Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

270 •HOMEOPATHIC SELF-HELPFIRST AIDIdentifying priorities in an emergencyThe most important things to do in anemergency are to keep a clear head and not topanic, to determine what the priorities are, andto act decisively and promptly. Ideally, at leastone person in every household should betrained in first-aid procedures. Only once thepriorities listed below have been identifiedshould homeopathic remedies be given.Assessing serious conditionsMake sure that you, the victim, and yoursurroundings are safe. Very gently shake thevictim by both shoulders—without movingthe neck in case of head or neck injuries—and ask a question or give a command. Ifthere is no response, proceed with theABC of resuscitation.A–airway Make sure that the victim’s airwayis open by gently tilting the head back (seeright).B–breathing See if the chest is rising andfalling, and listen and feel for breathingagainst your ear. If the person is notbreathing, call 911 immediately. Beginmouth-to-mouth resuscitation if you havebeen trained to do so.C–circulation Look for signs of circulationsuch as breathing, coughing, or movement.Do this quickly and for no longer than10 seconds. If there is neither circulationnor breathing, administer cardiopulmonaryresuscitation (CPR), but only if youhave been trained in the correct firstaidmethods.OPENING THE AIRWAY Gently tilt back theforehead and lift the jaw. Pick out any obviousobstructions in the mouth.UnconsciousnessIf a victim is unconscious, and you havealready checked their airway, breathing, andcirculation (see Assessing serious conditions,left) and you do not suspect serious heador spinal injuries, carefully maneuver theminto a safe position (see right) and call theemergency services. Do not leave anunconscious person unattended. Checktheir airway, breathing, and pulse every fiveminutes. Make sure that they arekept warm, but that they do notbecome overheated.Bach Rescue Remedy. Drip 2 dropsinto the victim’s mouth every10 minutes until help arrives.BleedingCheck any open wounds to see if there isbleeding. If there is, apply a sterile pad and, ifpossible, a bandage. If there is a profuse flowof blood from the wound, call the emergencyservices. Place a sterilepad over the woundThe aims of first aid are to save life, limit injury, ease pain andanxiety, and summon the most appropriate help available. Allfirst-aid methods, whether they are associated with conventionalmedicine or complementary therapies, are based on a commonsenseapproach to dealing with a serious accident or a minorscrape. Homeopathic remedies can help to relieve pain, to allayanxiety and fear, and to facilitate healing. They can be used inconjunction with any other medication.A SAFE POSITIONCarefully place an unconscious casualtyin the position below. This will ensure thatthe body will be propped in a stableposition. The head is slightly lower thanthe body, reducing the risks of vomitbeing inhaled (since liquids can drainfrom the mouth) or the tonguebeing swallowed.Leg prevents casualtyfrom rolling onto front,inhibiting breathingHead tiltedback to keepairway openand apply firm pressure to the area until thebleeding stops or medical help arrives.Arnica 30c every 10 minutes until the shock ofinjury wears off or until medical help arrives,then every 8 hours for up to 4 days.BurnsCool all small burns in cold water for up to10 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap or aburn dressing. If neither is available, use a nonfluffy,clean dressing. If burns extend over anarea larger than the palm of a hand, call theemergency services and carefully cover theaffected parts with plastic wrap. Do not attemptto remove any pieces of clothing that may haveadhered to burned skin. Do not burst blisters orapply lotion, cream, or gel to the wounds. If thevictim is conscious, administer sips of water tominimize fluid loss.Arnica 30c 3 doses only, then Cantharis 30cup to 6 doses or, if the burn continues tosting, Urtica urens 6c up to 6 doses.FracturesEvidence of a fracture includes pain, aninability to move the affected part, visibledeformity, swelling, bruising, and shock. Try