miércoles, 14 de noviembre de 2012

GEL SANITIZANTE DE MANOS

Este mensaje es una historia de una nina de 4 anos, quien injerio gel sanitizante de manos y llego a ser incoherente, no pudo hablar.   Ningun nino se murio.   Despues de leer estos estudios y cuentos, busco algo mas al tiempo, no he encontrado nada.  Sigo buscando.  
Un estudio que midio el nivel de alcol despues de usar gel sanitizante de manos
Un estudio de la Universidad de Florida encontro que el uso frecuente de sanitizante puede resultar en una prueba positiva de alcol, componentes hasta cinco dias.  
Otros tipos de pruebas no son positivas despues de dos horas.


Example:
Email text contributed by John V., May 14, 2007:
Hand Sanitizer alcohol poisoning
Ok. I don't know where to begin because the last 2 days of my life have been such a blur. Yesterday, My youngest daughter Halle who is 4, was rushed to the emergancy room by her father for being severely lethargic and incoherent. He was called to her school by the school secretary for being "very VERY sick." He told me that when he arrived that Halle was barely sitting in the chair. She couldn't hold her own head up and when he looked into her eyes, she couldn't focus them.
He immediately called me after he scooped her up and rushed her to the ER. When we got there, they ran blood test after blood test and did x-rays, every test imaginable. Her white blood cell count was normal, nothing was out of the ordinary. The ER doctor told us that he had done everything that he could do so he was sending her to Saint Francis for further test.
Right when we were leaving in the ambulance, her teacher had come to the ER and after questioning Halle's classmates, we found out that she had licked hand sanitizer off her hand. Hand sanitizer, of all things. But it makes sense. These days they have all kinds of differents scents and when you have a curious child, they are going to put all kinds of things in their mouths.
When we arrived at Saint Francis, we told the ER doctor there to check her blood alcohol level, which, yes we did get weird looks from it but they did it. The results were her blood alcohol level was 85% and this was 6 hours after we first took her. Theres no telling what it would have been if we would have tested it at the first ER.
Since then, her school and a few surrounding schools have taken this out of the classrooms of all the lower grade classes but whats to stop middle and high schoolers too? After doing research off the internet, we have found out that it only takes 3 squirts of the stuff to be fatal in a toddler. For her blood alcohol level to be so high was to compare someone her size to drinking something 120 proof. So please PLEASE don't disregard this because I don't ever want anyone to go thru what my family and I have gone thru. Today was a little better but not much. Please send this to everyone you know that has children or are having children. It doesn't matter what age. I just want people to know the dangers of this.
Thank you
Lacey Butler and family


UF study finds hand sanitizers could lead to false positives in testing for alcohol

Published: Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 4:34 p.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 4:34 p.m.
Germaphobes and barflies have not usually had much in common with each other, until a University of Florida study found that both may test positive for alcohol use.
The study by UF researchers found that the frequent use of hand sanitizers over a period of time can cause a person to test positive for alcohol consumption in some tests, despite the subjects having no history of alcohol use.
In a urine sample, alcohol breakdowns can be found up to five days after consumption, said Dr. Gary Reisfield, assistant professor in the department of psychiatry with the UF College of Medicine and co-author of the study.
Other more commonly used tests, such as a blood sample or a breathalyzer, can only detect the presence of alcohol up to a few hours after consumption.
For the average person who uses a hand sanitizer only a few times a day, the amount of alcohol absorbed through the skin would likely not show up on a urine test. But for those who have occupations that require frequent use of hand sanitizers, such as doctors and nurses, false positives on alcohol tests could occur.
Reisfield was inspired to conduct this study after coming in contact with people at the Shands Recovery Center who would test positive for alcohol consumption but claim otherwise.
The study examined 11 subjects as they used a hand-sanitizer every five minutes during a 10-hour period over the course of three days. None of the subjects had a history of alcohol use and had their urine tested at the beginning and end of each day.

A level of 500 nanograms per milliliter of urine or higher of a specific biomarker called ethyl glucuronide, EtG, is a strong indicator of alcohol consumption. The results of the study found that eight of the subjects produced amounts of EtG greater than 500 nanograms per milliliter, four produced greater than 1,000 nanograms per milliliter and one produced greater than 2,000 nanograms per milliliter.
“The first surprise of the study was that the EtG levels were as high as they were,” Reisfield said. “It tells us that even less exposure to alcohol can produce these kinds of levels.”
The study also yielded surprising results for another biomarker of alcohol consumption called ethyl sulfate, EtS. No subject in the study produced a measurable concentration of EtS in his or her system, which Reisfield concluded to be a more valuable measure than EtG, as it could differentiate between imbibing alcohol and extended use of hand sanitizers.
Reisfield intends to conduct a follow-up crossover experiment that would compare the breakdowns from hand-sanitizers with the actual consumption of alcohol.
He also further warned against other sources of alcohol in everyday life that could add up over time in a urine sample, such as mouthwashes, cosmetics and certain foods.
“For folks who do need to be required to abstain from alcohol and need to be tested for alcohol consumption, these people need to be cognizant of the hidden sources of alcohol in the environment.”

martes, 23 de octubre de 2012

MEDICINA INTERNACIONAL

 La conferencia se trato de la integracion de los estudios de los residentes en medicina con ciertos hospitales y clinicas.  Mulu, es de Etiopia, y funciona como directora the la medicina de urgencia en tal pais.  

domingo, 21 de octubre de 2012

PEDIATRIA INTERNACIONAL

A veces la gente medica piensa en el paciente, aislado de la familia y la comunidad.  Es un concepto mas bien de la medicina del oeste.  Durante la conferencia del AAP, presenta la "nueva idea" de la medicina:  la paciente es parte de una comunidad, una familia y de un pais.  Este concepto (gracias a dios) no ha sido "nueva" para mi.    Viene de la realidad de mi vida personal:  dependiente en la familia que consiste en mi hija, mis hermanos, mis tias y los 2 hijos de mi hermano, las grandes amistades que encontre en Mexico (siempe las llevo en mi corazon), y la comunidad profesional que me ha sostennido por todo este tiempo.
Estoy escuchando a una presentacion de una colega de la Dra Sara Kugali, quien adopto a 2 ninas de Uganda (gemelas que tuvo una operacion para separalas, y fueron rechazadas por su tribu, huerfanas hasta su adoptacion).

