http://blonde-doctor.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] blonde-doctor.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2006-06-27 10:09 am
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First Aid, Workshop 6, 6/27/06

Elliot is perched on her desk as the students file in.

"Hey. This is your next to last week. If you're enjoying it, I'll be around next term teaching a more advanced version of this stuff. If you aren't? At least now you know what to do if you ever come across a badger with a dislocated shoulder.

Today we're talking about burns. The severity of a burn depends upon its size, depth and location. Burns are most severe when located on the face, neck, hands, feet and genitals, when they are spread over large parts of the body or when they are combined with other injuries. Burns can lead to pain, infection and shock. They are most serious when the victims are very young or very old.

There are three types of burns, called "degrees." first degree burns are the least severe. They are characterized by redness or discoloration, mild swelling and pain. Overexposure to the sun is a common cause of first degree burns. Second degree burns are more serious. They are deeper than first degree burns, look red or mottled and have blisters. They may also involve loss of fluids through the damaged skin. Third degree burns are usually the most painful because nerve ending are usually intact, despite severe tissue damage. Third degree burns are the deepest. They may look white or charred, extend through all skin layers. With a third degree burns, there might be severe pain -- or no pain at all, if the nerve endings are destroyed.

With a first degree burn, you want to flush it with cool running water, apply moist dressings and bandage loosely. For second or third degree, apply dry dressings and bandage loosely. Do not use water as it may increase risk of shock. And with a second- or third-degree burn, the patient should get to the hospital as fast as you can manage.

There is also such a thing as a chemical burn, like from certain cleaning products. If that's what's going in, remove clothing on which chemicals have spilled and flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for 15 to 30 minutes.

Because it's summer, I'm sure a lot of you will be out at the beach, at least if it ever stops raining. And, blah blah blah, a tan can be pretty, but it's also very dangerous to go out without sun protection. sunburn is one thing. With typical sunburn, just take a cold shower, rub it down with aloe vera or something like that, and take a painkiller if you need it. Watch out for fever, chills or a rash -- those can indicate heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Rest and cold water are the best way to treat those.

So. As usual, there are some fake patients for you to practice on over there. Not too many badgers this time -- I think Danger Shop knew burns wouldn't show up as well on them. One warning, second and third-degree burns are pretty gross, so if you don't think you can handle it go and help somebody with sunburn instead.

Finally, I would like you to know how to carry an injured person by yourselves. Pair up and follow the instructions on this worksheet. Try not to pick someone way outside your weight class and throw out your backs.

[OOC: OCD's up. I'll be very slow to respond between 1:30 and about 10:30 p.m.]

Re: Lift &carry

[identity profile] union-jane.livejournal.com 2006-06-27 11:42 pm (UTC)(link)
"Same to you, because frankly these instructions..."

Seras trailed off and shook her head. She carefully positioned her feet over Dawn's, as per the instructions. She then bent her knees and grabbed Dawn's right hand with her left and left with her right.

"Okay. I'm going to start leaning back," she warned and turning counterclockwise. So...left."

Re: Lift &carry

[identity profile] lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com 2006-06-27 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Dawn felt herself being pulled upright, almost against her will. "Wow, this is a weird sensation."

Re: Lift &carry

[identity profile] union-jane.livejournal.com 2006-06-27 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Seras laughed.

"I can imagine. I'll bet they stole this move from some weird 30s swing dance."

Re: Lift &carry

[identity profile] lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com 2006-06-27 11:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"Are you gonna throw me up in the air, too?"

Re: Lift &carry

[identity profile] union-jane.livejournal.com 2006-06-27 11:51 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm game if you are," laughed Seras, "Honestly, though I don't know how Walter and Peter put on their gentlemanly demenors with straight faces when the dances from their times seem designed to put your date in as much danger as possible."

Re: Lift &carry

[identity profile] lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com 2006-06-27 11:54 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, but they're so much fun!" Dawn said enthusiastically as she came fully to her feet. "It's like flying--and you have to totally trust your partner or you'll get really hurt."

Re: Lift &carry

[identity profile] union-jane.livejournal.com 2006-06-27 11:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Seras tilted her head.

"Really? You swing dance often, then?"

Trust...hm...

Re: Lift &carry

[identity profile] lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com 2006-06-28 12:02 am (UTC)(link)
"I've done it a few times, but I wouldn't call it often," Dawn replied.

Re: Lift &carry

[identity profile] union-jane.livejournal.com 2006-06-28 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
"I see. Where'd you learn?"

Re: Lift &carry

[identity profile] lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com 2006-06-28 12:10 am (UTC)(link)
"From a very bored vampire on babysitting duty," she said, a bit sadly as she remembered.

Re: Lift &carry

[identity profile] union-jane.livejournal.com 2006-06-28 12:47 am (UTC)(link)
Seras perked up and paid attention.

"You had a vampire as a baby sitter?"

Re: Lift &carry

[identity profile] lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com 2006-06-28 12:51 am (UTC)(link)
"Rather reluctantly on both our parts," Dawn snorted, "but yes."