CUTS AND LACERATIONS; FRACTURES; HUMERUS; LEG BONES
Stop the bleeding, always use direct pressure … “Put your thumb on it.”
IF MINOR: Clean the wound with clean, running water, follow up by cleaning with an antiseptic solution, then apply an antiseptic dressing — mercurochrome or acriflavine are useful.
Use a clean dressing to cover the wound — a band aid or a bandage — and change it frequently. Dirty dressings rub dirt into the wound and infection results.
IF MAJOR: The wound may require stitching, otherwise the same treatment as above, then see the doctor. Before you do, check your tetanus immunisation, take your record with you. Remember that scalp wounds always bleed a great deal, but direct pressure will always stop it.
Children often break the humerus, or arm bone, near the elbow. This is a very serious break and can cause damage to blood vessels. Immediate medical attention is essential. Splint it by immobilising it in a sling.
When bones in the leg are broken there is often considerable internal bleeding, especially with the thigh bone or femur. Two or three pints of blood may be lost into the thigh of an adult and may only cause a small visible swelling.
Shock due to pain and this loss of blood is quite common. Splint the lower limbs. Do this with a piece of wood (even a broom handle), a flat board or by strapping the two legs together.
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