Simple but practical advice to cope with situations when solo:
A) Heart Attack:
Stay calm. Any movement will put unnecessary pressure on the heart.Be on the floor. leaning against a wall,knees bent, head and shoulders supported.
Chew an Aspirin, if you have it and are not allergic to it.
B)Choking:
Try and vigorously cough by leaning forward to clear the obstruction.
Try giving self abdominal thrust by placing hand in a fist, just above belly button and underneath your ribs.pace the other hand on top, pull upwards to try and force the air in & up!
C) Severe Bleeding:
Apply direct pressure to the wound,using hand ,a towel or any piece of clothing. Try and secure the wound with a bandage to help maintain pressure.Support the injury above heart level. Never try to remove anything embedded as this could be acting as a plug.Treat yourself for shock by resting your legs above heart level- if possible.
D)Burns:
Hold the burn under cool running water. Do not touch the burn.If there is no running water,hold the burn against a cold surface. Continue cooling the area atleast for 10 minutes. Cover loosely with clingfilm if available.
E)Broken Bone:
If open cover the wound with a sterile dressing,your hand or any piece of clothing!Apply pressure around the wound,not over the protruding bone. .Support the injured limb above and below the joint.
_DEccan Herald_