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Minor-major accidents and golden moments

15 July 2004, 18:00 PM
OPINION
By Dr. Rubaiul Murshed
15 July 2004, 18:00 PM
Hopefully you may never have been in need of emergency treatment -- but it is always wise to know something which you can apply to someone else before a qualified doctor comes. We often experience critical situation which is related to accidents injurious to health. Each and every second is important at that moment -- in fact we can say 'golden minutes or moments' as success of emergency treatment mostly depends on immediate management. You could be called upon to help an injured at any time who requires first aid in these situations. First Aid means immediate attention and treatment given when someone suffers an injury or any sort of sudden illness. It is unfortunate that most of our responsible citizens are not aware of basic life-saving techniques of resuscitation for which you do not need to be doctor; but it is very important that you are taught and practice under a qualified doctor or instructor (you can contact Bangladesh Red Crescent). Always remember that staying calm, supportive and being compassionate are important part of the management. Reassuring is also a useful part.

On the other hand there are situations when you should always look for urgent expertise help from doctors and hospitals. Like when --

*Someone is unconscious - his/her life is in severe danger. The airway may be blocked; breathing may have stopped along with blood circulation.

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*Someone is having difficulty in breathing and his lips are going blue.

*Someone has a deep wound and that may be bleeding badly.

*Someone has a serious burn caused by dry heat, wet heat or acid.

*Someone has chemical or suspected irritants in the eyes.

*Someone specially, child, has drunk or eaten anything which may be poisonous.

*Someone has suspected broken bones or is bleeding through ears.

However, remember in above situations: Please do not leave a casualty alone. Try your best to send the injured (proper way) for medical help immediately. Sometimes you may be the only one present in such a situation and help is unlikely to arrive; and you will have to go for help yourself almost immediately. Time has come -- we need to develop a culture of 'First aid treatment' in each and every home. Undoubtedly we will be able to prevent lot of fatal causalities.