Illness and injuries never come with an invitation. They are a shocker for everyone for sure. But one can reduce their impact by being prepared. One such preparation is stocking up the first kid for your seniors. Basic first aid kits can help you reduce the impact by greater margins.
Here is a simple guide for a first aid kit for seniors to prevent the damage in the event of a minor or major medical issue. Stay with us until the end of the blog to learn more about various first aid procedures such as stroke care for seniors, first aid for sunstroke, first aid of heart attack, tips to reduce falls, and general health tips for the elders.
What is a first aid kit for seniors?
First aid is a basic medical care offered to a person who has experienced sudden injury or illness. The basic medical support during the initial few moments of an injury is of great importance in reducing the severity of the injury. In some cases, this care even helps the victim survive until professional medical help arrives.
The first aid kit for seniors does exactly this. It helps your elders in various medical situations that are prevalent in older age groups. Be it a stroke or a heart attack, there are kits and emergency responses that help elders improve their scope for the treatment or even survival rate.
What are the steps involved in providing first aid for seniors?
Not just for seniors but any emergency response has 3 steps that the first aid responder should keep in mind.
Step 1: Assess the scene: Thoroughly assess the scene before offering help. This helps the responder be aware of the surroundings and respond with caution.
Step 2: Call for medical help:Dial your local medical helpline number or urge someone in the scene to do so.
Step 3: Provide first aid: Try to offer care if you are a trained first aid responder for seniors. Even if you are not, help the victim by ensuring they are in a safe place, provide comfort, and try to ease their situation in any way you can.
Who can offer first aid for seniors?
While anyone can perform basic first aid for small cuts or injuries, it takes a certified or trained first aid responder to offer care for severe medical issues like cardiac arrests or stroke. Let’s have a look at the first aid for different medical scenarios.
First aid for sunstroke:
Heat strokes or sunstrokes occur when a senior’s body is exhausted due to heat. The sweating mechanism cools the body but, in this condition, it fails to do so and the body temperature can increase.
When you observe it is a heat stroke,
- Follow the 3-step process.
- Ensure the person is brought into a cooler place, provided with liquids, and cover them with a cool towel or sheet.
Continue to provide them with cool water, minerals, or coconut water until the help arrives.
First aid for cardiac arrest and heart attack:
Heart attack and cardiac arrest are two different conditions. Heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is stopped, and cardiac arrest occurs when heart stops working or starts malfunctioning. However, they show similar symptoms like chest pain, tightness, and aching in the chest before the condition. It is a critical condition like stroke and needs a person who knows how to perform CPR.
CPR is a lifesaver if you know how to do it. It is a simple procedure where you clamp your hands and push the person’s chest rapid and fast in a rhythm. It is performed when the person stops breathing. It is a lifesaving skill everyone should learn.
First aid for stroke:
Stoke is a critical condition but it can be observed as it occurs. If the person’s face and limbs are becoming numb over time and they are speaking in a sluggish manner, it is time to call for medical help. It is called the FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) responsive system for stroke.
- Follow the 3-step response process.
- Keep the person warm and check if they are breathing and there is no obstruction in the throat if the person is unconscious.
- Ensure the person is lying on side and the head is slightly raised. This helps them breathe better.
First aid for falls in seniors:
Falls in seniors can be severe. Take preventive measures to reduce the chances of falls in your loved one. If they fall, follow the steps to reduce the impact.
- If the person is not hurt badly, help them to sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
- If the injury is severe, do not force them to sit or lie down. Call for immediate medical help and stop bleeding if there is any.
Seniors need all the care by their loved ones as they advance in age. Care for yours at home with the help of senior home care service providers. They offer better guidance to prevent falls, manage chronic conditions like diabetes with, diabetes diet charts, recovery care, and around the clock assistance for your elders.
If you are looking for a home care service, get in touch with Athulya Homecare in Chennai for exclusive medical and non-medical support for seniors.
