Difference between revisions of "Quick Guide to Treating Common Injuries"

Revision as of 05:46, 5 April 2019

Concussion Treatment

A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by sudden shock, as a sharp blow to the head. A simple concussion, brought about by the brain striking the inside of the skull, may result in bruising brain tissue, bleeding inside the skull, and possible loss of consciousness.

Unconsciousness may last a few minutes or a few hours; a longer period usually indicates more serious damage. Other symptoms of a concussion are nausea, dizziness, and headache that may last for several days. There may also be a loss of memory for a period just prior to the injury until several hours after.

Normally, rest is all that is required for recuperation. The victim should relax, avoid medication stronger than willowsalic tea and, if vomiting occurs, avoid solid food. Sleep ought to be postponed for several hours to be certain that no unusual symptoms arise and, once allowed to sleep, the victim should be awakened every two hours to give his or her name and location so as to confirm that there are no complications.

Shock

Shock is both common and has a high risk of death. Shock is the state of not enough blood flow to the tissues of the body as a result of problems with the circulatory system. Signs and symptoms of shock vary depending on circumstances and may include:

• Cool, clammy skin
• Pale or ashen skin
• Rapid pulse
• Rapid breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Enlarged pupils
• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness or finting
• Changes in mental status or behavior, such as anxiousness or agitation

Treatment:

The person must be laid down and the legs and feet slightly elevated unless this might cause further injury.

The patient must be kept still and not moved unless absolutely necessary.

If there are no signs of life, such as breathing, coughing or movement, the Healer must begin rescue breathing compressionsmpressions.

Any tight clothing must be loosened and warm blankets applied to the patient to elevate body temperature.

The patient must not be allowed to eat or drink anything until their body temperature returns to normal.

If the patient vomits or begins bleeding from the mouth, the Healer must turn him or her onto a side to prevent choking, unless there is a suspected spinal injury. In that instance, a team of Healers must turn the patient, keeping the back and neck straight to avoid further injury.

In the case of shock due to blood loss, the Healer must first attend to the wound, applying pressure to stem the loss of blood and keep the patient warm with heated blankets. Any severe wound must be treated FIRST.

Any patient who undergoes any type of surgical procedure must be made aware of the risks of shock due to potential loss of blood or sudden loss of body temperature. Healer ethics require a patient or next of kin to agree to any surgical procedure unless it is an emergency and there is no immediate next of kin to be found.

Healers performing any scheduled surgery must have an experienced team of Journeymen and senior apprentices in place who are prepared to monitor breathing, heart beat and temperature and must be trained in rescue breathing and chest compressions. Junior apprentices should never be allowed to assist in the procedure, but may be used to provide a continual supply of heated blankets and necessary surgical supplies.