Bites

If the victim was bitten by a wild animal, an immediate shot may be necessary to prevent the possibility of rabies* infection*.

A bite from a domestic pet can be painful but rarely requires a visit to the emergency room. Unless obvious bodily harm has been sustained*, simple precautionary* treatment will be enough.

If the bite is deep, the victim may need to be treated for a puncture* wound.

Choking

Choking is usually caused by a piece of foreign matter such as food stuck in a person’s windpipe*.

● Start by asking the person if he is choking. This simple step can be effective. The victim may be coughing violently or even gasping for air, but if he is able to answer then he is probably not choking.

But if after asking the person if he’s choking all he can do is gesture or point to his throat and you notice his face starting to turn blue, then he is most likely choking.

● Start by finding the proper stance —— behind the victim with one of your feet planted firmly between the victim’s feet.

● Wrap one of your arms around the victim and place your hand in a closed fist just slightly above his belly* button.

● Place your other hand directly on top of the first.

● Squeeze* the victim’s abdomen* in quick upward thrusts* as many times as it is necessary to dislodge* the object in his windpipe.

Nosebleeds

A human nose is rich with small blood vessels* and a nosebleed may be caused by a fall or a strike to the nose.

● If the nosebleed is not a symptom* of a more serious injury, it is rarely dangerous and can usually be stopped by applying continuous pressure.

● Do not hold the victim’s head backward.

● Have the victim sit or stand upright to slow down the flow of blood.

● Loosen any tight clothing around the victim’s neck.

● Pinch* the nostrils* shut and press the tip of the nose against the bones of the face.

● Maintain pressure for five to 10 minutes.