Get ready for winter
St John Ambulance has joined forces with
voluntary sector partners, Government departments and industry
bodies to provide information on how to 'Get Ready for Winter'
during the week of 24-30 October, to coincide with
the week the clocks go back.
The aim of the project is to raise awareness of winter
risks and their consequences and encourage individuals,
families and communities to think about what preparations they may
need to make.
All the key messages and links to sources of information can be
accessed from the Direct
Gov website and St John Ambulance has provided winter first aid
advice below.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when the extremities, usually fingers or toes,
freeze due to low temperatures. This is most common in
freezing or windy and cold conditions. If you suspect
frostbite, do not place the extremities near direct heat.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia develops when the body temperature falls
below 35°C (95°F). It does not just occur when outdoors;
hypothermia can also occur in poorly heated housing and can often
affect the elderly. The effects vary depending on the speed of the
onset and the level to which the body temperature falls.
Fractures
During the winter months when the ground is often icy, falls
that result in fractures can become more common. Both the severity
of the fracture and the area that is injured can determine the best
treatment.
If you suspect a fracture, follow these
steps and call 999/112 for emergency help.
Burns
Heating your home with an open fire is more common in the winter
and accidents may lead to both minor and severe burns. If you or
somebody you know has been burnt, it is important to administer
first aid quickly.
Colds and flu
Statistics from the NHS show that 15 million people in
the UK are affected by colds and flu every year. The
common cold will ease within seven days and people with symptoms
are advised to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Flu can present more severe symptoms and
again, sufferers are advised to rest, keep warm and drink plenty of
fluids. They may also take paracetamol or ibuprofen (as directed)
to relieve aches.
If you are concerned about your symptoms or are wondering
whether to see your doctor please see the NHS
Symptom Checker for more information.
Emergency first aid
It’s also important to know how to deal with emergency
situations, such as these while waiting for an ambulance.
- Severe bleeding
- Choking
- Heart attack
- Unconscious, breathing casualty
- Unconscious, not breathing casualty.
Find out more about how to treat these five situations and be the difference.