Minor accidents in the home

People are often wise after the event and this is very much the case with accidents in the home. Awareness of the possibilities of accidents and their subsequent prevention is always uppermost in the minds of those who have sustained them. However, accidents do continue to happen and people attend the Accident and Emergency Department more than ever.

The extended family no longer plays a large part in the first aid treatment of minor injuries. Although granny often knew how to cope, in these enlightened days the tendency is to seek help from professionals. However, this help is not always necessary and many minor injuries can be dealt with in the home. Common sense, composure and a well-equipped first aid kit can save many an unnecessary journey to the A/E Department.

The following advice should help in dealing with the most common injuries occurring at home.

MINOR BURNS/SCALDS

A minor burn constitutes an area of superficial skin affected by dry heat (cooker, iron) whereas a scald is sustained from wet heat (steam, boiling water). These should be immersed in or held under cold water immediately until the heat subsides. This may take 10-20 minutes. Covering the burn lessens the pain. In A/E a vaseline gauze dressing is used for more severe cases. Similarly, vaseline itself can be used in the home for minor burns. This can be applied and held in place with an adhesive dressing or bandage. Large burns or blistering require professional help.

SPRAINS

This is a tearing of the structures surrounding a joint such as the ankle or wrist. A sprain occurs following a fall when twisting of the joint is also involved. It is accompanied by swelling, limited movement of the joint and sometimes bruising, although this often develops 12-24 hours later. Initially, a cold compress such as a packet of frozen peas will help reduce the swelling and for the same reason the affected limb should be elevated. A supportive bandage or elastic support will enable the person to get about, although for the first 48 hours the limb should be rested. (RICE = rest, ice, compression and elevation). After 48 hours gentle exercises and walking is important to reduce swelling and prevent stiffening of the joint. This injury usually takes two-three weeks to recover.

MINOR CUTS & ABRASIONS

Minor cuts and abrasions (not affecting movement) should be washed with plain water or an antiseptic solution. If bleeding persists, local pressure can be applied for five-10 minutes. A firm, dry dressing on a closed clean cut will reduce the risk of infection. Open wounds, especially, will benefit from a moist antiseptic or non-stick dressing. The area should be kept dry for five days. Tetanus immunisation should be considered. (Presently a booster every ten years). Subsequent paint or inflammation in the affected area would suggest professional advice is needed.

JAMMED FINGERS/TOES

Jammed fingers and toes are painful injuries at the time and look worse than they actually are. Providing the nail is not involved they recover within a few days. Bandaging is not necessary unless the skin is broken, although it may offer some protection. Professional help may be necessary if bruising under the nail develops as this gives rise to pressure and subsequent pain. Simple paracetamol will provide pain relief for most problems. However, if pain persists then professional help is at hand. A telephone call to the A/E Department will provide reassurance and nursing staff are always willing to offer advice.

Accidents will continue to happen, but perhaps in these enlightened days, as adults, we should take responsibility for ourselves and our children as in days gone by. We should all work towards the prevention of accidents in the home and have a basic first aid knowledge in order to cope with them when they do occur.

C M DICKINSON, Sister, A/E Berwick Infirmary.

Brad Cheek 1998