Ademas hay problemas, con la salud de los ninos en la frontera, por ejemplo con El Paso/Cd. Juarez.  No discuten los problemas con el elemento de peligro, sino que con la salud en si de ellos y la diferencia con su salud y las posibilidades.........refugiados que antes se consideran que vinieron de la misma ciudad......Ay, a ver que pasa con la discusion.

miércoles, 17 de octubre de 2012

CONSEJOS DE SEGURIDAD PARA EL INVIERNO


CONSEJOS DE SEGURIDAD PARA EL INVIERNO


Sea que el invierno traiga consigo tormentas severas, poca nieve, o simplemente 
temperaturas frías, la American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) tiene algunos consejos 
valiosos respecto a cómo mantener a sus hijos seguros y calientes. Por favor siéntase en 
libertad de usar estos consejos en parte o en su totalidad en cualquier documento impreso 
o emisión radiofónica o televisiva, con reconocimiento de la fuente.


Qué usar
Ponga ropas abrigadas a sus bebés y niños para actividades al aire libre. Varias 
capas delgadas los mantendrán secos y calientes. No olvide ponerles botas y 
guantes o mitones calientes, y una gorra.
• La regla general para bebés de edad más avanzada y niños de corta edad es 
vestirlos con una capa más de ropa que la que un adulto usaría en las mismas 
condiciones.
• Las frazadas, los edredones, las almohadas, protectores de cuna, pieles de oveja y 
otra ropa de cama suelta pueden contribuir al síndrome de muerte súbita del bebé 
(SIDS por sus siglas en inglés), y deben mantenerse fuera de donde duerme el 
bebé. Se prefiere la ropa para dormir, como los mamelucos o las cobijas tipo bolsa  
de dormir para bebé.
Si debe usarse una frazada para mantener caliente a un bebé que esté durmiendo, 
debe llegar sólo hasta el pecho del bebé, y las partes correspondientes a los pies y 
a los lados se deben meter por debajo del colchón de la cuna, de modo que la cara 
del bebé tenga menos probabilidades de quedar cubierta por la ropa de cama.



Hipotermia
• La hipotermia aparece cuando la temperatura de un niño cae por debajo de lo 
normal debido a exposición al frío. Suele ocurrir cuando un joven está jugando al 
aire libre en clima en extremo frío sin usar ropa apropiada, o cuando se moja la 
ropa. Puede ocurrir con mayor rapidez en niños que en adultos.
• Conforme se establece hipotermia, el niño puede presentar estremecimientos y 
hacerse aletargado y torpe. Puede tener dificultad para hablar, y su temperatura 
corporal declinará en casos más graves.
Si sospecha que su hijo tiene hipotermia, llame de inmediato al 911. Mientras 
llega la ayuda, lleve a su hijo al interior, quítele cualquier ropa mojada, y 
envuélvalo en frazadas o en ropas abrigadas.


Congelación

• La congelación sucede cuando la piel y los tejidos externos se congelan. Este 
padecimiento tiende a ocurrir en las extremidades, como los dedos de las manos, 
los dedos de los pies, las orejas y la nariz. Pueden ponerse pálidos, de color gris, y 
ampollarse. Al mismo tiempo, el niño tal vez se queje de que la piel le arde o ha 
quedado entumecida.
Si ocurre congelación, lleve al niño al interior y coloque las partes congeladas de 
su cuerpo en agua tibia (no caliente). Se recomiendan 40°C (104°F) 
(aproximadamente la temperatura del agua en casi todas las bañeras). Pueden 
aplicarse toallitas para ducha tibias en la nariz, las orejas y los labios congelados.
• No frote las áreas congeladas.
• Después de algunos minutos, seque al niño y cúbralo con ropa o frazadas. Déle 
algo caliente para que beba.
Si el entumecimiento continúa durante más de unos minutos, llame a su médico


.
Salud durante el invierno

Si su hijo sufre sangrados por la nariz durante el invierno, trate de usar un 
humidificador de aire frío en la recámara del niño por la noche. Las gotas nasales 
de solución salina, o la vaselina, pueden ayudar a mantener húmedos los tejidos 
nasales. Si el sangrado es copioso o aparece varias veces, consulte a su pediatra.
• Muchos pediatras consideran que durante el primer año de un bebé basta con un 
baño dos o tres veces a la semana. Los baños más frecuentes pueden resecar la 
piel, en especial durante el invierno.
• El clima frío no causa resfriados o gripe, pero los virus que causan los resfriados y 
la gripe tienden a ser más comunes durante el invierno, cuando los niños están en 
la escuela y tienen contacto más estrecho entre sí. El lavado de manos frecuente, y 
enseñar a su hijo a estornudar o toser hacia los ángulos de los codos, puede ayudar 
a disminuir la diseminación de resfriados y gripe.
• Los niños de seis meses de edad o más deben recibir la vacuna contra la gripe a 
fin de disminuir su riesgo de contraer esta enfermedad.




