How to survive the shops on Black Friday

Engrained into America's Thanksgiving tradition, Black Friday has made its way into Britain. We know that it can be dangerous work, so if you're thinking of stepping foot into the shops to grab a bargain, here's some first aid tips to keep in mind.

Head injuries and bleeding

When crammed in the shops, you might be the unlucky recipient of a head injury or a minor bleed. You can usually control minor bleeding by elevating and applying pressure, however a nose bleed can be more serious. If somebody is bleeding severely or becomes unresponsive, call 999 or 112 for emergency help.

1. Call for help, unless it is a minor injury. If so, advise them to sit and hold something cold wrapped in a cloth against it.
2. Treat scalp wounds by applying direct pressure
3. Check if they are fully responsive to questions and simple commands. If so, monitor them until they recover.
4. If they’re unresponsive, or not quite right, don’t hesitate - call 999 or 112.

Strains and sprains

With all the unavoidable pushing and shoving, it's easy to trip and fall and get injured. If this happens, think RICE.

1. Rest - help them to sit and support their injury in a comfortable raised position.
2. Ice - apply something cold. Don’t leave it on for more than ten minutes.
3. Comfortable support - wrap a soft layer of padding around the area. Tie a support bandage around it which goes up as far as the next joint on each side.
4. Elevation – keep the injury raised on something soft.
5. If the pain is severe send them to hospital. Otherwise, tell them to rest the injury.

Cuts and grazes

Got a graze from grabbing that last box off the shelf? Cuts and grazes are common injuries and can be treated at home. Here's what to do.

1. Clean it under running cold water or with alcohol-free wipes.
2. Pat it dry, cover with a sterile gauze or a clean, non-fluffy cloth.
3. Raise and support the injury. Apply pressure to stop bleeding.
4. Remove the cloth or gauze and apply a sterile dressing or large plaster.
5. If there’s high risk of an infection or something in it, tell them to see a healthcare professional.

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