First Aid

Introduction Wounds Bleeding Suffocation Drowning Hanging, Strangling, and Throttling Fainting Nose Bleeds Snake Bites Minor Burns & Scalds Sunburn Heat Exhaustion

| Hanging, Strangling, and Throttling | Fainting |

Hanging, Strangling, and Throttling

Pressure on the outside of the neck squeezes the airway and blocks the flow of air to the lungs.
- Hanging is suspension of the body by a noose around the neck.
- Strangling occurs when the air supply is cut off by a constriction around the neck.
- Throttling is cutting off the air supply by squeezing a person's throat. �
 
Recognition
- A constricting article around the neck.
- Marks around the casualty's neck where a constriction has been removed.
- Rapid, distressed breathing, impaired consciousness, and blueness of the skin.
- Congestion of the face, with prominent veins, and possibly tiny spots on the face or on the whites of the eyes. �
 
Aims
To restore adequate breathing.
To arrange removal to hospital. �
 
Treatment
1) Quickly remove any constriction from around the casualty's neck, supporting the body if it is still hanging.
2) If the casualty is unconscious, check breathing and pulse, and be prepare to resuscitate. Place her in the recovery position.
3) Seek medical aid, even if recovery seems complete. �
 
Do not destroy or interfere with any of the evidence (for example, knots) that the police may need.

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Fainting

A faint (also known as syncope) is a brief loss of consciousness caused by a temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain. Unlike shock, the pulse becomes very slow, though it soon picks up and returns to normal. Recovery is usually rapid and complete. A faint may be a reaction to pain or fright, or the result of emotional upset, exhaustion, or lack of food. It is more common, however, after long periods of physical inactivity, especially in warm atmospheres. Blood pools in the lower part of the body, reducing the amount available to the brain. �
 
Recognition
- A brief loss of consciousness; the casualty will fall to the floor.
- A slow pulse.
- Pallor. �
 
Aims
To improve blood flow to the brain.
To reassure the casualty as he/she recovers, and make him/her comfortable. �
 
Treatment
1) Lay the casualty down, and raise and support his/her legs.
2) Make sure he/she has plenty of fresh air; open a window if necessary.
3) As he/she recovers, reassure his/her and help his/her sit up eventually.
4) Look for and treat any injury sustained through falling. �
 
If he/she does not regain consciousness quickly, check breathing and pulse, and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary. Place her in the recovery position And dial 995 for an ambulance.
 
If he/she starts to feel faint again, place his/her head between his/her knees and tell his/her to take deep breaths.

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