Deportes y actividades invernales


Establezca límites de tiempo razonables sobre el juego al aire libre para prevenir 
hipotermia o congelación. Haga que los niños entren periódicamente a interiores para 
calentarse.El consumo de alcohol o drogas antes de cualquier actividad de invierno, como pasear en 
moto de nieve o esquiar, es peligroso y no debe permitirse en situación alguna.




Patinaje sobre hielo


Sólo permita a los niños patinar sobre superficies aprobadas. Busque señales 
colocadas por el departamento local de policía o de recreación, o llame a su 
departamento de policía local para preguntar cuáles áreas se han aprobado.
• Recomiende a su hijo que:
o Patine en la misma dirección que el resto de las personas
o Evite cruzar el hielo corriendo
o Nunca patine solo
o No masque chicle ni coma caramelo mientras patina.
• Considere hacer que su hijo use un casco mientras patina.



Deslizamiento en trineo


• Mantenga lejos de vehículos motorizados a los niños que se deslizan en trineo.
• Es necesario supervisar a los niños.
• Mantenga a los niños de corta edad separados de los de mayor edad.
• Deslizarse en trineo con los pies por delante o sentado, en lugar de acostado con 
la cabeza hacia delante, puede evitar lesiones de la cabeza.
• Considere hacer que su hijo use un casco mientras se desliza en trineo.
• Use trineos que se puedan guiar, no discos para nieve ni cámaras para neumáticos.
• Los trineos deben ser estructuralmente sólidos, y estar libres de bordes afilados y 
astillas, y el mecanismo de dirección debe estar bien lubricado.
• Las pendientes para trineos deben estar libres de obstáculos, como árboles o 
cercas; deben estar cubiertas de nieve, no de hielo; no deben estar demasiado empinadas (pendiente de menos de 30°), y deben terminar en un espacio plano 
suficiente para frenar.
• Evite deslizarse en trineo en áreas llenas de gente.
Esquí sobre nieve y deslizamiento en tabla para nieve (snowboarding)
• Un instructor capacitado debe enseñar a los niños a esquiar o a deslizarse en tabla 
para nieve en un programa diseñado para niños.
• Nunca esquíe, ni se deslice en tabla para nieve, solo.
• Los niños de corta edad siempre deben ser supervisados por un adulto. La 
necesidad de supervisión de niños de mayor edad por parte de un adulto depende 
de la madurez y habilidad del niño. Si los niños de mayor edad no están con un 
adulto, al menos deben estar acompañados por un amigo.
• Todos los esquiadores y quienes se deslicen en tabla para nieve deben usar casco. 
En los lugares para esquiar debe exigirse el uso de casco, pero si no se exige, los 
padres deben hacer que sus hijos cumplan con este requisito.
• El equipo debe quedarle bien al niño. Los esquiadores deben usar fijaciones de 
seguridad que se ajusten al menos cada año. Quienes se deslicen en tabla para 
nieve deben usar guantes con protectores de muñeca integrados. También deben 
utilizarse protección ocular o gafas protectoras.
• Las pendientes deben ser apropiadas para la habilidad y experiencia del esquiador 
o de quien se deslice en tabla para nieve. Evite las pendientes llenas de gente.
• Evite esquiar en áreas donde haya árboles y otros obstáculos.


Paseo en moto de nieve (snowmobiling)


• La AAP recomienda que los niños de menos de 16 años de edad no operen motos 
de nieve, y que los menores de seis años nunca vayan en estos vehículos.
• No use una moto de nieve para jalar un trineo ni esquiadores.
• Use gafas protectoras y un casco de seguridad aprobados para uso en vehículos 
motorizados, como motocicletas.
• Viaje a velocidades seguras.• Nunca ande en moto de nieve solo, ni por la noche.
Permanezca en los caminos trazados, lejos de carreteras, agua, vías ferroviarias y  
peatones.



Protección contra la luz solar


Los rayos del sol aún pueden causar quemaduras de sol durante el invierno, en especial 
cuando se reflejan desde la nieve. Asegúrese de cubrir la piel expuesta de su hijo con 
pantalla protectora solar.


Protección contra incendios



El invierno es una época durante la cual hay más peligro de que ocurran incendios en el 
hogar. Es un buen momento para recordar:
• Adquirir e instalar alarmas de humo en cada piso de su hogar
Probar las alarmas de humo mensualmente
Practicar simulacros de incendio con sus hijos
Instalar un detector de monóxido de carbono fuera de las recámaras
American Academy of Pediatrics, 


WINTER STORM TIPS

The following Winter tips are from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Please feel free to use them in any print or broadcast story, with appropriate attribution of source.

