Bruise, Bump, or Sprain. Apply very cold or very hot water, changing at proper intervals. Continue until swelling is reduced.
Burns. Never use flour or cotton on burns. Exclude air and prevent infection from dirt or water. Burns are easily infected or cause shock. For burns by dry heat, apply vaseline, baking soda, carron oil, or olive oil, and wrap in sterilized gauze to exclude air. For scalds, apply wet cloths of cool water (sterilized if possible), with baking soda or boric acid. Exclude air and be careful not to break blister. Treat blisters as burns.
If clothing is afire, smother by rolling on floor or wrapping in heavy coverings. Prevent fumes and smoke from entering lungs. If clothing is burned to skin, cut around it and soak off with olive oil. For fire in room, close windows and doors, and attempt to smother before using water. To go through smoke, put wet cloth over mouth and nose.
Cuts and Scratches. Hold under running cool water to thoroughly rinse out dirt. Wash with disinfectant. Take special care with wounds from rusty instruments. Scratches may then be painted with collodion, cuts covered with court plaster (do not moisten in mouth) or surgeon’s plaster.
Fall or Shock. Lay flat. Apply cold water to head, hot-water bag at heart and to feet. Cover warmly. Rub arms and legs toward heart, without uncovering. Apply mild smelling salts, ammonia, or camphor at nose. Never give alcohol without doctor’s order. Hot milk, tea, or coffee are safe stimulants.
Foreign Body in Ear. Do not attempt to remove by poking. Put in few drops of sweet oil, lay head down on that side, till doctor comes.
Foreign Body in Nose. Do not attempt to remove by poking. Let child blow nose, closing opposite nostril. Call doctor.
Foreign Body in Throat. If not easily removed with finger, hold child by ankles, head downward, and slap on back. If swallowed, give soft bread at once but do not give laxative. Remove fishbone with fingers.
Foreign Body in Eye. Do not rub. Encourage crying. Blow nose. If visible, remove with corner of clean handkerchief. If not visible, pull upper lid over lower, and move gently. Wash eyes with boric or salt solution. For injury, apply cold cloths wet in boric or salt solution.
Slivers. Remove with a sterilized needle, wash with antiseptic and bandage with zinc ointment or paint with collodion. Never use a pin. If very difficult to remove, apply hot fomentations.