The Truth Revealers

  Overview Thousands suffer from snake bites, globally, every year  People who live near wilderness/trekkers - more prone  Even bite from a harmless snake can cause an allergic reaction  Causes   Types of Venomous Snakes  Viper  Cobra  Rattlesnake  Water moccasin  Coral snake  Copper head  Symptoms Fang marks  Swelling/severe pain at the site  Bloody discharge from the wound  Burning  Diarrhea  Excessive sweating  Blurred vision  Numbness/tingling sensation  Increased thirst  Vomiting Fever  Loss of muscle co-ordinations  Convulsions  Rapid pulse  Weakness/Dizziness/Fainting Treatment   a. Seek Medical help as soon as possible.   Meanwhile - Wash wound with soap/water Immobilize the affected area  Keep area slightly elevated  Apply cool compress/wet cloth to the affected part  Apply a firm bandage 2-4 inches above bite to i. Prevent venom from spreading ii. Take care of any bleeding b. Monitor for pulse, respiration and blood pressu

  What are burns? Injuries due to heat/ chemicals/ electricity/ radiation Common heat injuries due to fire, hot liquids, steam Burns due to heat/chemicals - through skin contact  Severe burns affect muscles, fat, and bones Older people/ children - particularly vulnerable Categories of burns First, second and third degree  Categorization depends on the severity of tissue damage  Check extent of burn before deciding self-treatment Seek help if a burn is over a couple of inches in diameter, or If it involves large sections of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint   First-degree burns Injuries are superficial/mild Swelling& redness of the injured area  Pain develops No blisters are seen The burned area becomes white on touch Takes 3-6 days to heal   Treatment Remove the patient from the heat source Remove the burnt clothing Run cool water over a burnt area Gently clean the injured area Gently dry  Apply antibiotic such a

Overview Domestic pets cause more bites Dogs more likely to bite, cats more infectious Risk of rabies with non-immunized pets / stray/wild animals Raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats too carry rabies Symptoms Skin break  Bruise / puncture Cuts Bleeding Swelling and redness of the area Oozing of fluid Treatment Calm the affected person Wash hands before attending to wound Wash wound with soap & running water Apply antibiotic ointment  Dress using a sterile bandage After first aid, medical treatment must be sought quickly Suturing may be required Tetanus booster / antibiotics required Treatment depends on the type/location of the wound Prevention Avoid keeping wild animals as pets  Choose a pet that is friendly to children Train the pet to obey commands Vaccinate your pet When children are around, pets supervision is required Avoid leaving infants alone with pets Source

About Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness occurs when you consume foods or drinks that are contaminated with viruses, bacteria, parasites or toxins, which are poisonous substances. These poisonous substances can contaminate foods at any point during its processing or production. It can also contaminate foods at home if the foods are not properly cooked or handled. Causes  Bacteria and viruses Parasites Mold, toxins and contaminants Allergens Symptoms Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Fever Headaches Stomach cramps Dehydration Treatment Treatment for food poisoning may include- •  Make sure you drink lots of water or fluids to keep your body hydrated and take proper rest. •  Take a glass of warm water, add a few drops of lemon juice and a pinch of sugar and salt to it, stir well and drink. •  Eat light, bland foods such as crackers, bread, plain rice or bananas. •  Take a tablespoon of honey with a few drops of ginger juice to reduce inflammation and pain. •  Ta

  What is a heart attack? Occurs when the blood supply to vital organs gets blocked   >50years / menopausal women at greater risk  Occurs with/without chest pain  Sudden arrest of breathing/heart function May result in cardiopulmonary arrest  A clot in the arteries blocks blood supply  Occurs due to:  a. Deposits of calcium/cholesterol  b. Hereditary factors  c. Tobacco d. Obesity e. High blood pressure f. Emotional stress g. Inflammatory disease of arteries h. Trauma/disease of a heart Symptoms of Heart Attack     Chest pain Shoulder/arm pain  Shortness of breath Sweating  Heartburn  Nausea  Abdominal pain First aid   Try to relax  Loosen tight clothes  Take medicine, if any have been prescribed Pain subsides within 3 min of medicine intake  If not, see a doctor.  Give artificial respiration if required  Give   Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)   : a. If no pulse is detected b. By placing palm on the chest to pump 15 pumps are followed b