Preparing for Winter Storms 
  • Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperature on exposed skin.
  • Keep your car's gas tank full. This keeps the fuel line from freezing.
  • Listen to an NOAA Weather Radio, or a portable battery-powered radio (or television) for updated emergency information.
  • Move animals to sheltered areas.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel.
What To Do During a Winter Storm 
  • Stay indoors and dress warmly during the storm. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than one bulky sweater.
  • Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for updated emergency information.
  • Eat regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
  • Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
Dressing Children for Winter
  • Newborn babies need to be protected from the elements. Dress them in several layers of light clothing to keep them warm. Avoid overheating.
  • The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same situation.
  • Blankets, quilts, pillows, sheepskins and other loose bedding may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and should be kept out of an infant's sleeping environment. Warm footed pajamas are preferred.
  • If a blanket must be used to keep a sleeping infant warm, it should be tucked in around the crib mattress so the infant's face is less likely to become covered by bedding.
Hypothermia
  • Hypothermia develops when a child's temperature falls below normal due to exposure to cold. It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing proper clothing.
  • As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. His speech may become slurred and his body temperature will decline.
  • If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once. Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him in blankets or warm clothes.
Frostbite
  • Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen.
  • This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears, and nose. They may become pale, gray and blistered. At the same time, the child may complain that her skin burns or has become numb.
  • Bring the child indoors, where you should place the frostbitten parts of her body in warm (not hot) water. Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears and lips.
  • Do not rub the frozen areas.
  • After a few minutes, dry and cover her with clothing or blankets. Give her something warm to drink.
  • If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.
Winter Health
  • If your child suffers from winter nosebleeds, try using a cold air humidifier in the child's room at night. Saline nose drops may help to keep tissues moist. If bleeding is severe or recurrent, consult your pediatrician.
  • Many pediatricians feel that bathing two or three times a week is enough for an infant. More frequent baths may dry out the skin, especially during the winter.
  • Cold weather does not cause colds or flu. But the viruses that cause colds and flu tend to be more prevalent in the winter, when children are in school and are in closer contact with each other. Frequent hand-washing and teaching your child to sneeze or cough into their elbow and away from others may help reduce the risk of colds and flu.
  • Children between the ages of 6 and 23 months are encouraged to get an influenza vaccine to reduce their risk of getting the flu.

jueves, 16 de agosto de 2012

MI NINO(A) TIENE UNA LACERACION U OTRA HERIDA

El verano debe de ser un
tiempo para explorar sus
posibilidades y desarollar
su cuerpo y disfrutar, todo
tiene un riesgo, pero aun
las heridas pueden tener
un beneficio.......
llame al doctor cuando hay:
infeccion, herida profunda,
quemadura 3er grado, fractura con
herida





no todas las hierbas son anti
inflamatorias, hay que escojer bien












Por todo el verano los ninos exploran, corren y muchas veces se cayen.   Como se puede reparar una laceracion simple sin riesgo de infeccion, sin esperarse horas para ver un medico.  La piel o tegumento es la mas efectiva defensa imunologica que tenemos contra la enfermedad.  Una laceracion o pinchazo o quemadura de la piel la hace suseptible a infecciones.   El cuidado correcto de las herdidas puede resultar en menos tiempo para curarse, puede evitar la infeccion, puede evitar el dano a la piel en si.  En este pequeno resumen Uds veran los pasos necesarios para tratar el dolor, la curacion y el dano a la piel.  Puede tambien ayudar en evitar un cicatriz grande.






Esta cubre demasiado de la herida,
la proteja pero muchas veces
la deja con aun mas riesgo para
infeccion

Quizas la mejor
manera para empezar un
tratamiento de una laceracion          
esta opcion funciona
para dejar la parte
central de la herida
abierta al aire





LACERACION

1.  Aplica presion direct a la herida o a la arteria mas cerca a la herida con una tela limpia
2.  Eleva la parte que sangra arriba a la nivel del corazon para parar el flujo de la sangre
3.  Aplica presion a los vasos entre la herida el el corazon, cuidado con aplicar demasiado presion porque el cuerpo tiene un mecanismo natural para cuajar la sangre.   Las arterias son necesarias para ayudar con la curacion, y no se debe de oprimir esos vasos demasiado.
4.  Al dejar de sangrar se pone algo frio para disminuir el flujo de la sangre al area.  (Un panal enfriado con agua fria es suficiente).
5.  Ahora se puede lavar el area con jabon y agua fria.   Saca todo el polvo y todos los granitos o particulos.   Puede ser necesario frotar el area suavemente para sacar todos los particulos, usando agua limpia o esteril o agua con salina.  Si empieza a sangrar nuevamente, aplica presion directa con un panal limpia o gaza.
6.  se puede aplicar un unguento antiinfectivo a la laceracion.  Cuidadosamente pone las bordes de la herida cerca y pone una gaza esteril.  Si usa un liquido adhesivo, evita un unguento porque no se va a adherir con tal aplicacion.

PINCHAZO

CUIDADO:  no se usa unguento con pinchazo.
1.  Se usa H2O2 a la herida, el uso de tal solucion atrae particulos finos de la herida, ademas es un aninfectivo.  Hay que hacerlo 2 a 3 veces al dia.  Si empeora, hay que ver el medico.
2.  Cubrelo con gaza esteril y cambialo 2 a 3 veces al dia.
3.  Para el dia 3 se debe de mejorary.

RAZGUNO

1.  Limpialo bien
2.  Dejalo al aire libre.  Se puede usar un spray antiinfectivo, si se pone mas rojo, o si hay drenaje verde o amarillo se puede usar un unguento antiinfectivo y cubrirlo con una gaza esteril

Muchos estudios muestran
beneficios contra la
infeccion
ALOE VERA:  Mejor para prevenir ampollas
de quemaduras
QUEMADURA

1.  Solamente para quemaduras del primer o segundo grado.
2.  PRIMERO:
     Inmediatamente para la quemadura, si es quimico hay que neutralizar el quimico on agua fria (tibia para quimicas menos fuerte o si los ojos estan expuestos), por 15 minutos o hasta terminar completamente.   Si no hay agua cerca, se puede aplicar gaza frias al area.   Se deja el agua por 10 a 15 minutos, y cambiarlo.   NO SE APLICA el hielo, porque puede aumentar el dano a la piel en vez de quitarlo.
3.  Se puede aplicar "Aloe Vera: directamente a la quemadura para prevenir el desarollo de las ampollas.  Un pedacito directo cortado de la planta es suficiente.

