Where There Is No Doctor 2011 91
When the wound is serious, raise the wounded part a little higher than the heart
and keep the injured person completely still.
This way the wound will heal
faster and is less likely to
become infected.
YES
Walking on an injured leg or
sitting with the leg hanging down
will slow healing and encourage
infection.
NO
Make a sling like this to support an arm with a gunshot wound or other serious injury.
Deep Chest Wounds
Chest wounds can be very dangerous. Seek medical help
at once.
♦ If the wound has reached the lungs and air is being
sucked through the hole when the person breathes,
cover the wound at once so that no more air enters.
Spread Vaseline or vegetable fat on a gauze pad or
clean bandage and wrap it tightly over the hole like this:
(CAUTION: If this tight bandage makes breathing more
difficult, try loosening or removing it.)
♦ Put the injured person in the position in which he feels
most comfortable.
♦ If there are signs of shock, give proper treatment (see p. 77).
♦ Give antibiotics and painkillers.
Bullet Wounds in the Head
♦ Place the injured person in a ‘half sitting’ position.
♦ Cover the wound with a clean bandage.
♦ Give antibiotics (penicillin).
♦ Seek medical help.