3 Ways to Treat the Blues

So, today is supposedly meant to be the most miserable day of the year for countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Since 2005, the third Monday of January has been dubbed as Blue Monday, but we have to say, we’re not seeing many blue faces in our offices! 

Even though it’s Monday, we’re hoping that the smiles stay consistent for us and for you too, but tying in with the Blues, we’ve decided to focus on the First Aid mishaps that could leave you black and blue and how you can go about treating them, effectively and confidently.                                                             

Covered in Bruises

All of us have had the horrifically visible bruise that we wanted to cover up but haven’t been sure how to. Admit it ladies, the concealer and foundation has been broken out and you’ve tried your hardest to cover up the black and blue mark that you’re donning with your latest outfit. 

However, makeup really isn’t the way to go when it comes to treating a bruise and its swelling. Firstly, you need to focus on reducing the swelling and bruising. This can be done by icing the area for 15 minute periods over the course of the first 24-48 hours.

When icing the area, ensure that there is something between the skin and the ice, such as a towel, as the ice can reduce the temperature of the skin to a very low level.

You must rest the bruised area and, if possible, raise whilst the area is being iced and during intervals.

For the pain that the area is causing you, simple pain-relief medication can be taken to alleviate the pain.

Choking Victim

In the UK, approximately 16,000 cases of choking are treated in hospitals, each year.

Choking occurs when someone gets something stuck in their throat, causing their airway to get blocked either fully or partly. This prevents the victim from breathing properly.

Choking can lead to permanent brain damage, or in some situations, death; that is why it is imperative you act fast to assist the victim. If their airway is partially blocked, then they will usually be able to clear the blockage themselves. Encouraging coughing or spitting the object out is what we recommend to assist the patient.

If the victim is experiencing a full blockage, they will not be able to breathe and will eventually become unconscious.

To assist, firstly administer five back blows to the casualty. If this fails to clear the obstruction, follow this with five abdominal thrusts to help the patient. You should repeat this up to three times, checking consistently that the throat has been cleared of the obstruction.

If the abdominal thrusts and back blows have been unsuccessful, you must dial 999 and continue with the rescue until the emergency services arrive. If the patient goes unconscious, CPR must be started immediately on a 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths ratio.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when someone’s body temperature drops from the regular level of 37°c to below 35°c. Many people are unaware, but hypothermia is a life-threatening condition, meaning action must be taken as quickly as possible in an effort to prevent the condition worsening.

When someone develops hypothermia, they shake uncontrollably and their breathing will increase to a rapid pace. The patient’s skin will have become paler than usual and will be cold to the touch.

As the patient’s temperature decreases and the condition worsens, they will become delirious and they will find it difficult to move or even breathe. If their condition worsens from this, then they will eventually become unconscious and stop breathing.

If you believe someone is developing hypothermia, then you should move them to a warmer environment and wrap them in blankets in order to raise their body temperature. You should also remove any wet clothing from them and dry them off – if the patient is conscious, then always ask for their permission prior to doing this.

If you find the casualty has stopped breathing and has become unconscious, then immediately call 999 for an ambulance and start CPR on them.  

No Longer Black and Blue

Hopefully, you won’t have to face any of these black and blue first aid scenarios, but just in case you do, you now have the knowledge on how to act on all three with confidence.

Have you ever had to deal with any of these occurrences? If so, which one? What did you do to assist? Let us know in the comments section below, or why not Tweet us @imptraining and share your story with how you beat the blues.