Month: December 2023

The Vital Facts

• More than 2,000 people were hospitalised with respiratory issues during the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires in Australia
• In Asthma Australia’s survey, more than 70% of participants without asthma also reported respiratory symptoms from smoke inhalation
• Children aged 0-14 make up nearly half of all asthma hospitalisations each year

Source: Asthma Australia

Immediate first aid treatment for smoke inhalation:

1. Move to a safe location, prioritise the safety of yourself first then others
2. Call 000 immediately
3. Evaluate the patient, ensure airway is clear
4. Move to fresh air
5. Reassure and Monitor Symptoms
6. Initiate CPR if Required

See here for more in-depth first aid treatment for smoke inhalation.

Jump to a section in this article:

• What is Smoke Inhalation?
• Can Smoke Inhalation be Fatal?
• The Symptoms of Smoke Inhalation
• How to Provide First Aid for Smoke Inhalation
• The Next Step: Complete a First Aid Course!

Smoke inhalation is a dangerous occurrence that can happen in several situations. So it’s crucial to be prepared.

Whether it’s a house fire, bush fire, or a workplace incident, understanding how to respond to smoke inhalation is vital.

In this blog, we’ll break down the basics when it comes to first aid for smoke inhalation. This includes what smoke inhalation is, why it poses a threat, the smoke inhalation signs and symptoms to watch for, and most importantly, how to administer smoke inhalation first aid.

What is Smoke Inhalation?

Smoke inhalation occurs when you breathe in the harmful substances that are released during a fire or any situation involving burning materials. This inhaled smoke often contains toxic gases and particles, affecting your respiratory system.

It can lead to breathing difficulties and other health issues, which makes understanding the basics of first aid key to providing timely assistance.

Can Smoke Inhalation be Fatal?

Yes, smoke inhalation can be fatal because when you breathe in smoke, you expose yourself to a mix of toxic gases and particles.

Carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and other harmful substances can interfere with your body’s ability to transport oxygen, leading to serious health complications.

In the most severe cases of smoke inhalation, prolonged exposure to these toxins can result in respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and even death.

Smoke inhalation should never be underestimated. Call 000 immediately if you or someone else has suffered from smoke inhalation.

The Symptoms of Smoke Inhalation

The initial signs of smoke inhalation include:

• The presence of soot around the nose or mouth
• Raspy voice
• Coughing
• Irritated eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Unconsciousness

It’s crucial to be attentive to these warning signs, especially if someone has been in a smoke-filled environment.

Understanding these symptoms will empower you to respond effectively in emergency situations involving smoke exposure and to know when to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

How to Provide First Aid for Smoke Inhalation

When faced with the aftermath of a fire, or when presented with someone who is showing signs of smoke inhalation, providing timely first aid is crucial.

However, immediate safety should always come first.

If a fire is still burning, resist the urge to enter the area and instead prioritise the safety of yourself and others. If you are on the premises and at risk of inhalation yourself, evacuate yourself first and foremost.

It’s also vital that you immediately call for professional medical assistance by dialling your local emergency number or 000. Once medical help is on the way and you are safe, follow the below steps to provide first aid for smoke inhalation.

1. Evaluate the Patient

Once in a safe location, assess the person who has been impacted by smoke inhalation. Ensure that their airway is clear and that they have no other burns or injuries and encourage them to take deep breaths.

2. Move to Fresh Air

If the individual is conscious and able to breathe, work to relocate them to an area with fresh air that is out of harm’s way. Loosen any tight clothing and assist them by sitting them down or lying them down comfortably in the recovery position.

3. Reassure and Monitor

Provide constant reassurance you’re there and encourage slow, deep breaths. Continue to monitor the person’s condition closely, keeping an eye out for any worsening symptoms.

4. Initiate CPR if Required

If symptoms persist or worsen, or if when you found them, the patient was not breathing, initiate CPR and continue this process until professional medical help arrives.

By following these first aid for smoke inhalation steps, you stand the best chance to help the sufferer.

The Next Step: Complete a First Aid Course!

You’ll immediately feel more comfortable and confident – especially since fires and smoke inhalation often happen unexpectedly.

To ensure the safety of you and your family, you must have the skills to confidently administer first aid. This includes first aid for smoke inhalation which will allow you to effectively respond to a medical emergency until professional medical assistance is available.

At Vital First Aid, our qualified first aid trainers are highly skilled and experienced, and all first aid students will receive a First Aid Certificate on completion. 

To benefit from our range of first aid courses, sign up here.

