First aid for the 8 most common domestic accidents

Knowing what to do in the face of the most common domestic accidents can not only lessen the severity of the accident, but also save a life.

The accidents that happen most often at home are burns, nose bleeds, intoxication, cuts, electric shock, falls, suffocation and bites. So, see how to act before each type of accident and what to do to avoid them:

1. Burns

Burns can occur due to prolonged exposure to the sun or sources of heat, such as fire or boiling water, for example, and what should be done includes:

1. Place the affected region under cold water for 15 minutes, in case of hot objects, or apply aloe vera cream, in case of sunburn; Avoid rubbing any type of product, such as butter or oil; Do not pierce the bubbles that may appear in the burnt skin.

Read more at: First aid for burns.

When it can be severe: if it is larger than the palm of your hand or when it does not cause any pain. In these cases it is recommended to call medical help, calling 192, or go to the emergency room.

How to avoid: sun exposure should be avoided between 11 am and 4 pm and use sunscreen, as well as keep children away from objects that may cause burns.

2. Bleeding through the nose

Bleeding from the nose is usually not a serious condition, it can be caused when you blow your nose very hard, when you poke your nose or when you are hit, for example.

To stop bleeding you must:

1. Sit and lean your head forward; Pinch your nostrils with your thumb and index finger for at least 10 minutes; After stopping the bleeding, clean your nose and mouth, without applying pressure, using a compress or cloth soaked with warm water; No blow your nose for at least 4 hours after your nose bleeds.

Learn more at: First aid for bleeding nose.

When it can be severe: if other symptoms appear, such as dizziness, fainting or bleeding in the eyes and ears. In these cases, you must call an ambulance, calling 192, or go immediately to the emergency room.

How to avoid: not being exposed to the sun for a long time or to very high temperatures, as the heat dilates the veins of the nose, facilitating bleeding.

3. Intoxication or poisoning

Intoxication is more frequent in children due to accidental ingestion of medications or cleaning products that are within reach. In these cases, what should be done immediately is:

1. Call medical help by calling 192; Identify the source of the poison; Keep the victim calm until medical help arrives.

See more at: First aid for poisoning.

When it can be serious: all types of poisoning are serious situations and, therefore, medical help should be called immediately.

How to avoid: Products that can cause poisoning must be kept locked and out of the reach of children.

4. Cuts

The cuts can be caused by sharp objects, such as a knife or scissors, as well as sharp objects, such as nails or needles, for example. First aid includes:

1. Apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth; Wash the area with saline solution or soap and water after stopping the bleeding; Cover the wound with a sterile dressing; Avoid removing objects that are perforating the skin; Call 192 or go to the emergency room if there are objects piercing the skin.

When it can be severe: if the cut is caused by objects with rust or when the bleeding is very large and difficult to stop.

How to avoid: objects that can cause cuts must be kept out of the reach of children and must be used with care and attention by the adult.

5. Electric shock

Electric shocks are more frequent in children due to the lack of protection in the wall outlets at home, however, they can also happen when using a household appliance in poor condition, for example. What to do in these cases is:

1. Turn off the main power supply; Remove the victim from the electrical source using wooden, plastic or rubber objects; Lay the victim down to avoid falls and fractures after the electric shock; Call an ambulance by calling 192.

See more about what to do at: First aid for electric shock.

When it can be severe: when skin burns, constant tremors or fainting, for example.

How to avoid: maintenance of electronic devices according to the manufacturer's instructions, as well as avoid using or turning on electrical sources with wet hands. In addition, if there are children at home, it is recommended to protect the wall outlets to prevent the child from inserting fingers into the electrical current.

6. Falls

Falls usually happen when you trip or slip on carpets or on the wet floor. However, they can also happen when riding a bicycle or standing on a tall object, such as a chair or ladder.

First aid for falls include:

1. Calm the victim and observe the presence of fractures or bleeding; Stop bleeding, if necessary, applying pressure on the spot with a clean cloth or gauze; Wash and apply ice over the affected region.

Read more about what to do if you fall in: What to do after a fall.

When it can be serious: if the person falls on his head, has excessive bleeding, fractures a bone or has symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness or fainting. In these cases, you must call an ambulance, calling 192, or go immediately to the emergency room.

How to avoid: avoid standing on top of tall or unstable objects, as well as using shoes that are well adjusted to the foot, for example.

7. Choking

Asphyxiation is usually caused by choking, which can happen, more often, when eating or swallowing small objects, such as the cap of a pen, toys or coins, for example. First aid in this case are:

1. Strike 5 times in the middle of the victim's back, keeping the hand open and in a quick movement from the bottom up; Perform the Heimlich maneuver, if the person continues to choke. To do this, you must hold the victim from behind, wrap your arms around the torso and apply pressure with a clenched fist over the mouth of the stomach. See how to do the maneuver correctly; Call medical help, calling 192, if the person continues to choke after the maneuver.

See also what to do in case of choking: What to do if someone chokes.

When it can be serious: when the victim is more than 30 seconds unable to breathe or has a bluish face or hands. In these cases, you should call an ambulance or go immediately to the emergency room to receive oxygen.

How to avoid: it is advisable to chew your food properly and avoid eating very large pieces of bread or meat, for example. In addition, you should also avoid putting small objects in your mouth or offering toys with small parts for children.

8. Bites

Bites or stings can be caused by various types of animal, such as dog, bee, snake, spider or ant, and therefore treatment can vary. However, first aid for bites are:

1. Call medical help by calling 192; Lay the victim down and keep the affected region below the level of the heart; Wash the bite area with soap and water; Avoid tourniquet, suck the poison or squeeze the bite site.

Learn more at: First aid in case of bite.

When it can be serious: any type of bite can be serious, especially when caused by venomous animals. Thus, it is always advisable to go to the emergency room to assess the bite and start the appropriate treatment.

How to avoid: it is recommended to place nets on windows and doors to prevent the entry of venomous animals inside the house.

See more tips in the video: