Emergency

2. Emergency!!

First aid is often required at a time of emergency. You need to know two things in an emergency situation: 1) what to do, and 2) how to act. At the end of this section is a general list of things to do for various emergencies, injuries, and accidents. By reading this list and studying other books on general first aid, you can learn what to do. But how do you act in an emergency?

2.1 Act—Don’t React!

You cannot afford to become emotional during an emergency. There is no time for fear, for panic, or emotional outbursts. You must become totally calm, clear, and collected.

Do not panic. Think. Don’t react to the blood or pain or tears—act now to save a life.

When you are faced with an emergency, the first question you should ask is: What is the most important thing to do at the present moment to help the injured person?

At all times, remain very calm when helping the person. If the victim senses you are afraid, then he too may panic, and cause additional harmful stress. Reassure the injured person.

If possible, send for additional help if you think it necessary. Try to remain with the injured person at ail times, and attend to the most life-threatening injuries (such as uncontrolled bleeding, halted breathing, etc.).

Have some phone numbers handy or with you at all times that you can call for advice. Many Natural Hygienists and Life Scientists carry the phone numbers of one or more professional Hygienic doctors and practitioners that they can call in an emergency. Prepare such phone numbers ahead of time so that you may easily call when an emergency does occur.

Realize that even in an emergency, the basic needs for life and health always remain the same: fresh air, pure water, rest, and no drugs. Simply because the body may be seriously injured is no reason to believe that drug use can be safely tolerated.

The one word to describe how to act in an emergency is: think. Use your head, use common sense, and use your knowledge of Life Science. Be confident and be calm and you can handle any emergency.

2.2 First Aid Treatments: Doing No Harm

The following list of emergencies and injuries gives simple and harmless first aid treatments that can be used by anyone. Read the list thoroughly and try to remember as much as you can. Remember, in a real emergency, you will probably not have access to a book or list of things to do. It’s important that you know automatically how to act in an emergency.

When faced with an emergency or a seriously injured person, you’ll probably first want to take the five basic steps below:

2.3 The Five Basic Steps to First Aid

2.3.1 Step One

DON’T MOVE THE VICTIM. The only exceptions are when the victim would be in further danger if not moved immediately, such as a car accident where their is danger of gasoline explosion. Otherwise, leave him alone. You risk aggravating any injuries by improper moving. Wait until trained rescuers arrive.

2.3.2 Step Two

CHECK FOR BREATHING AND HEARTBEAT. Put your ear to his face and listen, and at the same time watch for the rise and fall of his chest. If the victim is breathing, his heart is beating. If he’s not breathing, blow four quick breaths into his mouth, then check his pulse by putting your finger on his neck, just to the side of his Adam’s apple. Feel for a pulse for ten seconds. If you’re sure there is no pulse, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (See the end of this section.) If his heart is beating but he’s still not breathing, continue mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. (See also at the end of this section.)

2.3.3 Step Three

SEND SOMEONE FOR HELP. Don’t you go, unless absolutely essential. You’re needed to help the victim. Tell the person to call the emergency number for your area or the operator. Give your messenger as much information as possible without causing extensive delay, and tell him to pass everything along.

2.3.3 Step Four

CHECK FOR BLEEDING. The best way to stop bleeding is by applying a clean piece of cloth. Hold the cloth or dressing in place with your hand. Once applied, don’t remove it. If that’s not enough to stop the bleeding, raise the affected area above the heart. If that’s not enough, apply pressure with your fingers to a pressure point between the wound and the heart.

2.3.1 Step Five

TREAT FOR SHOCK. Any person who’s been injured can be in shock. The treatment consists of keeping the person lying down and as calm as possible. Make sure he’s breathing, elevate the legs slightly (unless he has a head injury or fractured leg), and keep him warm, but not hot. Don’t give any liquids.

By following these five steps, you do the victim no harm and, in fact, may save his life.

What other aid you give depends on the specific nature of the injury itself. The next section details various treatments and first aid approaches for the more common injuries and accidents.