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First Aid
Burns
Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon
as possible and maintain this until the pain subsides, this may
take as long as 15 minutes! If the skin is unbroken but blistered,
apply a loose, dry dressing if it must be covered.
If the burn is larger than 4 or 5 inches in diameter, or if the
skin is broken, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
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Minor Cuts and Grazes
Wash the wound thoroughly with water and a little soap. To stop
bleeding apply a clean handkerchief or dressing firmly to the wound
for about 5 minutes. Cover with a clean dry dressing.
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Nose Bleeds
Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch
your nose just below the bone, so that the nostrils are fully closed,
for approximately 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding should
have stopped. Avoid hot drinks for 24 hours. If symptoms persist,
consult your doctor.
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Sprains
Firstly apply a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 15
to 30 minutes to reduce the swelling. Apply, firmly, a crèpe
bandage and give the sprain plenty of rest until all discomfort
has subsided. Further strain will inevitably lead to further swelling
and a longer recovery period.
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Sunburn
Treat as for other burns with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine
lotion will relieve the irritation and Paracetamol will also help.
Children are very susceptible to sunburn and great care should be
taken to avoid over-exposure to the harmful effects of the sun.
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Insect Bites and Stings
Antihistamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist without prescription,
and will usually relieve most symptoms.
Note: Bee stings should be scraped away rather than 'plucked' in
order to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the
wound.
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