Injuries - Grade 7 Pre-Technical Studies Revision Notes

What you get:

• Defination of an injury
• Types of injuries
  • Causes of injuries in the locality
  • First aid procedures for cuts
  • First aid procedures for minor fractures
  • First aid procedures for burns
  • First aid procedures for scalds
• Safety measures that minimise injuries in the locality
• Careers related to first aid and management of injuries
• Importance of observing safety

INJURIES

An injury is damage to your body.

Types of injuries

Examples of common injuries include

1. Scalds
2. Fractures
3. Sprains
4. Burns
5. Cuts
6. Pricks
7. Bruises

Causes of injuries in the locality

1. Cuts
   Caused by sharp tools and equipments like knives
   Can also be cause by sharp furniture corners or rough edges
2. Burns
   Are caused by touching open flames, hot objects like sufurias
   May also be caused by chemicals and electricity
3. Scalds
   Are caused by touching hot liquids like boiling water, hot tea.
   May also be caused by steam from boiling foods or water
4. Minor fractures
   Occurs after falls or slips
   May also occur when there is abnormal movement during activities or sudden change of speed during movement

First aid procedures for cuts
You will need clean water, a bandage, cotton wool and an antiseptic or salty water

1. Wash your hands
2. Apply gentle pressure around the cut with a clean piece of cloth or cotton wool until bleeding stops
3. Clean the cut with clean water. Do not use soap
4. Once the cut is clean and is not bleeding, apply some antiseptic
5. Cover the cut with a bandage or clean piece of cloth to keep away dirt

First aid procedures for minor fractures

You will need ice cubes, a bandage or a clean piece of cloth

1. Let the injured person rest and avoid moving the injure part completely
2. Place an ice pack on the injure part to prevent swelling
3. Wrap the affected part in a soft bandage to compress it
4. Raise the injure part higher than other body parts

First aid procedures for burns

You will need cold water and a clean piece of cloth

1. Move away from the source of burn
2. Remove clothing or jewellery around the burnt area
3. Cool the burn under cold running water for about 5 minutes. You can also deip the part in cold water
4. Cover the burnt area with a loosely clinging clean piece of cloth

First aid procedures for scalds

You will need cold water, a clean piece of cloth or bandage

1. Remove clothing or jewellery where the injury has occurred
2. Place the injured area under cold water for about 20 minutes
3. Do not pop the blister or blisters if they form
4. Cover the scalded area with a loosely clinging clean piece of cloth or gauze

Safety measures that minimise injuries in the locality

Careers related to first aid and management of injuries

Fist aid is important because it helps to save lives and reduce pain.

It also makes the affected people feel cared for.

The following are common careers related to first aid and management of injuries

1. Emergency repose nurses
2. Paramedics
3. Ambulance drivers
4. Fire fighters
5. Flight attendants
6. Professional baby sitters
7. Lifeguards
8. Games instructors
9. Gym instructors

Importance of observing safety

1. Prevent unnecessary injuries or even death
2. Avoid lost time
3. Increase productivity