COSAS NATURALES QUE AYUDAN Y NO HACEN DANO:
1.  La miel es antibacterial y antiinflamatorio.  En un estudio en 2006, pequenas, quemaduras se sana mas rapidas con una gaza con miel que los con unguentos antibacteriales.
2.  La mostaza reduce el dolor y las ampollas
3.  Un pedazo de papa puede prevenir manchas y cicatrices
4.  Lo blanco de un huevo puede reducir el dolor y prevenir manchas y cicatrices.
5.  Otras posibilidades incluyen:  te camomile, mint, lavendar oil, oatmeal

DEJA la quemadura al aire libre.   Una ampolla formara dentro de 24 hors si tienen una quemadurea al segundo grado.   Deja la apolla, se puede aplicar una benda liquida a la ampolla para que no se quibra
6.  Si se abre la ampolla, ya tienen una herida abierta, y hay que lavarla con jabon y agua para prevenir infeccion.

7.  Hay que tomar mucha agua, vitaminas como A,C,E,Zinc para ayudarla.




The skin is our first and most effective line of defense against illness. When our skin is damaged due to a scrape, cut, puncture or burn we are vulnerable to infection. Correct wound care is essential to minimize healing time and avoid infection and worsening of the area of damaged skin. This article will cover basic steps to care for minor skin injuries and thereby promote healing. Good healing decreases the pain associated with injuries to the skin and reduces the size and appearance of scarring afterward.



Control bleeding. Use one or more of the following strategies.
1.      
o   Apply direct pressure to the wound or to the artery within the closest proximity of the wound with your hand and a clean cloth.
Description: pply direct pressure to the wound or to the artery within the closest proximity of the wound with your hand and a clean cloth.
Description: http://pad2.whstatic.com/skins/common/images/magnify-clip.png Apply direct pressure to the wound or to the artery within the closest proximity of the wound with your hand and a clean cloth.
o   If possible elevate the bleeding part above the level of the heart to slow the flow of blood.
o   Apply pressure to blood vessels just above (closer to the heart than) the broken skin to slow the blood flow. It is important to remember to NOT absolutely cut off circulation by pressing on the artery with too much force. This gives your body's natural clotting mechanism time to take hold. Look at your body and identify good pressure points where blood vessels are close to the skin surface, do not confuse them for veins.
2.    2
Cool the affected area with a face cloth dampened with cold water once the area has stopped bleeding (see tips). The lowered temperature slows the flow of blood to the area.
3.    3
Wash the affected area. Use regular soap and cool water. Remove all dirt and debris from on/around the wound. It may be necessary to scrub the wound bed gently to remove all particles of debris. You may also flush the wound with clean water to remove debris or irrigate with a saline solution if available. If the wound begins to bleed again, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or gauze pad.
4.    4
Apply a thin layer of an anti-infective ointment to the skin around the cut (such as Amerigel or Neosporin). Carefully bring the edges of the wound together and secure with a dressing.
5.    5
Change the dressing at least once a day. Do so more often if the dressing becomes wet or soiled. Wash the area gently with soap and water, apply the anti-infective ointment and recover. Take care not to pull the wound apart.
6.    6
Leave the wound open to air once a scab begins to form. Take care to keep it clean as possible at all times. You may also want to apply a "liquid bandage"/regular bandage (such as a Band-Aid) at this point for added protection or to proceed to apply ointment to the affected area.
Punctures
Do not use Neosporin on puncture wounds!
1.    1
Soak the affected area in hydrogen peroxide. This will help draw out any fine particles deep in the wound and also acts as an anti-infective. Do this a couple times a day for the first day or two. If it is not getting better or is getting worse, take it to your doctor.
2.    2
Cover with a clean dry dressing, sterile if possible. Change after each soaking. By day two or three the wound should be "clean" and healing well. Apply a liquid bandage for added protection.
Scrapes
1.    1
Wash thoroughly.
2.    2
Leave open to air. Bathe the area a couple times a day with hydrogen peroxide. Spray with Bactine. If you notice the area becoming reddened and tender, or if there is yellow or green drainage from the wound, coat with anti-infective ointment and cover with a clean dry dressing.
3.    3
Apply a liquid bandage for added protection.
Burns
These instructions are for minor burns ONLY. (first degree and small second degree) Please see Tips for a link to useful information about burns.
1.    1
Halt the burning process. In the case of a chemical burn, you must neutralize the burning chemical. Place the affected part under cool running water (warm water for less harsh chemicals or when there is chemical exposure to the eyes) for approximately 15 minutes or until thoroughly flushed. If you are not near water, apply cool compresses to the area with gauze. Keep water on the area for 10-15 minutes, then remove for a couple minutes then reapply. Do not apply ice, as it is cold enough to increase tissue damage rather than reduce it.
o   Applying aloe vera directly to a burn prevents a blister from forming. If you have an aloe vera plant handy, cut off a small piece from the plant, slice the piece to expose the inner part of the plant, and gently apply it to the burn.
2.    2
Try a natural soother.
o   Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may prevent infection and promote healing. One study conducted in 2006 found that small, non-serious burns healed faster when treated with gauze and a dash of honey, on average, than those treated with antibiotic creams and other dressings. A separate report published earlier found similar results.
o   Mustard acts as both a pain reliever and blister reducer.
o   Rubbing a potato slice onto the burned area neutralizes the burn and helps prevent scarring.
o   Egg whites can take away the pain and also prevent marks and scars.
o   Other items to try include chamomile tea, corn starch, lavender oil, mint, and oatmeal
3.    3
Leave a burn open to air and keep area clean. Spray with Bactine. A blister will form within 24 hours if you have a second degree burn. If a blister forms, try to keep it intact. Do not attempt to break the blister! Applying a liquid bandage to a blister can toughen the skin and decrease the chance of it breaking.
o   If the blister opens, you now have an open wound. Wash the area gently with soap and water.
4.    4
Bring the edges of the skin together (the empty blister is a better protection for the underlying burned skin). Apply liquid bandage and cover with a clean dry dressing. If redness, tenderness or drainage develops, apply anti-infective ointment and cover the burn with clean gauze to protect it while it heals. Change daily.
o   Contact a physician if the burn gets worse, doesn't appear to ease, or develops severe blisters or discoloration of any kind.
5.    5
Drink lots of water until your burn heals completely. The extra moisture will help to soothe and heal the burn. Also consider taking vitamin supplements that will help your skin as it heals from the burn. Good ones to consider include vitamin A, C, E, Echinacea, St. John's Wart and/or zinc.
EditTips
·       Wash your hands thoroughly with ordinary hand soap and water (preferably warm) before touching the wound. Wear clean medical gloves if you have them when treating others. Then, after removing the gloves, wash your hands again. Dispose of the gloves by sealing them in a bag (plastic zip-locks work well) and discarding them where they can not be handled by others.
·       Clean the wound and change the dressing at least once a day, or if it becomes soiled or wet.
·       Pack a portable wound care kit in a Ziploc bag: A small bottled water, bactine or neosporin, a handful of gauze pads or clean cloths (wash cloths), a few band aids, a roll of wide silk tape, a roll of gauze and my favorite: Second Skin liquid barrier.
·       A good protective device for wound dressings on the hand is to just wear a rubber glove. The glove will help keep the dressing clean and dry.
·       Tetanus is a concern, if you haven't gotten a tetanus shot, get one.
·       To make an ice pack: fill a Ziploc sandwich bag about 1/2 full of (preferably crushed) ice and seal. Wrap in a dish towel or pillow case. Ice packs are used to cool burns, reduce swelling and bruising after an impact injury, and to slow bleeding initially, in the case of an open wound. Remove the cold pack every 10-15 minutes or if it becomes uncomfortable and allow the skin to warm up. This protects you from freezing and further damaging the skin.
·       Signs and symptoms of infection include: Redness and tenderness to the affected area, yellow or green opaque drainage, elevated body temperature, cold sweats, chills.
·       Learn about First Aid before you need it. Be prepared.