The Vital Facts

• Nearly 4,000 people were hospitalised due to a dog-related injury in Australia in 2013–14
• 90% of hospitalisations for people aged under 65 years were due to dog bites
• For adults, the most common body parts injured was the wrist or hand (42%), however for children aged 0–9, injuries to the head were more common (74%)

Source: AIHW

Immediate first aid treatment for dog bites:

1. Call 000 immediately if:
   – The bite is deep
   – The wound won’t stop bleeding after 15 minutes of pressure
   – The dog is unknown, erratic or there may be risk of rabies
   – If its been more than 5 years since your tetanus shot
2. Control the Bleeding
3. Clean the Wound
4. Monitor for Signs of Infection
5. Seek Professional Medical Evaluation

See here for more in-depth first aid treatment for dog bites.

Jump to a section in this article:

• How Dangerous Can Dog Bites Be?
• What to Do in a Dog Attack
• When to Call an Ambulance for a Dog Attack
• How to Provide First Aid for Dog Bites
• The Next Step: Complete a First Aid Course!

As much as you may love dogs, it’s crucial to recognise that some pups may not always be as friendly as they seem.

With their wagging tails and playful antics, most dogs are generally adored. However, it’s essential to approach them with caution, especially unknown dogs, as some can be aggressive, and their bites can pose a real danger.

Dog bit incidents are rare compared to the amount of fun-loving and playful interactions you have with them. But despite that, knowing first aid for dog bites is vital and being prepared to respond to a dog attack can ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the dangers of dog bites and equip you with the knowledge needed to react fast and effectively and provide first aid for dog bites.

From understanding the basic warning signs of an attack to knowing how to respond to an attack and administering first aid for dog bites, we’ve got you covered.

How Dangerous Can Dog Bites Be?

Dog bites can be much more serious than just being painful. Not only do dogs powerful jaws sometimes cause significant tissue damage, but they also carry a strong risk of infection due to the bacteria in their mouths.

Emotional trauma from a bite can linger as well so it’s vital to take caution in your interactions with these beloved animals.

What to Do in a Dog Attack

In the unfortunate event of a dog attack, staying calm and taking swift, decisive action is paramount to ensure your safety.

If an attack is imminent, you should avoid making sudden movements or direct eye contact, which may further provoke the dog.

A basic rule of thumb is to refrain from screaming or running, as this will often only escalate the situation. Also, running is generally not very effective given the speed of most dogs will be faster than your own. Instead, use a firm, authoritative voice to command the dog to “sit” or “stay”, provided you can do that safely.

If others are present, instruct them to stay still and avoid sudden movements as well.

If the dog attacks and you are knocked to the ground, protect your neck and head with your arms. Then, curl into a ball to minimise the area of your body that the dog can harm.

If and once the dog disengages, slowly and carefully back away without turning your back on it.

Then, seek prompt medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries, and report the incident to local authorities to prevent future attacks. As a general rule, if the attack has broken your skin, even as a minor cut, you are at risk of an infection.

When to Call an Ambulance for a Dog Attack

There are two main instances where an ambulance should be called.

Mauling

If you or someone else has been mauled – where the injuries are severe or life-threatening – you should call an ambulance. Blood loss and shock can occur quickly so don’t delay.

Children

Small children are unfortunately more likely to be victims of dog attacks, as they are smaller, meaning even small dogs can pose more of a threat. Also, they may not be aware they are irritating a dog until it reacts aggressively.

Try to avoid allowing your child and dog to play unsupervised, and call an ambulance immediately if your child is mauled in a dog attack.

How to Provide First Aid for Dog Bites

During a dog attack, your first priority should be escaping the immediate danger rather than treating any injuries you or someone else has sustained.

So, before attempting any first aid, ensure you or the patient are safely away from the dog, eliminating the threat of further harm. Do not attempt first aid for a dog bite if the dog is still a potential danger.

Then, even if the injuries that were sustained seem minor, administer the following dog bite first aid protocols. This is because all dog bites can carry the risk of infection

1. Clean the Wound

Wash the dog bite with mild soap and warm water for at least five minutes to minimise the risk of infection.

2. Control the Bleeding

If the bite is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth, towel or sterile bandage. It’s also worth elevating the affected area to reduce blood flow.

3. Monitor for Signs of Infection

Keep a close eye on the site of the bite and its surrounds for any signs of infection. This may include redness, swelling, increased pain, or liquid discharge. If these symptoms arise, seek medical attention immediately.

4. Professional Medical Evaluation

Even for seemingly minor dog bites and certainly, for major dog bites, consult your healthcare professional to assess the risk of infection. They will help you determine if further medical attention, such as a rabies shot, is necessary.

The Next Step: Complete a First Aid Course!

You’ll immediately feel more comfortable and confident around our furry friends – especially since dog bites almost always happen unexpectedly.

If you want to ensure the safety of you and your family, you must have the knowledge and skills to confidently administer first aid for dog bites. Furthermore, in the case of a medical emergency, you must be able to respond until professional medical assistance is available.

At Vital First Aid, our qualified first aid trainers are highly skilled and experienced, and all first aid students will receive a First Aid Certificate on completion. 

To benefit from our range of first aid courses, sign up here.