Subject: Family and Consumer Management
Grade 7
Topic: Accidents and first aid
Objectives
1. Define the term accidents
2. Identify causes of accidents
3. Identify types of accidents
4. Define the term ‘first aid’
5. Discuss the features and contents of the first aid box
Accidents in the kitchen /laboratory
An accident is defined as any unplanned occurrence that may cause injury or even death. If
an accident is minor, first aid will assist the victim to be better; however, if it is severe then
medical assistance is needed.
Treating common injuries
Burns & Scalds
● Remove victim from the source of burns and scalds. If clothing is on fire, smother the
flames by either dosing with water or other non-flammable liquid or wrapping victim
in a rug, blanket or coat. Do not let the victim rush into the open air.
● Gently hold the burnt part under running cold water, or immerse it in cold water to
alleviate pain. Remove anything of a constrictive nature, like bangles, rings, belts or
shoes from the burnt area before it starts to swell.
● If the burn is bad or in the mouth or throat, and the victim is conscious, give sips of
water at frequent intervals.
● Cover burn with sterile dressing to exclude air. Do not apply lotions, ointments or oil
dressings. Do not pick blisters touch or breathe over the burn.
● If the burn is severe, seek doctor’s advice or remove victim to hospital.
Prevention
● Keep young children out of the kitchen if no adult is there.
● Never leave pot handle sticking out from the cooker.
● Never run or play in the lab
● Keep flammable object locked away.
Cuts
● Bathe wound gently in clean water, removing any dirt.
● Apply dry dressing of white lint or sticking plaster.
● If bleeding is severe, raise limb as high as possible, press a pad of clean material or
your hand directly on the wound for five to fifteen minutes. Never use dirt,
kerosene, lime or coffee to stop bleeding. If wound is caused by an animal bite, or
rusty items such as nails, galvanized iron , or has been contaminated by soil ,there is
a risk of tetanus infection ‘lock jaw’, consult a doctor immediately.
Prevention
● Keep all knives in safe place
● Sweep up broken glass, wrap in newspaper and put in garbage bag immediately.
● Pay attention to knife skills
● Use sharp knives, as dull knives may be riskier to use
● Use correct tool for the job.
Falls
● Do not move affected part, doing so will risk further injury to the victim.
● Leave victim where the accident occurred, unless in danger of further injury and
cover with a blanket.
● Seek advice of a doctor immediately.
Prevention
● Wipe up all spills immediately
● Keep floors and walk ways free of clutter
● Wear appropriate non-skid shoes in the lab
Electrocution
● Turn off electricity at the main switch or remove plug from socket.
● Never touch a person who has been electrocuted, as the current will pass through
your body too.
● Push the victim away from the source of power with a wooden implement.
● A length of rope may be looped around the feet to pull the victim away.
● Never use anything made of metal or wet hands.
● If the victim is not breathing, use artificial respiration.
● Call the doctor, or rush victim to the hospital.
Prevention
● Follow manufacturer’s instructions before using appliances.
● Never use appliance with damaged electrical wires
● Never operate appliances with wet hands.
● Make sure socket is switched off before plugging in an appliance.
● Sockets not in use should be taped over to prevent children poking objects into
holes.
● Never run extension cords under carpets or other floor covering.
● Never operate appliances in the shower
Poisoning
● Ask the victim what poison was taken. If he or she is unconscious, you may see the
empty container that held the poison. If so, there may be an antidote given on the
label. Follow the direction.
● Give the victim plenty of water or bicarbonate of soda, diluted of soda, in order to
induce vomiting, depending on the type of poison. If the poison is corrosive, do not
induce vomiting. Follow this with a drink of milk. Consult a doctor, or remove the
victim to a hospital.
● Wipe face and lips gently with sponge.
● Do not pour water into the mouth of an unconscious patient as this will choke them.
Prevention
● Keep all medications locked away from the reach of children.
● Keep all household cleaners in a separate cupboard from foods and keep the
cupboards locked.
● Keep pesticides and other poisonous substances out of the kitchen and out of the
reach of children
● Teach children not to drink out of bottles or take other people’s medication.
● Never allow children to take their own medication
Causes of Accidents in the Home
● Heat- e.g. Steam, hot liquids, lighted candles and cold pots stoves and cookers.
● Flame/flammable objects such as candles, matches and kerosene
● Slippery or unsafe surfaces
● Sharp cutting tools or objects such as knives, scissors
● Faulty electrical wiring and appliances, overloaded electrical circuits.
First aid is defined as the initial treatment given or applied to someone who is hurt until
professional help is obtained.
The first aid box
Items in the first aid box
Every first aid box should have the following basic item in them.
● Variety of bandages
● Gauze
● Cotton wool
● Iodine
● Scissors
● Safety pins
● Adhesive dressings
● Tweezers
● Pain killers
● Medicine glass
● Clinical thermometer
● Enamel bowl
● Eyewash
● An antiseptic such as Dettol
The first aid box should be kept clean, with an adequate supply of materials. Throw out
those item with ‘use by date’ or ‘expiry date’ that have passed and replace with new ones.
Activity
Draw a cartoon of or collect pictures depicting an accident. Write about the accident and
say how it could have been prevented and how the injuries may be treated. Examples are
provided below. COLOUR the examples provided.