Warnings

·       If in doubt, seek medical attention.
·       If infection develops that is not resolved quickly with anti-infective ointment, seek medical attention.
·       If the wound is bleeding profusely, or blood is pulsating from the wound, do not waste time trying to clean the wound. Control bleeding first, then seek prompt medical attention.
·       Do NOT apply hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, iodine, betadine, or any other "disinfectant" to an open wound unless specifically instructed to do so by a physician. These chemicals are very irritating, can destroy newly growing cells, and may increase, rather than reduce, the potential for complications in healing. These chemicals have no place in a home or car first aid kit.
·       Keep pressure on the wound until bleeding stops, but do not cut off circulation to the area completely.
·       If you have a chemical burn, or if you feel the burn is deeper than just the first layer of skin, seek medical attention.
·       This instruction is for minor wounds only.
·       If the wound bleeds through the applied bandages, do NOT remove the bandages to apply new ones. Doing so would interrupt the clotting process and cause more bleeding. In such a case, it is best to simply layer more bandages on top of the bandages and call an ambulance.

EditThings You Need

·       Anti-infective ointment such as Neosporin
·       Liquid bandage such as Second Skin or Skin Prep
·       Gauze pads or clean cloths
·       Rolled gauze
·       Silk tape
·       Band aids
·       Clean water
·       Medical rubber or vinyl gloves
·       Also see natural care for burns

• staunch the bleeding from a cut by pressing hard on it.  Keep this up without

interruption for 10 minutes.  If the bleeding continues, repeat by applying more

dressing on top.  Press on this for another 10 minutes with your hand or use an

elasticated bandage.

• if you can’t stop the bleeding, telephone immediately for medical help.

• if you have symptoms of physiological shock, telephone immediately for medical

help.

• a cut that does not gape open and which has stopped bleeding can usually be

cared for at home. Make sure it is clean and cover it with a dressing.

• treat all burns or scalds without delay.  Immerse the injured area in cold running

water for least 10 minutes.

• burns can usually be cared for at home if they are no larger than the area you

can cover with your thumb.

• burns can usually be cared for at home if they just redden the skin (no large

blisters, no numb areas; no charring; no bright red areas).

• do not burst or prick the blisters that form on burnt skin.

• if a wound is to your hand, foot, head, stomach or genital area, always seek

advice from a GP surgery or hospital emergency department.

• seek medical advice if you begin to suffer dizziness or feel faint (especially when

suddenly standing up).

• seek advice if a wound appears infected or isn’t healing as you think it should.

• replace fluids lost from a cut or b

WHEN MOUNTAIN BIKING:


All-in-one Bandages


Fingertip Bandage
The fingertip bandage has a narrow center with wide adhesive flaps. The narrow "waist" allows it to cover a curved surface without wrinkling. Some uses for this bandage are:
    1. protecting a shallow laceration of the fingertip or thumb tip
    2. covering a cut or abrasion between the fingers or toes
    3. protecting a loose fingernail or toenail (partial nail avulsion)
    4. covering a small chin or nose abrasion

A laceration may be treatable at home if:
    1. there is no protruding fat (see the section on injuries)
    2. the laceration stops bleeding rapidly (within ten minutes)
    3. the edges appear to match perfectly
    4. the cut doesn't open with traction on nearby skin
    5. the edges don't separate with use of the injured part
    6. the area is not "tricky" or critical (such as face, genitals or knuckle)
    7. there is no numbness, weakness, or difficulty moving the injured area

Knuckle Bandage
The knuckle bandage has four adhesive flaps. The flaps allow the bandage to remain secure on a curved or moving area. Some uses for this bandage are:
    1. protecting a shallow laceration on a knuckle
    2. covering an abrasion on a "curve" like the heel or chin
    3. covering an abrasion or cut on the back of the elbow
    4. covering any area where the skin stretches or moves
 Click here to link to WoundCareShop to purchase first aid supplies such as knuckle bandages or fingertip bandages.

