Supporting Professionals Who Care
Basic First Aid for the Summer
INSECT STINGS
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626877900-54952300.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-yellow-bee.jpg)
A sting from a bee, wasp or hornet is usually painful, not dangerous.
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626949535-17205700.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-yellow-credit-card.jpg)
If visible, brush or scrape the sting off sideways with a credit card.
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626877900-64013900.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-yellow-compress.jpg)
Raise the affected area and apply a cold compress like an ice pack.
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626877900-68215900.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-yellow-vital-signs.jpg)
Monitor vital signs, Call 999 if casualty shows signs of anaphylactic shock.
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/images/stencil/1280w/image-manager/1490704283-11900000.png?t=1648035324)
SPLINTERS
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626874289-72139300.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-green-soap-and-water.jpg)
Clean the area around the splinter with soap and warm water.
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626874289-76478100.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-green-tweezers.jpg)
Use tweezers to draw the splinter out. Pull it out at the same angle it went in.
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626874289-80258900.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-green-squeeze-blood.jpg)
Carefully squeeze the wound to draw out a little blood. This helps clean it.
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626874289-84297000.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-green-plaster.jpg)
Clean and dry the area where the splinter was and cover with a plaster.
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/images/stencil/1280w/image-manager/1490704283-11900000.png?t=1648035324)
CUTS AND GRAZES
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626874855-24050900.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-blue-tap-rinse.jpg)
Clean the cut by rinsing it under running water or wiping it with alcohol-free wipes.
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626874855-28850300.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-blue-raise.jpg)
Raise and support the injury above the level of the heart, if possible.
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626949535-22163500.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-blue-wipe-wound.jpg)
Wipe away from the wound using a clean swap for each stroke. Apply a sterile dressing.
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626874855-36463700.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-blue-immunisation.jpg)
Check immunisation records to make sure tetanus vaccine is up-to-date.
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/images/stencil/1280w/image-manager/1490704283-11900000.png?t=1648035324)
NOSEBLEEDS
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626877753-99542000.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-red-nose.jpg)
Sit down and tilt head forward to allow blood to drain. Pinch the soft part of the nose and hold.
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1633611336-81059900.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-red-dont-speak.jpg)
Advise not to speak, swallow, cough, spit or sniff. Wipe excess blood away with a tissue/cloth.
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1633611336-85860100.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-red-ten-mins.jpg)
Check the bleeding has stopped after 10mins. If it hasn't reapply pressure for two further 10 minute periods.
![](https://www.dsmedical.co.uk/images/cms/sections/1626877754-13645000.jpg)
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/product_images/uploaded_images/first-aid-red-rest-bed.jpg)
Once bleeding has stopped, clean around the nose and rest for a few hours.
![](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fznxu9iwf1/images/stencil/1280w/image-manager/1490704283-11900000.png?t=1648035324)
If at any point you are concerned or worried about the patient, do not hesitate to call 111.
For emergencies call 999/112.