Sample Text from the First Aid Pocket Guide

Breathing Emergencies-General

Signs of breathing trouble include:

• Noisy breathing
• Wheezing
• Blue around lips, earlobes, under fingernails
• Indrawing at the top of the breastbone, inability to speak, but conscious.
  

Difficulty in Breathing

This is a sign of many conditions i.e. asthma, infections, heart problems.Patient needs 100% oxygen. Call 911 immediately.

Treatment:

• Let patient choose their position if conscious
• Loosen tight clothing
• Reassure them that help is on the way
• If they request medication for their condition (e.g. puffers for asthma) give it to them. Many patients with breathing problems have oxygen at home
• If patient wants level increased go to 6 maximum

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Eye Injuries

Blow to the Eye

This may cause the common "black eye" but sometimes may involve damage which is more serious. Always ask the patient if they can see well out of the injured eye. If not, refer to a physician or to the hospital emergency department. Also, examine the eye for bleeding behind the clear part of eye (cornea) and refer to a doctor immediately if blood is seen.

Chemical in the Eye

Treatment:

• Flush with water immediately, and continue for at least 15 minutes. Remove to hospital and continue to flush with water.

Flashburn

This common injury occurs when welders and those around them expose their eyes to bright welding flashes. This will cause severe eye discomfort, usually several hours after the exposure

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Taken from the First Aid Pocket Guide