Large Plastic Bandage
The large plastic bandage is used to cover a wound of intermediate size. This usually will be a skin surface injury such an abrasion or superficial burn. To cover and protect, the injury area must be fairly flat.
Sample uses for this bandage could include:
    1. an open wound (such as an abrasion) on the thigh
    2. a scrape on the shoulder
    3. a small burn on the trunk or thigh
A bandage of this type does NOT provide adequate protection for a large laceration, because it doesn't provide any compression or traction to keep the cut closed.

Plastic Bandage Strip
A plastic bandage can be used to cover a simple, small wound. The wound must NOT need padding or compression. A plastic bandage should only be used over a non-moving area -- for example, the space between the knuckles on the shaft of a finger is OK; between the fingers or over a knuckle is NOT.
Sample uses of plastic strips include:
    1. a small shallow puncture wound that is not bleeding
    2. A partial thickness laceration on a finger (not over the knuckle)
    3. a tiny abrasion on a non-moving area
Plastic strips are NOT appropriate for wounds where the skin stretches with motion -- for example on the back of the elbow or underside of the wrist. They're NOT to be used on lacerations that require intervention to close.
Cloth bandages are more flexible over moving parts. But they tend to fray and unroll from the wound. The adhesive on a cloth bandage is more likely to leave a residue. So for most cuts, a plastic bandage is a better choice. But where the cloth bandage works, it's wonderful.
Laceration Closure

Butterfly Bandage
A butterfly bandage is used to pull the edges of a short laceration together. Typically, a butterfly is used for a small cut that tends to gape a bit. The edges of the cut must be sharp, not rough or irregular. (See the laceration information in the injuries section.)
Because the butterfly dressing does NOT stretch, it can only be used where the skin will not stretch or shift while the wound heals. In general, steri-strip closure is preferred to butterfly bandages.

To place the butterfly, the laceration edges are pushed together. The strip is placed across the wound (long direction of the strip aiming 90 degrees opposite the long direction of the cut). One side is pressed firmly into place, with the narrow waist lying directly over the cut. Then the second "paddle" is pushed onto the skin. The butterfly is left in place while the cut heals. It's usually best to protect the butterfly by covering it with a gauze pad and a kling wrap.

Wound Closure Tape
Steri-Strips (TM 3M) are wound closure tapes. They are ideal for partial thickness cuts. Steris are more flexible than a butterfly bandage, and can close longer lacerations.
Click here to link to WoundCareShop to purchase first aid supplies such as Steri-Strips.
After cleaning the laceration, dry the surrounding skin. Apply benzoin tincture to the skin (don't get it in the cut). Cut the strips, then push the laceration edges together. Place strips across the wound (long direction of the strip aiming 90 degrees opposite the long direction of the cut). Protect with gauze (without antibiotic ointment) and a wrap.

The steris can be left in place while the heals. Steri-Strips may not provide good long-term protection in areas where the skin shifts or stretches (underside of the wrist, back of the elbow). The only disadvantage is: they're not as easy to find as butterfly bandages, and they're more expensive.
Dressing Pads

Non-adherent Pad
Non-adherent pads are useful to cover open wounds such as burns and abrasions. The brand known best is Telfa. The pad keeps the dressing from sticking to the wound.
After cleaning the wound, antibiotic ointment is applied. Be sure the patient isn't allergic to the antibiotic. The non-stick pad is placed next, then a gauze pad to cushion and protect. A kling wrap keeps the gauze in place.

Gauze Pads
Gauze pads cushion and protect wounds. They also prevent dryness in an open wound. (The gauze pad shouldn't be placed directly on an open wound, because it will stick.) The gauze pads have a loose weave, so blood and fluids can ooze pass through to be absorbed.
Click here to link to WoundCareShop to purchase first aid supplies such as gauze pads.
To construct a dressing, first place a non-stick pad. Put the gauze directly over top. Bind it down with a roller gauze (kling wrap). If you need compression (either to prevent swelling or bleeding, or to keep the bandage in place), add an elastic wrap or Coban wrap. Otherwise, apply just enough tape to keep the dressing in place.

Padding Roll Gauze
Padding roll gauze is very useful to cushion large wounds. It's often called "Kerlix," which is a specific brand. It can be used in place of a kling wrap in the dressing, and for many wounds provides enough padding that gauze pads are not required. It absorbs ooze or blood, and prevents dryness in an open wound.
The padding roll gauze can also be used for compression dressings, for example to compress a sprained ankle. Apply it under the elastic wrap.

Sanitary Napkin
While lady bikers may carry a napkin or panty-liner for "emergencies" on the trail, there are other uses. The pad is sterile, absorbent, doesn't gum up and stick to the wound like toilet paper, and removes in one piece.
The pad makes an excellent temporary dressing. It can also be used as padding over an injury. It's large enough to give a sterile covering for a big wound, open fractures, or exposed viscera.
Guys: The only drawback to taking your wife's "emergency supply" from the glove compartment is that -- admit it -- most of you would rather bleed to death or die of infection than be seen with it.

