Chest pain or discomfort
People suffer chest pain for different
reasons. Any chest pain that lasts for more
than 15 minutes should be considered
serious.
zz
Advise the patient to rest.
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If the patient has medicine for angina, get
it and assist the patient to take it.
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Seek urgent medical attention.
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If unconscious, follow DRSABCD.
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Do not drive the patient to hospital.
Additional exertion could cause the heart
to suffer more damage.
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If the patient is not allergic to aspirin,
is not asthmatic or taking any anti-
coagulant medication (e.g. Warfarin), give
one aspirin tablet dissolved in water.
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Monitor the patient’s pulse, breathing and
consciousness until medical help arrives.
Eye injury
Eye injuries must be treated by a
professional.
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If the eye has had a severe blow, or is
bleeding, rest the patient on their back
and keep them still. Lightly cover the
injured eye and call 000 (Triple Zero) for
an ambulance.
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Chemicals in the eye must be washed
out immediately by gently flushing the eye
with water for up to 15 minutes.
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Do not attempt to remove embedded
objects or anything on the coloured part
of the eye.
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Seek medical aid immediately.
Head injury
Any person sustaining a head injury should
be assessed by a doctor, especially if they
have been unconscious, even for a short
time.
Limb injury
Pain, deformity or loss of movement to a limb
could mean a fracture or dislocation. The
injury needs immediate care.
zz
Do not move the patient’s limb unless
they are in danger.
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Use padding such as towels or clothing to
support the limb on both sides and keep
it still and secure, remembering to control
any bleeding.
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Avoid movement and call 000 (Triple Zero)
for an ambulance.
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If the neck or back is injured, do not move
the person.
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For strains and sprains, rest the injured
part. Apply a cold pack (wrapped in a wet
cloth) to control swelling. Bandage firmly
for support and elevate the limb. See a
doctor.
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