MEPX
Chapter 8 of 10All chapters
  1. 1First principles
  2. 2Someone unresponsive
  3. 3CPR and defibrillators
  4. 4Choking
  5. 5Bleeding and wounds
  6. 6Burns and scalds
  7. 7Medical emergencies
  8. 8Everyday injuries
  9. 9Kit and preparation
  10. 10Knowing your limits

Chapter 8 of 10

Everyday injuries

Common and less urgent.

Sprains and breaks

Rest, ice through a cloth, and support. Suspect a fracture with deformity, inability to bear weight, or severe localised pain, and get it assessed.

  • Head injury with confusion, vomiting or drowsiness needs urgent assessment.
  • Nosebleed: lean forward, pinch the soft part for ten minutes.

Heat and cold

Heat exhaustion needs shade, fluid and cooling. Heat stroke, with confusion and hot dry skin, is an emergency. Hypothermia needs gradual rewarming and no alcohol.