Trauma Dressing
The multi-trauma dressing can be used as padding, or as coverage. Coming in various sizes, these dressings unfold to cover (for example) the entire chest or abdomen.
The large size makes it useful for covering large areas of burn or abrasion while you travel to a medical facility. It can be used to cover exposed viscera. The dressing can be used to pad an injured arm or leg inside a splint.

Eye Pads
Eye pads are padded dressings for the eye. Eye pads are used to keep the eye shut following minor eye injuries such as a corneal abrasion. Depending on the depth of the eye socket, you may have to fold a pad in half to get the right amount of pressure.
The eye pad is taped in place. Run the bands of tape in an oblique direction: aim the top end for the middle of the front hairline and the bottom end for the angle of the jaw.

NOTE: You should NOT tape an eye pad over an eye that may have been punctured, or that has an impaled object. Instead, tape a paper drinking cup (with the open end facing the eye) over the eye.

Eye pads can also be used to provide local pressure over a wound. For example, to get control of bleeding in a puncture wound: place a couple of eye pads directly over it, secure it with a kling wrap, then use a compression wrap to apply pressure.


Securing a Dressing

Roll Gauze
Roller gauze is used to secure dressings. This type of bandage is called a kling wrap. Pick a size appropriate to the wound, and to the body part you'll be bandaging. For example, a 1 inch roll is appropriate for fingers, while a 3 inch roll is about right for the upper arm.
To construct a dressing, first place a non-stick pad. Put the gauze pad directly over top. Bind it down with your roller gauze. If you need compression (either to prevent swelling or bleeding, or to keep the bandage in place), add an elastic wrap or Coban wrap. Otherwise, apply just enough tape to keep the dressing in place.
Click here to link to WoundCareShop to purchase first aid supplies such as KLING roll gauze.

Padding Roll Gauze
Padding roll gauze is very useful to cushion large wounds. It's often called "Kerlix," which is a specific brand. It can be used in place of a kling wrap in the dressing. It absorbs ooze or blood, and prevents dryness in an open wound.
The padding roll gauze can also be used for compression dressings, for example to compress a sprained ankle. Apply it under the elastic wrap.

To construct a dressing, first place antibiotic ointment, then a non-stick pad. Put a gauze pad directly over top. Bind it down with the padding roll gauze. If you need compression (either to prevent swelling or bleeding, or to keep the bandage in place), add an elastic wrap or Coban wrap. Otherwise, apply just enough tape to keep the dressing in place.

Self-adherent Compression Bandage
Coban is a sample brand of self-adherent compression wrap. It sticks to itself, but does NOT stick to you. It can be used in many of the situations where you would use an elastic bandage (ace wrap). It's lighter and more conforming to your shape.
Click here to link to WoundCareShop to purchase first aid supplies such as Coban wrap.
Example uses for Coban wrap would be:
    1. compression of a healing shin muscle strain during sports
    2. support for a healing wrist sprain at work
    3. placement over a kling wrap to compress an injury

Coban does not rip. Use your scissors to cut it to the right length. In general, the wrap should be tightest at the end that's furthest from the heart.

Watch for signs that the wrap is too tight -- such as swelling, numbness, discoloration, or pain "downstream" from the wrap. Coban contains latex, to which some people are allergic.

Elastic bandage
Often called an "ace wrap," the elastic bandage is a roll of loose-weave cloth containing elastic strands. Wrapped around the extremity or trunk, it squeezes the underlying tissues.
Its uses are:

    1. compression of injuries such as a sprain or bruise
    2. elastic immobilization or support of injured parts
    3. securing the dressing on a large open wound
    4. control of bleeding in wounds or fractures
    5. symptom control in rib fracture

Select a size appropriate to the injured part: adult wrist = 2 inch, adult ankle = 4 inch, adult thigh or chest = 6 inch. In general, the wrap should be tightest at the end that's furthest away from your heart. Be careful that the wrap doesn't cut off circulation -- watch for swelling, discoloration, increasing pain, or numbness "downstream" from the wrap.

Tape
Tape can be used to secure a dressing, but it's not the ideal choice. (A kling wrap secured with self-adhering wrap such as Coban is ideal. But tape may be useful when pressure is needed on a finger wound, or when you need a little extra security to keep a dressing from unraveling.
Click here to link to WoundCareShop to purchase first aid supplies such as tape.
Cloth tape is made to have excellent strength, yet still be "tearable." The tape can be used for:
    1. securing a dressing
    2. taping a splint
    3. "sticky pickup" of glass fragments from the skin
    4. taping a joint for stability
To tear the tape, use a sideways "shearing" force.
Immobilization

Aluminum Splint
A bendable aluminum splint can be used to immobilize finger injuries. Some types of this splint have a foam strip glued to the metal for cushioning.
Sample uses:
    1. immobilizing a laceration over a finger joint
    2. treating minor finger sprains.
    3. treating finger tendon strain
The splint can be cut to length with your EMT snips. Bend it to the position desired; the finger is usually most comfortable in a "half-bent" position. The splint is secured with bands of tape.

Triangular Bandage
The triangular bandage's primary use is as a sling. But it can be surprisingly handy. The triangular bandage can also be used as a tie for a splint on the arm or leg. It can be used as a wrap to secure a dressing. In a pinch, it can even replace a broken helmet strap.
Unfold the cloth. Bring the long ends together around the neck, with the pointy end at the elbow. Secure it with a knot or pen. Keep the elbow from sliding out by typing a knot, pinning the flap, or tucking the extra cloth in.