Coping with DIY Accidents

How to React
Dialing 999
Dealing with Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Poisons

How to React
The advice below will help you avoid serious accidents, but even the most careful worker can suffer injury. In the event that you need First Aid, here is a reminder of some basic First Aid help.

1. Stay calm. If you start to panic you will be of little help to anyone.
   
   
2. Assess the situation - remove any further danger to you or the injured. Turn off electricity and put out any small fires. Only move the patient if absolutely necessary, and then very carefully.
   
   
3. Keep a watch over the casualty. Ensure they are they conscious and breathing and look for any bleeding.
   
   
4. If in doubt, call a doctor.
   
   

Dialing 999
Dial 999 for an ambulance if the casualty...

1. Becomes unconscious
   
   
2. Has difficulty breathing
   
   
3. Appears drowsy or is vomiting
   
   
4. Stats bleeding from the ear or is bleeding profusely and you cannot stop the flow
   
   
5. Is severely burned
   
   
6. Has severe pain anywhere
   
   

Dealing with Burns and Scalds

1. Immediately, run cold water over the burn for at least ten minutes.
   
   
2. Remove any belts or jewellery - burned skin can swell. If burned clothes are stuck to skin, leave them alone.
   
   
3. Cover the burn with a clean smooth cloth, like a pillowcase or with Clingfilm, to prevent infection. Never rub butter, oil or treatment on a burn.
   
   
4. Obtain medical advice or go to hospital unless the scald or burn is very small.
   
   

Cuts

1. Clean small cuts and grazes with clean running water, not antiseptic.
   
   
2. Stop heavy bleeding by pressing a pad onto the cut. Press near the wound if there is something stuck inside and keep pressing, until the bleeding stops. If not broken, raise a bleeding arm or leg.
   
   
3. Get help from a doctor if the wound is dirty, deep, there is something stuck in it or it won't close up properly.
   
   

Poisons

1. Get medical help immediately. Call your doctor, telephone for an ambulance or go to a hospital emergency department. Find the container holding the poison and take it with you. It is important to let the doctor know about it.
   
   
2. Help to dilute poison with a drink of milk or water unless the poison has badly burned the mouth or lips.
   
   
3. Do not try to make the casualty sick. A salt and water mixture can be especially dangerous.