Where There Is No Doctor 2011 43
WHEN AND HOW TO LOOK FOR MEDICAL HELP
Seek medical help at the first sign of a dangerous illness. Do not wait until the
person is so sick that it becomes difficult or impossible to take him to a health center
or hospital.
If a sick or injured person’s condition could be made
worse by the difficulties in moving him to a health center,
try to bring a health worker to the person. But in
an emergency when very special attention or
an operation may be needed (for example,
appendicitis), do not wait for the health
worker. Take the person to the health
center or the hospital at once.
When you need to carry a person
on a stretcher, make sure he is as
comfortable as possible and cannot
fall out. If he has any broken bones,
splint them before moving him (see
p. 99). If the sun is very strong, rig
a sheet over the stretcher to give
shade yet allow fresh air to pass
underneath
WHAT TO TELL THE HEALTH WORKER
For a health worker or doctor to recommend treatment or prescribe medicine
wisely, she should see the sick person. If the sick person cannot be moved, have
the health worker come to him. If this is not possible, send a responsible person who
knows the details of the illness. Never send a small child or a fool.
Before sending for medical help, examine the sick person carefully and
completely. Then write down the details of his disease and general condition (see
Chapter 3).
On the next page is a form on which you can make a PATIENT REPORT. Several
copies of this form are at the end of this book. Tear out one of these forms and
carefully complete the report, giving all the details you can.
When you send someone for medical help,
always send a completed information form with him.