Sundaram.

And, while most of us know at least some of these first aid tips, why is it that we forget it at that crucial moment? “It all boils down to the confidence level,” says Ponni Muralidharan, consultant psychiatrist. “The fear of doing something wrong prevents us from acting. But, we all have mob mentality. Even if one person in an accident site takes charge, the rest will do their bit.” Knowledge can help you be that leader!

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