Living in Nashville, Tennessee's capital and largest city, means enjoying the perks of a thriving urban area while also facing some unique risks and hazards. Being prepared with some basic first aid knowledge can help Nashville residents respond quickly and effectively to common emergencies until professional medical help arrives. This guide covers ten first-aid scenarios Nashville locals are most likely to encounter and how to provide appropriate care.
Heat Exhaustion
Nashville's hot and humid summers can lead to heat exhaustion, which occurs when the body overheats. Signs include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps.To treat heat exhaustion:
- Move the person to a cool place and have them lie down. Elevate their feet above heart level.
- Loosen or remove any unnecessary clothing.
- Cool the person by fanning them or applying cool, wet towels.
- Have them drink cool water or electrolyte drinks.
- Monitor them carefully and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist.
Allergic Reactions
Allergies to foods, medications, bites, and stings are common triggers for potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. Signs of anaphylaxis include swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, and low blood pressure.If an EpiPen is available, administer it immediately by firmly pressing it into the outer thigh for 3 full seconds. Call 911, then:
- Have the person lie down, raise their feet, and keep them warm.
- Loosen any tight clothing.
- Watch closely for the progression of symptoms.
- Be prepared to perform rescue breathing or CPR if needed.
Falls
Falls are a risk in Nashville's lively downtown, especially from uneven walking surfaces or due to impaired judgment from alcohol consumption on Lower Broadway. For major falls:- Call 911 immediately if the person is unresponsive or complains of neck or back pain - do NOT move them.
- For other falls, do not move the person if they are unable to get up on their own.
- Stop any bleeding with direct pressure on wounds.
- Watch closely for signs of shock. Keep them warm, and elevate feet.
Choking
Nashville's amazing food scene means enjoying delicious meals out - but be prepared if someone chokes on food or other objects. If a choking person can speak, cough, or breathe, do not interfere - encourage them to cough to expel the blockage. If they cannot breathe at all:Get behind them, wrap your arms around their waist, make a fist with one hand, place it just above their belly button, grasp it with your other hand, and thrust inward and upward.
- Repeat until the object is dislodged.
- If needed, open the airway and perform rescue breathing.
- Call 911 if still not breathing.
Alcohol Poisoning
Bachelor and bachelorette parties are a major Nashville draw - but celebrants should watch for signs of alcohol poisoning such as confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, and pale or blue-tinged skin.Do NOT allow them to "sleep it off" - this can be deadly. Stay with the person and:
- Keep them awake and sitting up.
- Give them water to sip if fully conscious.
- Turn them on their side if vomiting or unresponsive.
- Call 911 immediately.
Dog Bites
A man's best friend isn't always so friendly to strangers. For minor bites that don't break the skin, wash the area with soap and water. For severe bites:- Control any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean towel or piece of clothing.
- Cover the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
- Seek medical care, especially if the bite is from an unfamiliar dog.
- Get contact information for the dog's owner and call animal control to report the bite.
Snake Bites
While not an everyday occurrence, venomous snakes do reside in Tennessee. If bitten:- Remain calm and still to avoid spreading venom.
- Remove any jewelry or restrictive clothing near the bite.
- Position yourself so the bite is at or below heart level.
- Wash the bite gently with soap and water if possible.
- Cover with a clean, dry dressing.
- Call 911 immediately - antivenom and other treatments are critical.
- Do NOT cut into the wound or apply ice, heat, or a tourniquet. Save images or capture the snake safely if possible for identification.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Major highways and country backroads around Nashville mean motor vehicle accidents are a risk. If you come upon an accident:- Pull over safely and turn on the flashers. Call 911.
- Secure the scene by setting up road flares or warning signs.
- Do NOT move any injured people unless the vehicle is on fire.
- Stop obvious bleeding with direct pressure.
- Keep injured people warm with blankets only - no heaters.
- Administer CPR or rescue breathing if needed.
Power Outages
Severe storms can knock out power across Nashville. Take precautions:- Never use generators, grills, camping stoves, or similar devices indoors - they release carbon monoxide.
- Avoid candles for lighting due to fire risk - use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns.
- Turn off and unplug major appliances in case of a power surge when electricity is restored.
- Check on elderly neighbors or other vulnerable people to ensure safety.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a true medical emergency that occurs when the body's core temperature exceeds 104°F. Signs include headache, dizziness, confusion, hot and dry skin, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness.To treat heatstroke:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Move the person to a cool place indoors or in the shade.
- Remove unnecessary outer clothing.
- Cool the person rapidly with cold water, cold compresses, misting, fanning, or any other available method.
- Monitor breathing and be prepared to perform CPR if needed until paramedics arrive.
- Heatstroke can be fatal quickly without emergency medical treatment. Stay alert for heat advisories and check on at-risk people such as seniors living alone and young children during heat waves.
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