More First Aid Tips Following New Dog Attack
As a three-year-old girl from Warwickshire begins to recover in hospital from her serious head injuries following an attack by a Dobermann Pinscher family pet, questions are (once again) being raised about the safety of children with dogs as well as what other First Aid tips would be useful.
It’s been reported that the girl suffered from head, neck and throat injuries in the incident that took place in the garden of her grandparents’ house.
Her condition was stabilised by a doctor from the Air Ambulance who arrived on scene in a helicopter. She was then flown to Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment.
Facial, head and neck injuries are always distressing for both the casualty and the First Aider or other medically trained staff dealing with it. There is no doubt the child would be distraught, as would the parents - so the first aid role is crucial in aiding the recovery of the casualty.
I’ve already posted some First Aid advice on this blog for such incidents, however it is worth pointing out the First Aid treatment for facial injuries.
First Aid for Facial/Neck Injuries:
First of all, the most important thing you must do once the injured person is free from danger is to get medical help, remain calm and show the injured person that you can help them by the actions you take.
Be firm yet comforting to your casualty. Reassure them with phrases like “I’m here to help” and explain everything you are doing or intend to do. DO NOT say, “Everything is going to be alright” because you don’t know if that is true or not. Everything might not be “alright”, especially if it results in plastic surgery or even death – and what you deem to be “alright” may be very different from what the casualty or bystanders deem to be “alright”.
Cover the injuries as quickly as possible to avoid further distress for either the casualty or witnesses. Be sure not to apply too much pressure over the area, especially around the neck (for obvious reasons!).
Avoid any reference within earshot of the casualty to the poor state of the casualty’s injuries or condition as this can (and probably will) affect their recovery. You’ll find everything you need to know on the impact of what you say and how you say it in my next book “Let’s talk First Aid” which will be out next year.
It’s been reported that the girl suffered from head, neck and throat injuries in the incident that took place in the garden of her grandparents’ house.
Her condition was stabilised by a doctor from the Air Ambulance who arrived on scene in a helicopter. She was then flown to Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment.
Facial, head and neck injuries are always distressing for both the casualty and the First Aider or other medically trained staff dealing with it. There is no doubt the child would be distraught, as would the parents - so the first aid role is crucial in aiding the recovery of the casualty.
I’ve already posted some First Aid advice on this blog for such incidents, however it is worth pointing out the First Aid treatment for facial injuries.
First Aid for Facial/Neck Injuries:
First of all, the most important thing you must do once the injured person is free from danger is to get medical help, remain calm and show the injured person that you can help them by the actions you take.
Be firm yet comforting to your casualty. Reassure them with phrases like “I’m here to help” and explain everything you are doing or intend to do. DO NOT say, “Everything is going to be alright” because you don’t know if that is true or not. Everything might not be “alright”, especially if it results in plastic surgery or even death – and what you deem to be “alright” may be very different from what the casualty or bystanders deem to be “alright”.
Cover the injuries as quickly as possible to avoid further distress for either the casualty or witnesses. Be sure not to apply too much pressure over the area, especially around the neck (for obvious reasons!).
Avoid any reference within earshot of the casualty to the poor state of the casualty’s injuries or condition as this can (and probably will) affect their recovery. You’ll find everything you need to know on the impact of what you say and how you say it in my next book “Let’s talk First Aid” which will be out next year.
posted by AmandaClarke at
4:45 AM
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