Basic First Aid-What to Do and Not to Do in First Aid

Burns-If you have spilled something on your clothing that is burning you, DO remove the clothing. The clothing will hold in the heat and cause the burn to be worse. Put in the burned area under or into tepid water for about a minute. DO NOT make the water too cold as that can shock your body and don't make it too hot as that will make the burn worse. Note: Never apply butter, oil or Vaseline to a burn. If you believe you have a more serious burn, go to the hospital.

Blisters-If you have a blood blister, it is alright to pop it. Popping a blood blister will make it bleed and scab. If you do not pop a blood blister, the blood will scab under the skin. Do not pop water blisters. The skin under the water and the outer layer of skin is more susceptible to infection. If it does pop, DO wash it. Apply an antibacterial ointment to the blister and cover. Once the blister is dried out and no longer oozing, it is alright to leave it uncovered. Once it is uncovered, you still have to make sure you keep it clean!

Cuts and Scrapes-First thing you should DO with a cut or a scrape is wash it in warm water. If the area is still bleeding, apply slight pressure for 20 seconds. That should have made the bleeding stop. If you are concerned about keeping the area clean or the area bleeding more, cover it with a bandage. The bandage should be big enough to fit over the entire injury. If your cut or scrape is deep or bleeding uncontrollably, you may need to go to a hospital and get stitches. Note: DO NOT pour Hydrogen Peroxide into your cuts and scrapes. Although Hydrogen Peroxide will kill the bacteria, it will also destroy the exposed tissue and retard healing resulting in scar tissue.