Cerebrospinal fluid is a type of body fluid which looks very similar to water. It is a liquid that is clear and colourless. One of its main functions is to protect the central nervous system from damage. It provides mechanical protection and is found surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. The brain produces around […]
Articles Tagged: Injury
Keeping Safe at an RTC
A road traffic collision (RTC) is potentially a very dangerous scene. We have moving traffic, fuel, passive bystanders, patients who are injured, people who are upset and angry and the remnants of the car crash itself. All of these things can present a danger to us. On Arrival at an RTC Before you even get […]
High-Pressure Injection Injuries
Here is a real story about a High-Pressure Injection Injury. It takes place in a factory which used high powered hydraulic equipment: “A gentleman, one of the maintenance workers there, felt as though he had his hand stung whilst reaching inside a machine. As a result of this, he sucked his finger and did nothing […]
Joint examination
Joint examination is the basic examination of any joint. No matter what joint you are looking at, the same process should follow. All joints will move in a set parameter, so they will have their normal, natural movement. In your joint examination, you will be looking for any signs of unnatural movement or pain. Identifying […]
Calling the Emergency Medical Services
There are lots of cases where you may have to call the Emergency Medical Services. This can include any serious road traffic accidents, serious burns, drowning and major bleeds. Calling the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is simply done by calling 999 or 112. 999 is the UK wide phone number. 112 is the European number […]
Head Injuries
Head injuries must be treated with the utmost care. The skull, or cranium, contains one of the main components of the Central Nervous System – the brain. The brain controls most things that happen in the body, and any damage to it could be fatal. Concussion Concussion is one of the most common types of […]
Cerebral Compression
Cerebral Compression is where there is pressure on the brain caused by swelling or bleeding. This is a very serious condition and the Emergency Medical Services should be alerted. The swelling can be due to a build-up of blood within the skull or swelling of injured brain tissues. This may be caused by cerebral contusion, […]
Spinal Injury
Spinal Injuries can be life-changing, so as a First Aider, you must treat any patient with a suspected spinal injury with the utmost care. The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae and also contains the spinal cord. The spinal cord is where the messages from the brain are sent to control the entire body. […]