first aid situations

Question 1

what are the aims of first aid?

Answer 1

• preserve life
• protect from further injury
• reduce pain and suffering
• promote recovery

Question 2

what is a minor first aid situation?

Answer 2

a situation where first aid can deal with the problem entirely (insect bites and stings)

Question 3

what is an immediate first aid situation?

Answer 3

conditions that are not life-threatening but acquire prompt attention to stabilise and comfort the animal (fractures + dislocations)

Question 4

what is a life-threatening first aid situation?

Answer 4

conditions in which the animal is likely to die unless given immediate attention (severe burns and wounds)

Question 5

what is the first thing you should do in a first aid situation?

Answer 5

• assess the area around the injured animal
• stay calm
• get help by contacting a vet ASAP

Question 6

what is the contents of a first aid box?

Answer 6

• selections of bandages
• adhesive tapes
• cotton wool
• sterile dressing
• scissors
• blanket

Question 7

shock

Answer 7

• keep the animal warm
• prevent blood loss
• keep airways clear
• restrain animal

Question 8

road traffic collision (RTC)

Answer 8

• be careful when approaching the animal
• check A-B-C
• check for any other injuries
• place the animal on a board or shelf from car
• take to vet

Question 9

what does A-B-C stand for?

Answer 9

A - airway
B - breathing
C - circulation

Question 10

convulsions

Answer 10

• wrap the animal in a blanket to shorten convulsion
• do not touch the animal
• do not attempt to give them food or water
• tend to any wounds that have appeared
• contact vet ASAP

Question 11

choking

Answer 11

• restrain the animal
• check airway for obvious blockages
• grasp both hands and pull sharply to dislodge blockages that are down

Question 12

poisoning

Answer 12

• do not induce vomiting (could be corrosive)
• keep animal warm and comfortable
• place into recovery position
• note down likely source of poison
• get to vet ASAP

Question 13

burns/scalds

Answer 13

• restrain animal
• cool area using a cloth in cool water
• do not apply cream/ointments
• do not break any blisters
• see vet ASAP for second and third degree burns

Question 14

bee stings

Answer 14

• remove sting without breaking it
• apply cold compress
• neutralise with alkaline substances

Question 15

wasp stings

Answer 15

• do not remove sting
• neutralise with acidic substances

Question 16

foreign bodies

Answer 16

• do not remove
• reduce size of item by taking it out a few cm
• reduce bleeding
• see vet ASAP

Question 17

haemorrhages

Answer 17

• apply pressure to wound
• use tourniquet if needed
• see vet ASAP