Overview Poisons are substances that cause injury, illness or death These events are caused by a chemical activity in the cells  Poisons can be injected, inhaled or swallowed  Poisoning should be suspected if a person is sick for unknown reason Poor ventilation can aggravate Inhalation poisoning  First aid is critical in saving the life of victims  Causes Medications  Drug overdose  Occupational exposure  Cleaning detergents/paints  Carbon mono oxide gas from furnace, heaters  Insecticides  Certain cosmetics  Certain household plants, animals  Food poisoning (Botulism)  Symptoms Blue lips  Skin Rashes  Difficulty in breathing  Diarrhea  Vomiting/Nausea Fever  Headache Giddiness/drowsiness  Double vision  Abdominal/chest pain  Palpitations/Irritability  Loss of appetite/bladder control  Numbness  Muscle twitching  Seizures Weakness  Loss of consciousness  Treatment Seek immediate medical help Meanwhile, Try and identify the pois

Overview Heat exhaustion is a heat-related disorder Here, loss of fluids takes place This decreases blood flow to vital organs, leading to shock Causes Heat exhaustion caused by excessive heat Increased by overexertion / sweating / hot, humid climate Risk Factors Poor circulation Recurrent Illness Medications like diuretics / laxatives / antihistamines / antidepressants Young children and older people at risk, even when inactive Symptoms Weakness / dizziness Headache / nausea  Cold / moist skin  Paleness  Dry tongue / thirst  Vomiting  Loss of appetite  Excessive sweating Rapid/weak heartbeat Fast / shallow breathing  Muscle fatigue Cramps  Treatment   a) Cooling the body Remove the person to a shady place  Loosen tight-fitting clothing Remove extra clothes  Cool the person by sponging with wet cloth / towel b) Hydrating Give fluids like sports drink / fruit or vegetable juices Water containing electrolytes may be given Give fluid

Overview Any object that lodges itself in the eye Small objects will be washed out by tears/blinking Others need medical attention Causes Dust Debris Sand Contact lens Eyelash Makeup Flying objects like glass Symptoms Itching Irritation Pain  Sensitivity to bright light Blurry vision Treatment Wash hands before helping the victim Seat the person in a lighted area Gently examine the eye Pull lower eyelid downward Ask the person to look upward Then hold upper eyelid while the person looks down If the object is floating try flushing it out Otherwise, touch the object with wet cotton bud  The object should cling to the cotton bud If the object is removed, flush eyes with saline/warm water If the object cannot be removed, see a doctor If the object is embedded, do not touch Cover the eyes with paper cups and tape it Consult doctor immediately Steps to Avoid Avoid rubbing eyes Do not remove an embedded object Do not try to remove a l

  About Fainting Fainting occurs due to the decreased blood supply to the brain A fainting spell is usually very brief It may or may not have medical significance Common Causes Anxiety Emotional upset Stress Severe pain Skipping meals Standing up too fast Standing for a long time in a crowd Some medications Diabetes Blood Pressure  Symptoms Before painting, a person may experience the following: Nausea Giddiness Excessive sweating Dim vision Rapid heartbeat or palpitations Treatment Fainting is a medical emergency, till proven otherwise When a person feels faint- Make them sit down or lie down If sitting, position head between knees When a person faints, position him on his back Check to see if airways are clear Restore blood flow by  Loosening clothing/belts/collars Elevate feet above head level A patient should become normal within a minute If not, seek medical help  Check if breathing/pulse is normal If not, do  Cardio-pulmonary re