Student Wellbeing Tips

Picking up from where we left off last week in strains and sprains, it was mentioned that when in doubt, always treat as a fracture, so in this week's post we will be covering the topic of fractures and dislocations. Fractures and dislocations can often be obvious to identify, in such ways like a deformed limb or cracking sound upon impact. Below is a more detailed list of these. Signs and symptoms: pain at or near the site of the injury difficult or impossible normal movement loss of power deformity or abnormal mobility tenderness swelling discolouration and bruising Management of a Fracture or Dislocation Follow DRSABCD You can find more details on the DRSABCD Action Plan in my previous first aid blog post. Linked here:  https://c20wellbeing.blogspot.com.au/2017/09/drsabcd-action-plan.html Control any bleeding and cover any wounds. Check for fractures: Open, closed or complicated. Ask the patient not to move injured part. Immobilise the fracture. Use broad ba...

One of the risks associated with any type of physical activity is the risk of sprains and strains. If you haven't already read Amy's post on fitness tips, definitely go check it out! ( https://c20wellbeing.blogspot.com.au/2017/09/fitness-for-your-physical-and-mental.html ) Hopefully you don't injure yourself, however if you do or see someone else who is injured and needs help, it is always good to know what you need to do in that situation. Signs and symptoms Sprains intense pain restricted joint movement joint swelling rapid bruising Strains sharp, sudden pain in the region of the injury sharp, sudden pain on any movement of the muscle loss of power to the affected limb tender muscle Management of a Sprain or Strain Follow DRSABCD You can find more details on the DRSABCD Action Plan in my previous first aid blog post. Linked here: https://c20wellbeing.blogspot.com.au/2017/09/drsabcd-action-plan.html Follow RICE management Rest the patient an...

In one of our earlier posts ( https://c20wellbeing.blogspot.com.au/2017/09/what-does-it-mean-to-eat-healthy-and.html )  Keanu recommended some recipes for you guys to try and make at home which involved baking. One of the risks associated with just about all cooking activities is the risk of burns. In this blog post I will be covering a basic guide for burns.  Some key things to remember before we start: DO NOT apply lotions, ointments or oily dressings DO NOT touch the injured areas or burst any blisters DO NOT remove anything sticking to the burn DO NOT over-cool the patient - especially if it is a young child/infant, or if the burn is extensive DO NOT use towels, cotton wool, blankets or adhesive dressings directly on the burn DO NOT USE ICE. Seek medical aid if the burn: Involves the airway Involves hands, face, feet or genitals is deep, or larger than a 20 cent piece. Keep in mind this first aid, to be used for the burn as soon as it happens. ...

Any one of us can be faced with a first aid situation anywhere at any give time. Therefore, it is important to know how to approach an incident and help the patient.  In all first aid situations, the DRSABCD action plan is followed, whether you realise it or not. It may be more obvious for severe patients, such as someone who is unconscious and not breathing. When approaching  Danger Check if there is danger to yourself, the patient and other bystanders. If so, remove the danger or remove the patient from the danger only if safe to do so. Response Assess the patient's condition by asking them for their name and observe their response. If they are conscious, keep them calm, treat any injuries while monitoring their response and breathing. Send For Help This could mean calling for an ambulance (000) or someone who is more qualified to assist with the patient, e.g. a nurse, doctor, paramedic or other healthcare professional. You can also ask other bystanders to assist yo...