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Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 11, 2014: The Dubai Health Authority's smart clinic held today a discussion on first aid tips ahead of World First Aid Day.
Dr. Firas Annajjar, consultant at Rashid Hospital's Trauma and Emergency Centre said it is important for people to be aware of first-aid methods and that people should take up first-aid courses.
Dr. Firas, said: “ In a majority of minor cases such as simple bleeding, twisted ankle etc. patients have better outcomes if first aid is provided early, provided the person administering first aid is taking care of his safety and administering the first aid, appropriately.
“Administering first aid in severe cases such as heart attacks, drowning and loss of consciousness, is possible if the person calls 999, asks for an ambulance and then speaks to ambulance officials with regard to steps he or she can take to help the patient. In fact, in such severe cases, if the person administering first aid has undertaken a first aid course such as the heart saver course , he or she can administer first aid directly until the time the ambulance arrives. However, if the person has not undergone any training and is administering first aid without consulting a healthcare professional, it can have adverse effects and this is not advisable.”
Therefore, it is important for everyone to know how to administer basic first aid.
He added that the first and foremost rule, is the safety of the first aid provider, so that the administrator does not become a second victim and compromising the safety of the first aid administrator directly compromises the safety of the victim.
Dr Feras said in 2012, Trauma Centre received 1,68,000 cases, of these 7 per cent were major cases, 60 per cent were minor cases and 33 per cent were moderate cases.
Dr Feras said that the top three categories of major cases the hospital receives is road accident cases, heart attacks and, falls and work related injuries. The top three categories of moderate cases include sport-related injuries, abdominal pain and difficulty of breathing and finally the three minor case categories include low back pain, headache and sore throats.
“ It is important for people to understand that minor cases can be tackled by the primary healthcare centres, instead of the trauma centre. At the Centre, we prioritize care according to the severity of the case and minor cases end up having to wait for longer periods. If they visit a PHC, it will be more convenient for them and it will reduce the number of unnecessary patient visits we receive.”
In terms of tips for patients, Dr Feras said, “ In cases of minor burns, which is a common injury, the best thing to do is make sure the victim is away from the fire or the hot object , then wash the patient's hands with taped water and seek medical advice. It is better to keep a simple burn crème which can be obtained from the pharmacy at home so that one can use it in such cases before taking the patient to the doctor.
He added that one of the most common incorrect practices followed by patients includes application of ice over the burn or application of things such as tomato paste or tooth paste, which worsens the condition of the burn.
He said in cases of moderate or severe burns and in special circumstances( chemical or electrical burns), it is important to start basic interventions that you would do in case of a minor burn and immediately call 999 for rapid transportation to the hospital.
In terms of nose bleeds, Dr Micheal Jalal, specialist registrar at Trauma and Emergency Centre, said: “It is important to put the patient in a sitting position, let the patient's head lean forward and pinch the nose for around five minutes and to ask the patient to breathe through the mouth.
After five minutes, release the pressure gradually and see if the bleeding stops, if not, keep the pressure on and go to hospital. This is inapplicable for kids ( generally less than two years)who do not know how to breathe through their mouth and they should be taken to the doctor straightaway.
Application of ice over the bridge of the nose, is also another method.
For cuts and mild abrasions, it is for important for the first-aid provider to use gloves if possible to prevent any transmission of infection, said Dr Haider Kubba, senior specialist registrar at the Trauma and Emergency Centre. “ If there is any active bleeding, apply a sterile dressing over the wound, clean the wound with a wound sterilizer( savlon, or diluted betadine which can be bought from a pharmacy) or simply with taped water.
He said application of coffee, garlic or other food materials inside the wound is faulty practice and should be avoided.
In terms of severe cases, such as heart attacks, Dr Firaz, said: “In case someone around you is having a heart attack- signs include chest pain, jaw pain, pain radiating to the shoulder, shortness of breath and sweating- it is important to act fast by asking to patient to rest in his/ her most comfortable resting position and call 999 immediately and seek advice from the ambulance team. If the patient has had a previous history of a heart attack and knows the medicine to take in such circumstances, the medicine can be given.”
He said one of the main problems with heart attack cases is misdiagnosis by the patient and those around him. “ One of the main problems is sometimes heart attacks are diagnosed as indigestion by the patient and family members, so if the patient has these signs or a previous history of a heart attack, it is important to immediately call the ambulance.”
He said driving the patient to the hospital in a car as opposed to an ambulance which is fully equipped and has medical professionals onboard is another mistake.
Dr Firas said that in case of a stroke, it's important to act as fast as possible as time is of essence. “Symptoms of stroke include difficulty or slurring of speech, weakness in one side of the body and droopy face. In such cases, call 999 and inform them that it is a stroke case.”
For diabetics suffering from decreased level of consciousness due to high or low sugar, it is important to know that low sugar is more harmful. Dr Firas, said: First check the sugar levels, if you do not have the equipment with you at that time, it is advisable to give the patient any sugar source ( dark chocolate, date) provided that the patient is in a condition to swallow it. Otherwise ( if the patient can't swallow or is comatose) make the patient lie down on the right side of the body, open the mouth of the patient and call 999 directly.
He said a mistake people make sometimes is trying to give the patient a banana or a date when the patient is unable to swallow it as this leads to chocking.
Dr Firas, added: “In cases of drowning, if there is life guard, let the life guard do his job. Otherwise, without compromising your safety, pull the victim away from the water and put the patient on the right side of the body and open the patient's mouth, if the patient is breathing. Then call the ambulance right away.”
He added DHA medical education department conducts several life-saver courses, those interested can call 800 342 for more information.
Box: First aid home kit
Sterile gauze
Small Band-Aid
Sterile wound solution – like Savlon or diluted betadine( available at pharmacy)
Pair of gloves
Small scissors
Adhesive plaster
BOX:
Top 3 major cases
Motor vehicle crashes
Heart attacks
Falls and work related injuries
Top 3 moderate
Sport related injuries
Abdominal pain
Difficulty of breathing
Top 3 minor
Low back pain
Headache
Sore throat
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