No one leaves their homes planning to get injured, but it can happen anytime due to unforeseen circumstances. The good news is that you can prepare yourself by learning what to do in case of an injury. This isn’t just going to help you; it can also save another person’s life. We’ve listed some of the most common injuries you can start treating alone.

Concussions (Head Injuries)

If you hit your head on a blunt surface because of a fall or something similar, there is a high chance that you will suffer a concussion. Some common symptoms of concussions are headache, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. If the concussion is due to someone else’s negligence, you will need to contact Hamilton personal injury attorney for legal advice.

Before contacting an attorney, make sure you stay seated and avoid any strenuous activity until you can determine that you are not mentally compromised in any way. Suddenly, losing consciousness because you didn’t rest or monitor your vital signs can lead to catastrophe if you are in the middle of strenuous activity.

Cuts and Lacerations

Having an open wound on your body can invite a host of complications. Unfortunately, cuts and lacerations are among the most common forms of personal injury. With blood everywhere, you may panic and make decisions that will worsen the situation. So it is important that you remain calm.

Now, apply pressure to the injury with a clean cloth. Keep the pressure consistent for about five times to ten minutes to stop the bleeding. After the bleeding stops or reduces significantly, clean the injury with cold water and soap, and then apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. You may use a bandage if the situation calls for it.

Skin Burns

Burns are incredibly painful and can lead to permanent scarring if not treated correctly. It may start with redness and swelling of the affected area but can quickly become a swelling or painful blister. The blister can get infected without proper care and may require medical intervention. So, what can you do?

First, remove any cloth or jewelry around the affected area. After that, cool the burn by placing it under running water for ten to fifteen minutes, then apply a topical ointment to the area. If the burn is not severe, leave it exposed so it gets air. Otherwise, use a non-stick dressing to cover the burn.

Sprains and Strains

Another painful and common injury is a muscle sprain. It can happen when you suddenly twist a joint with force or put too much pressure on it with an activity. A sprain leads to swelling, pain, and limited mobility of the affected area. You must avoid putting any additional pressure on the strained muscle. Instead, apply a bag of ice to it three to four times a day. Use a bandage to compress the sprain after using ice, and keep the sprained area elevated for as long as possible. If the pain doesn’t reduce after a few days, it may be a broken bone and would require medical attention.

Conclusion

Emergency healthcare costs can be expensive, but home first aid cannot treat serious injuries properly. If money is an issue, you can look for free doctors in your area who provide urgent medical care to underprivileged people.