First Aid Trivia Quiz

Answer: Hold the hand under cold running water

The burn or scald should be kept under the cold water for approximately twenty minutes, after which the burn should be covered with cling film or a plastic bag. Paracetamol can be given for the pain of the burn. If the burn is bigger than the person's hand, or there is any white or charred skin they should be taken to the emergency department at the hospital.

Answer: Heartburn

Heartache and heartsore are more appropriate to emotional feelings and heart's ease is the pretty tiny flower of the wild pansy. Heartburn is the result of acidic gastric juices irritating the stomach lining or esophagus. It is often caused by eating too quickly or not chewing the food enough before swallowing. Spicy foods are especially likely to bring on heartburn.

It can often be relieved by taking antacid tablets, but if it continues or is particularly painful a doctor should be consulted.

Answer: A procedure to stop a person from choking

To perform the Heimlich manoeuvre the helper should stand behind the choking person with his arms around him at the base of the diaphragm and pull his hands in and up. This causes the lungs to compress and hopefully the stuck object will be expelled from the mouth.

It is important to be sure that a person is really choking before performing this action, and may be best to try some thumps on the back first. Signs of choking are that the hands are often around the throat, there is an inability to cough effectively and the lips may be blue.

Answer: Find out what they took, when, and how much and call the emergency services

It is important to find out, if possible, what the child has swallowed, when and how much as the emergency services will need to know this. Substances that can cause harm include household cleaning and decorating or home maintenance products, as well as drugs which are on or off prescription.

Some plants may also be harmful. It is important not to make the child sick as you may further harm their throat.

Answer: Leave it in and apply pressure either side of it. Call the emergency services

It is important not to remove any object in the wound because it may be helping to reduce the bleeding. However, blood can be lost very rapidly and it can be very serious, so the best course of action is to call the emergency services and apply pressure to both sides of the wound with a clean pad or fingers. If gloves are available these should be worn to protect yourself from infection.

Answer: Lean slightly forward and pinch the nostrils

The nostrils should be pinched for a minimum of ten minutes, and it is a good idea to time it as it can feel like a very long time. Putting your head back will cause you to swallow blood which may make you vomit. Keys and scissors are no use at all but old folk remedies. In fact the scissors idea sounds very dangerous!

Answer: There is no cure for a common cold

There is no cure for the common cold and no vaccination against it. Prevention methods include frequent hand washing and not touching the nose or mouth with unwashed hands. The symptoms can be relieved with cough mixture if necessary, paracetamol for headaches. Gargling with salt water or inhaling steam is helpful for a sore throat.

Answer: 30 compressions to 2 breaths

It can be a dangerous matter to put your lips against those of someone who you do not know, and studies have shown that the compressions alone can be just as effective. These should be given at the pace of the song 'Nelly the Elephant' or, perhaps more appropriately, 'Staying Alive'.

Answer: Lemon

The juice of a lemon squeezed into warm water and taken occasionally throughout the day will help to remove the unpleasant symptoms. Lemon is a good natural remedy and helps to reduce headache, dizziness, nausea and light muscle pain. It is also very good if steeped in hot water with a small amount of grated ginger to produce a tea.

The 'hair of the dog' is not helpful as more alcohol can only exacerbate the problem. A large part of the discomfort of a hangover is caused by dehydration so it is a good idea to drink plenty of water.

Answer: Get them on the ground and smother the flames with a wet towel

If you see that someone's clothes are burning, immediately get them on to the floor. They may resist in panic and in this case a leg sweep may be used, or you may get help from others. Cover them with a wet towel if possible or if no water is available cover them with a dry towel. Call the emergency services.