First Aid Safety Part III

Puncture Wounds

Scrub with soap and water. Scrub vigorously to encourage bleeding if bleeding is limited. Rinse with water. Pat dry then bandage. Call doctor to determine if tetanus booster is needed. Watch for signs of infection.

Severe Wounds

Apply direct pressure to wound. Elevate wounded arm/leg above level of heart. (Assuming no broken bones.) Apply dressing. If necessary add more dressings on top but DO NOT remove any dressings. Treat for shock by covering and keeping warm. If bleeding persists, continue direct pressure to wound and apply pressure to nearest pressure point (arm: press against artery on inside of upper arm; leg: press against artery at crease of groin.)

WARNING: Use a tourniquet only when previous measures have failed and victim is bleeding to death. If used, tighten tourniquet until bleeding stops. Do Not loosen or remove it.

Is Inflammation Bad?

The inflammatory process, the way nature heals injuries, is the body’s mustering system. It is a three-component process. The blood brings white blood cells to the injury to fight off infection and clean up dead tissue. Nutrient building blocks assemble to rebuild the weakened tissue. New blood vessels form to bring increased amounts of blood with oxygen.

Inflammation is a vital process, but sometimes chronic inflammation can be self-defeating. It overinflames. Chronic tendonitis is an example of overinflammation.

Source: Sports Health

Why Exercise Improves Heart Function

Most people would agree that exercise is good for the heart. With the right type of exercise, the heart pumps more blood and becomes more efficient. During relaxation, the heart fills with blood. When the heart pumps, the blood is expelled to the body.

Exercise increases muscle contraction, and this pushes blood toward the heart. The heart rate will increase at this time. A fast heart rate without exercise is of no benefit. This results from emotional responses. The heart gets strong from exercise by pushing against larger volumes of blood. The heart is a muscle, and can atrophy from lack of exercise. Exercising for 20 minutes, 3 times per week, can be of great benefit. Always consult a physician before starting an exercise program.

First Aid Safety Part III

Puncture Wounds

Scrub with soap and water. Scrub vigorously to encourage bleeding if bleeding is limited. Rinse with water. Pat dry then bandage. Call doctor to determine if tetanus booster is needed. Watch for signs of infection.

Severe Wounds

Apply direct pressure to wound. Elevate wounded arm/leg above level of heart. (Assuming no broken bones.) Apply dressing. If necessary add more dressings on top but DO NOT remove any dressings. Treat for shock by covering and keeping warm. If bleeding persists, continue direct pressure to wound and apply pressure to nearest pressure point (arm: press against artery on inside of upper arm; leg: press against artery at crease of groin.)

WARNING: Use a tourniquet only when previous measures have failed and victim is bleeding to death. If used, tighten tourniquet until bleeding stops. Do Not loosen or remove it.