Knowing what to do in front of the most common domestic accidents can not only reduce the severity of the accident, but also save a life.
Accidents that happen most often at home are burns, nosebleeds, intoxication, cuts, electric shock, falls, choking and biting. So, here's how to deal with each type of accident and what to do to avoid them:
1. Burns
Burns may occur due to prolonged exposure to the sun or sources of heat such as fire or boiling water, and what to do include:
- Place the affected area under cold water for 15 minutes in the case of hot objects, or apply aloe vera cream in case of sunburn;
- Avoid rubbing any type of product, like butter or oil;
- Do not stick the blisters that can appear on the burned skin.
Read more in: First aid for burns.
When it can be serious: if it is larger in size than the palm of the hand or when it does not cause any type of pain. In these cases it is recommended to call for medical help, calling 192, or going to the emergency room.
How to avoid: Avoid sun exposure between 11 and 16 hours and use sunscreen as well as keep children from objects that could cause burns.
2. Bleeding from the nose
Bleeding from the nose is usually not a serious situation. It can be caused by blowing your nose very hard, poking your nose or taking a blow, for example.
To stop bleeding, you should:
- Sit and tilt your head forward;
- Tighten nostrils with thumb and forefinger for at least 10 minutes;
- After stopping the bleeding, clean the nose and mouth, without pressure, using a compress or cloth wet with warm water;
- Do not blow your nose for at least 4 hours after your nose bleeds.
Learn more at: First Aid for Bleeding Nose.
When it can be serious: if other symptoms appear such as dizziness, fainting or bleeding in the eyes and ears. In these cases an ambulance should be called by calling the 192, or go immediately to the emergency room.
How to avoid: Do not be exposed too long in the sun or at very high temperatures, as heat dilates the veins of the nose, facilitating bleeding.
3. Poisoning or poisoning
Intoxication is more common in children due to the accidental ingestion of medicines or cleaning products that are within their reach. In these cases, what should be done immediately is:
- Call for medical help by calling 192;
- Identify the source of poisoning;
- Keep victim calm until medical aid arrives.
See more in: First aid for poisoning.
When it can be serious: all kinds of poisoning is a serious situation and so medical help should be called immediately.
How to avoid: Products that can cause poisoning should be kept locked away from the reach of children.
4. Cortes
The cuts can be caused by sharp objects, such as knife or scissors, as well as piercing objects, such as nails or needles, for example. First aid includes:
- Press on the spot with a clean cloth;
- Wash the area with saline solution or with soap and water after stopping the bleeding;
- Cover the wound with a sterile bandage;
- Avoid removing objects that are piercing the skin;
- Call 192 or go to the emergency room if there are any objects piercing the skin.
When it can be serious: 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 should be kept out of the reach of children and should be used with care and attention by the adult.
5. Electric Shock
Electric shocks are more common in children due to a lack of protection at the wall socket, however, they can also happen when using a household appliance in poor condition, for example. What you should do in these cases is:
- Turn off the power supply;
- Remove the victim from the electric source using wooden, plastic or rubber objects;
- Lay the victim to avoid falls and fractures after electric shock;
- Call an ambulance by calling 192.
See more about what to do in: First aid for electric shock.
When it can be serious: when there are burns on the skin, constant tremors or fainting, for example.
How to avoid: Electronic equipment must be serviced according to the manufacturer's instructions, as well as avoid using or connecting electrical sources with wet hands. In addition, if there are children in the home, it is recommended to protect the wall outlets to prevent the child from sticking fingers into the electric current.
6. Falls
Falls usually occur when stumbling or slipping on rugs or on the wet floor. However, they can also happen when riding a bicycle or standing on top of a tall object, such as a chair or steps.
First aid for falls include:
- 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 on the affected area.
Read more about what to do in case of 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 an ambulance should be called, calling 192, or going to the ER immediately.
How to avoid: Avoid standing on tall or unstable objects, as well as wearing well-fitting shoes, for example.
7. Asphyxiation
Choking is usually caused by choking which can happen, more often, by eating or swallowing small objects such as a pen cap, toys or coins, for example. First aid in this case is:
- Knock 5 times in the middle of the victim's back, keeping your hand open and in a rapid upward motion;
- Do the Heimlich maneuver if the person continues choking. To do this, you should hold the victim from behind, wrap your arms around the trunk and press with a clenched fist over the pit of your stomach. Here's how to maneuver it correctly;
- Call for medical help by 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 blue face or hands. In these cases an ambulance should be called or immediately go to the emergency room to receive oxygen.
How to avoid: It is advisable to chew the food correctly and avoid eating too large pieces of bread or meat, for example. In addition, you should also avoid placing small objects in your mouth or offer 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 may vary. However, first aid for bites are:
- Call for medical help by calling 192;
- Lay the victim down and keep the affected region below heart level;
- Wash the bite area with soap and water;
- Avoid making a tourniquet, sucking the poison or squeezing the site of the bite.
Learn more at: First aid in case of bite.
When it can be serious: any type of bite can be serious, especially when provoked by venomous animals. Thus, it is always advised to go to the emergency room to evaluate the bite and start the appropriate treatment.
How to avoid: It is recommended to put nets on the windows and doors to prevent the entry of venomous animals into the house.
See more tips in the video:
