Doctor In My Home

Tag: first aid

  • First Aid for Burns at Home — First 10 Minutes (2026)

    Emergency: If the burn is large, deep, or affects the face, hands, genitals, or a major joint — call 112 immediately. Do not attempt home treatment for serious burns.

    Burns are one of the most common household injuries in India — from hot tea, pressure cookers, irons, and open flames. Knowing the correct first aid response in the first 10 minutes can significantly reduce pain, prevent infection, and improve recovery. Acting quickly and correctly makes a real difference.

    Understanding Burn Severity

    Before you act, it helps to know which type of burn you are dealing with:

    Burn Type Appearance Action
    Minor (1st degree) Red, dry, painful — like sunburn. Affects only the outer skin layer. Home first aid
    Moderate (2nd degree) Blistering, very painful, wet-looking skin. Affects deeper layers. Home first aid if small; hospital if large
    Serious (3rd degree) White, brown, or black. May be painless (nerve damage). Leathery appearance. Call 112 — always hospital

    Step-by-Step First Aid for Minor Burns

    What to do — in order
    1
    Cool the burn with running water
    Hold the burned area under cool (not cold or icy) running water for a minimum of 20 minutes. This is the single most important step and must be done immediately. Do not skip or shorten this step.
    2
    Remove clothing and jewellery
    Carefully remove any clothing, watches, rings, or bangles near the burned area before swelling begins. Do not pull off anything that is stuck to the skin.
    3
    Cover loosely with a clean dressing
    Use a non-fluffy sterile dressing, clean cling film (plastic wrap), or a clean plastic bag. Cover loosely — do not wrap tightly. This protects the burn from infection.
    4
    Manage pain
    Paracetamol or ibuprofen (for adults) can help manage pain. Follow dosage instructions on the pack.
    5
    Keep the person warm
    Running water over a large burn can cause the body to cool down dangerously. Cover the rest of the body with a blanket while treating the burn.

    What NOT to Apply to a Burn

    Many traditional remedies commonly used in Indian homes actually make burns worse. Never apply any of the following:

    • Toothpaste — causes infection and traps heat
    • Butter or ghee — traps heat and promotes bacterial growth
    • Ice or iced water — causes ice burn and worsens tissue damage
    • Coconut oil or mustard oil — traps heat, increases infection risk
    • Raw egg white — infection risk
    • Turmeric paste — does not help and complicates wound assessment
    • Any household cream or lotion — unless specifically a burns cream
    The only correct cooling agent is cool running tap water for 20 minutes. Nothing else. No home remedy replaces this step.

    Treating Burns on Specific Body Parts

    Face burns

    Cool with a damp cloth rather than running water. Do not cover the face with cling film. Seek medical attention for any facial burn — even a minor one — as face burns can swell and affect breathing and vision.

    Chemical burns

    Remove contaminated clothing carefully (wear gloves if possible). Flush with large amounts of cool water for at least 20 minutes. Do not try to neutralise the chemical. Go to hospital immediately.

    Electrical burns

    Do not touch the person until you are sure they are no longer in contact with the electrical source. Switch off the power first. All electrical burns need hospital assessment even if they look small — internal damage may be far more serious than what is visible.

    Burns in children

    Children’s skin is thinner and more vulnerable. Any scald or burn in a child larger than the size of their palm needs hospital assessment. Cool with water for 20 minutes and go to hospital.

    When to Go to Hospital

    • The burn is larger than the size of your palm
    • The burn is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a major joint
    • The burn appears deep (white, brown, or charred)
    • The burn does not hurt — this may indicate serious nerve damage
    • The person is a child under 5 or an elderly person
    • The burn shows signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, pus, or fever
    • It is a chemical or electrical burn of any size

    Follow-up Care for Minor Burns

    Once a minor burn has been cooled and covered, keep the dressing clean and dry. Change it daily. Watch for signs of infection. Do not burst blisters — they protect the skin underneath from infection. If blisters break on their own, cover with a sterile dressing.

    Minor burns typically heal within 1–3 weeks. If a burn is not improving or shows signs of infection after a few days, see a doctor.

    This article is for general first aid guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice or certified first aid training. For serious burns, call 112 immediately. Last reviewed: March 2026. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.

  • Choking First Aid — Heimlich Manoeuvre Guide (2026)

    Call 112 immediately if the person cannot breathe, speak, or cough, or if back blows and abdominal thrusts are not working.

    Choking is a genuine medical emergency that can cause death within minutes. Knowing how to act calmly and correctly can save a life.

    Recognising Choking

    • Clutching throat with hands (universal choking sign)
    • Unable to speak, cry, or make much sound
    • High-pitched wheezing when breathing
    • Turning blue or pale around the lips
    • Loss of consciousness if airway fully blocked
    If the person can cough forcefully — encourage them to keep coughing. Only intervene if the cough becomes weak.

    For Adults and Children Over 1 Year

    5 back blows + 5 abdominal thrusts — repeat until clear
    1
    Stand behind and lean them forward
    Support their chest and lean them slightly forward.
    2
    Give 5 firm back blows
    Use the heel of your hand to strike firmly between the shoulder blades. Check after each blow.
    3
    Give 5 abdominal thrusts
    Make a fist, place it just above the navel. Grasp with the other hand. Pull sharply inward and upward 5 times.
    4
    Alternate and repeat
    Keep alternating until the object is dislodged, the person breathes normally, or emergency services arrive.
    5
    If unconscious — start CPR
    Lower to floor, start CPR. Look in the mouth before each rescue breath and remove any visible object.

    For Infants Under 1 Year

    Never perform abdominal thrusts on an infant.

    Back blows and chest thrusts for infants
    1
    Hold face down on your forearm
    Support the head, hold face down with head lower than chest.
    2
    Give 5 back blows
    Use 2 fingers to deliver 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades.
    3
    Turn face up
    Turn the infant over, face up on your other forearm.
    4
    Give 5 chest thrusts
    Place 2 fingers just below the nipple line. Give 5 quick downward chest thrusts.
    5
    Check and repeat
    Check the mouth after each cycle. Repeat until clear or emergency services arrive.

    After a Choking Episode

    Always see a doctor after a serious choking episode. Abdominal thrusts can cause internal injuries that need assessment.

    This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation. Last reviewed: March 2026. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.

  • How to Stop Bleeding at Home — First Aid Guide (2026)

    Emergency: Call 112 if bleeding is severe, spurting, or does not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure.

    Cuts, scrapes, and wounds are a daily reality in most Indian homes. Knowing how to correctly stop bleeding and clean a wound can prevent serious infection and complications. Most minor bleeding stops quickly with the right technique.

    Step-by-Step: How to Stop Bleeding

    Follow these steps in order
    1
    Protect yourself
    Wear disposable gloves or use a plastic bag to protect yourself from blood before treating the wound.
    2
    Apply firm, direct pressure
    Place a clean cloth, gauze pad, or the cleanest material available directly on the wound. Press firmly and continuously. Do not lift the cloth to check — this disrupts clotting.
    3
    Maintain pressure for at least 10 minutes
    Keep pressing without lifting for a full 10 minutes. Most minor bleeding stops within this time.
    4
    If blood soaks through — add more on top
    Do not remove the first cloth. Place additional gauze on top and continue pressing.
    5
    Elevate if possible
    Raise the injured area above the level of the heart to reduce blood flow and slow bleeding.
    6
    Secure with a bandage
    Once bleeding slows, secure the dressing firmly but not so tight as to cause numbness.

    Cleaning the Wound

    Once bleeding is controlled:

    • Rinse under clean running water for 5–10 minutes
    • Gently remove visible dirt with clean tweezers if needed
    • Apply antiseptic solution (diluted Dettol or povidone-iodine)
    • Cover with a sterile dressing
    • Change dressing daily or when wet
    Do not use cotton wool directly on a wound — fibres stick to the wound. Use gauze or a smooth clean cloth.

    When Are Stitches Needed?

    • Wound is deeper than 0.5cm or edges are gaping
    • Wound is longer than 2cm
    • Bleeding does not stop after 15–20 minutes
    • Wound is on the face, over a joint, or on the hands
    • You can see fatty tissue or muscle
    • Cut was caused by a dirty or rusty object

    If stitches may be needed, go to a clinic within 6 hours.

    Signs of Infection

    • Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling
    • Yellow or green pus
    • Fever above 38°C
    • Red streaks spreading from wound
    • Increasing rather than improving pain

    Tetanus

    If the wound was caused by a dirty or rusty object, check your tetanus vaccination. If not vaccinated in the last 5 years, get a booster within 24–48 hours.

    This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation. Last reviewed: February 2026. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.

  • Fainting First Aid — Loss of Consciousness Guide (2026)

    Call 112 immediately if: The person does not regain consciousness within 1–2 minutes, is not breathing normally, has a seizure, or injured themselves in the fall.

    Fainting is a sudden, brief loss of consciousness caused by temporarily reduced blood flow to the brain. It is usually harmless but the fall itself can cause injury. Act correctly to protect the person until they recover.

    Warning Signs Before Fainting

    • Sudden pallor (face goes very pale)
    • Cold sweat or clammy skin
    • Nausea
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Blurred or narrowing vision
    • Ringing in the ears
    If someone is about to faint
    1
    Lower them safely
    Help them sit or lie down immediately to prevent a fall injury.
    2
    Lay flat on their back
    Help them lie flat on the floor.
    3
    Raise their legs
    Lift legs about 30cm off the ground to improve blood flow to the brain. Hold for 2 minutes.
    4
    Loosen tight clothing
    Loosen any tight collar, tie, or clothing around the neck and waist.

    If the Person Has Already Fainted

    Respond in this order
    1
    Check responsiveness
    Gently tap shoulders and call their name loudly.
    2
    Check breathing
    Tilt head back and lift chin. Look, listen, and feel for breathing for 10 seconds.
    3
    If breathing — recovery position
    Roll onto their side. This keeps the airway open and prevents choking if they vomit.
    4
    If not breathing normally — CPR and 112
    Begin CPR: 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Continue until emergency services arrive.

    Recovery Position

    1. Kneel beside the person
    2. Place the arm nearest you at a right angle, elbow bent, palm up
    3. Bring the far arm across chest, hold hand against near cheek
    4. Pull up the far knee so the foot is flat on the floor
    5. Roll toward you using the bent knee as a lever
    6. Adjust top leg so hip and knee are at right angles
    7. Tilt head back gently to keep airway open

    When the Person Regains Consciousness

    • Keep lying down for 10–15 minutes before sitting up slowly
    • Offer water if fully alert
    • Note any head injury from the fall
    • Seek medical assessment if it is a first episode or cause is unknown
    This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation. Last reviewed: December 2025. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.

  • Severe Headache Emergency — Warning Signs (2026)

    Call 112 immediately for any sudden, severe headache — especially with fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness, or vision changes.

    Most headaches are harmless. But some are warning signs of life-threatening conditions — stroke, meningitis, bleeding in the brain. Knowing the difference and acting quickly can save a life.

    Headaches That Are Medical Emergencies

    Thunderclap headache

    Maximum intensity within 60 seconds — “the worst headache of my life.” Can indicate subarachnoid haemorrhage (bleeding around the brain). Call 112 immediately.

    Headache with fever and stiff neck

    Classic warning signs of meningitis. High fever + severe headache + stiff neck (cannot touch chin to chest) + sensitivity to light. A non-blanching rash confirms the emergency. Call 112 immediately.

    Headache with stroke symptoms — FAST test

    Face drooping · Arm weakness · Speech slurred · Time to call 112.

    Headache after head injury

    Worsening headache hours after a blow to the head — possible slow-expanding blood clot. Go to hospital.

    First Aid While Waiting for Help

    What to do immediately
    1
    Call 112 first
    Make the call before anything else. Describe clearly: sudden onset, severity, any other symptoms.
    2
    Keep the person still and calm
    Help them sit or lie in a comfortable position in a quiet, darkened room.
    3
    Do not give aspirin
    Aspirin thins blood and can worsen bleeding. Give paracetamol only if certain it is not bleeding-related.
    4
    Monitor breathing and consciousness
    If unconscious but breathing, use recovery position. If not breathing, begin CPR.
    5
    Stay with them
    Do not leave the person alone until emergency services arrive.

    Less Urgent — But Still Needing Assessment

    • New headache different from previous ones
    • Headache that wakes from sleep
    • Headache worsening progressively over days
    • New headache in anyone over 50
    • Headache triggered by coughing or straining
    • Headache in someone with cancer or HIV
    This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation. Last reviewed: September 2025. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.

  • Fracture First Aid — What to Do Before Hospital (2026)

    Call 112 immediately for: Open fractures (bone visible), suspected spinal injury, fractures with severe bleeding, or loss of consciousness.

    A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. You may not always tell by looking. The goal is to prevent the injury worsening, manage pain, and get the person to hospital safely.

    Signs of a Possible Fracture

    • Intense pain, especially when touched or moved
    • Swelling and bruising developing quickly
    • Visible deformity — limb looks out of shape
    • Inability to move the area normally
    • Crack or snap heard at time of injury
    • Numbness or tingling below the injury
    • Bone visible through skin (open fracture)
    When in doubt, treat as a fracture. Immobilise it and get medical assessment.

    Step-by-Step First Aid

    What to do
    1
    Do not move the injury
    Keep the injured area as still as possible.
    2
    Manage bleeding first if present
    Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Do not press on exposed bone.
    3
    Immobilise the fracture
    Support in the position you find it. Use a splint (rolled newspaper, piece of wood) padded with clothing. Secure above and below the fracture site, not over it.
    4
    Apply ice to reduce swelling
    Wrap ice in cloth. Never place directly on skin.
    5
    Manage pain
    Give paracetamol if conscious and not allergic. Do not give food or drink in case surgery is needed.
    6
    Transport carefully to hospital
    For arm fractures, use a sling. For leg fractures, do not allow the person to walk.

    Spinal Fracture — Most Important

    After a fall from height, vehicle accident, or trauma with neck/back pain — do not move the person. Call 112. Movement can cause permanent paralysis.

    What NOT to Do

    • Do not try to straighten a deformed limb
    • Do not push exposed bone back under the skin
    • Do not allow walking on a suspected leg fracture
    • Do not give food or drink
    • Do not remove clothing unless necessary — cut it away instead
    This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation. Last reviewed: October 2025. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.

  • Sprain First Aid — RICE Method Step by Step (2026)

    Go to hospital if: You heard a crack at the time of injury, the joint looks deformed, or you cannot bear weight after 30 minutes.

    Sprains affect ligaments while strains affect muscles or tendons. Both cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. The RICE method applied immediately reduces pain and speeds recovery.

    Type What is injured Common causes
    Sprain Ligaments Twisted ankle, wrist fall, knee twist
    Strain Muscles or tendons Heavy lifting, sudden movement, overuse

    The RICE Method

    Apply RICE within the first 24–48 hours
    1
    R — Rest
    Stop the activity immediately. Avoid weight on the injured area.
    2
    I — Ice
    Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours for 48 hours. Never apply ice directly to skin.
    3
    C — Compression
    Wrap firmly with a crepe bandage starting below the injury. Check that fingers or toes remain pink and warm — loosen if not.
    4
    E — Elevation
    Keep the injured limb above the heart level using pillows. Reduces fluid accumulation and swelling.

    What Not to Do

    • Do not apply heat in the first 48–72 hours
    • Do not massage vigorously in the acute phase
    • Do not push through the pain
    • Do not apply ice directly on skin
    • Do not bandage so tightly it cuts circulation

    After 48 Hours

    • Gentle range-of-motion exercises restore movement
    • Warm heat pads ease stiffness
    • Gradually increase weight-bearing as tolerated
    • Paracetamol or ibuprofen manage pain
    Severity Description Typical recovery
    Mild (Grade 1) Minor stretching, minimal swelling 1–2 weeks
    Moderate (Grade 2) Partial tear, significant swelling 3–6 weeks
    Severe (Grade 3) Complete tear, instability Several months — needs medical care
    This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation. Last reviewed: October 2025. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.