During the summer rest, we often catch up with months of sedentary lifestyle and start practicing intense sports. It could result in an injury or an injury. How to help yourself in the event of a sprain, bruise or fracture?
Each of us, for our own good, should know the rules of givingfirst aidin emergencyemergencies . Doing the right thing, even with a simplebruise , will alleviate the suffering and shorten the healing time ofinjury . Thanks to this, we will minimize disruptions to our holiday.
First aid - leg sprain
Sprains of the ankle or knee are most common - sometimes all you need to do is unfortunate your feet. There is then a sharp pain which increases with walking. If, after a few minutes, it starts to subside and you can move your leg normally, it means that only the ligaments have been tightened. However, when the pain persists, and in addition, there is swelling and bruising around the joint, the injury is more serious - the ligament could be torn and the joint capsule could be damaged. In any case, you need to save your leg and cool the damaged joint. Make compresses of Altacet or water with vinegar (they have a tightening effect and reduce swelling), apply ice cubes wrapped in a towel. Raise your leg higher to help blood drain. If the pain is severe, it is best to immobilize the joint with a bandage or elastic band. However, remember that the swelling will increase over the next few hours, so the bandage should not be applied too tightly so as not to disturb blood circulation. If you do not notice any improvement the next day - the swelling does not decrease and the pain is still severe - you need to see a doctor to check the degree of damage to the joint and possibly apply a cast.
First aid - broken arm or leg
Distortion is most often visible at the fracture site, but this is not always the case. On the other hand, the seriousness of the injury is evidenced by severe pain and inability to move, as well as the swelling that appears quickly. If a leg is injured, two adjacent joints must be immobilized, for example by tying a long stick or a branch to the leg. A broken arm should be placed in a sling (e.g. a sling) or bandaged to the body. When an open fracture has occurred, it is only necessary to cover the wound with a sterile dressing. In any case, quick help is neededdoctor.
First aid - cut
If it is only a minor injury, rinse the wound under running water, then disinfect with hydrogen peroxide or iodine and cover with a plaster and a dressing. In contrast, a large wound that is bleeding heavily, gently press down with a sterile gauze pad, lift the injured arm (leg) and see a doctor as soon as possible. An extensive wound may require stitching. If it has become dirty with earth or a piece of glass, wood or metal is stuck in it (do not remove them because you may cause a hemorrhage), you may also need to give a tetanus vaccine.
First aid - contusion
You should show the doctor an extensive contusion to make sure that the bone has not been damaged. As a rule, however, it is not a serious injury, but a painful one. If you cool down the bruised area quickly, there will be less swelling and bruising and the cold will relieve the pain. Soak, for example, a small towel in cold water or wrap it in ice cubes, a gel bandage cooled in the refrigerator or a pack of frozen vegetables. The next day, change the compresses to warm ones, this will accelerate the absorption of the hematoma. Spreads with arnica are also good.
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