Practical Help…

First Aid

As CPs we are not necessarily qualified First Aiders. Do not offer First Aid unless you are trained and feel confident to do so.

·     People must self-administer if needing basic things such as plasters.

·     Nosebleeds - tell them to squeeze hard on the bridge of their nose for 10 minutes.

·     Walk drunks around to help sober up.   Unless needing to go to hospital, something to eat (including lolly) and sips of water will help, (but be aware drinking water may cause them to vomit). Be careful about propping up a drunk person against a wall in case they fall and injure their head.

·     Wheelchairs are available from Revolutions in George Street, Labyrinth in North Parade and on the Safe Bus, to transport an ill person to the Safe Bus for medical attention.

·     Don’t root round in people’s pockets in case of sharps. Always use protective gloves when blood or other fluids are present.

·     For a case of severe bleeding, a “Major Bleed” kit is included in the main bag. This includes gloves and a stack of gauze. It is important to apply firm pressure to a major bleed. Trauma dressings are a large pad with and elasticated bandage, that applies excellent pressure, with Velcro at the end, so easy to secure. As a last resort there is a tourniquet, that can be applied just above the wound, if the injury is on a limb. You need to take note of the time tourniquet is applied as it must be loosened after 15minutes. Then re tightened.
There is also a pair of tough cut scissors to cut off clothes (and open the dressings)

                        REMEMBER NEVER REMOVE FOREIGN BODIES

·     An ambulance can be called in response to serious cuts from broken glass, assaults and head injuries, anyone unconscious, and anyone hit by a car. Minor injuries can be dealt with at the Safe Bus. For radio advice call “Safe Bus Medic” on Channel 2 (or call Channel 1 and ask to be switched to Channel 2 see page 5).

·     The Safe Bus paramedic can also test for diabetes (prick finger) and may advise the need for sugar (lolly or chocolate).  Glass in feet nearly always means a visit to hospital for X Ray.

·     If someone on the ground is not responsive to your voice, try kicking their feet as you approach.
If safe, you can try pinching their earlobe. If no response, call an ambulance immediately via the CCTV (Tango Victor).

·     Talk to the injured person and get their history if you can. Keep them warm – the foil wraps can help with this, as well as blankets or their own clothing. If appropriate place the patient on their side with their head tilted back in the recovery position. This will help maintain an open airway and allow for natural drainage.

·     While waiting for the ambulance, and if you feel confident, follow the Airway, Breathing and Circulation procedure.

·     Alcohol Poisoning is life threatening. Symptoms include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow irregular breathing, low body temperature. If you see someone vomit seriously several times or pass out after heavy drinking, there is a risk of severe dehydration or brain damage. Dial 999 immediately.

·     For appearing unconscious because of drugs, immediately contact 999 for urgent medical assistance.  Naloxone injections or nasal sprays can stabilise a patient suffering Opioid Overdose which can threaten their breathing. It can keep them alive while an ambulance comes. Marshals and others carry Naloxone, and we carry the nasal spray, which can be used as follows:

Check if casualty is unresponsive and appears to have difficulty breathing (Respiratory Distress).

Call 999 for ambulance, and advise them and the casualty you are considering using the Naloxone spray.    Unpack the applicator, and Lay casualty on their back.

Insert applicator into one nostril, and press the central plunger to spray the dose into the nostril. 

Remember which nostril you used, (to advise paramedic when they arrive). 

Make the casualty comfortable, and stay until professional help takes over. 

Reassure casualty that after ~ 20 minutes the effects of Naloxone will wear off.

Do not give any further doses (unless advised by a medical professional).

Hypothermia

This is a significant risk for many people who are lingering on the streets late at night.
Symptoms and actions:

·     Hypothermia is when the core body temperature drops below 35C (95F) and the body reacts by reducing blood flow to limbs and skin surface.

·     The skin becomes cold, pale, and dry and may have a bluish tinge. There is no energy in the muscles and there may be a lack of muscle co-ordination. Sufferers will be cold but not shivering.

·     It is essential to warm them up at a comparable rate to their cool down.  Generally for us this means we need to prevent further heat loss by wrapping them in a blanket or coat, and trying to get them to warm up gradually & naturally from the inside out.

·     Do not try to warm the extremities quickly, as this can cause cold blood to circulate back to the core and result in core body cooling. If in a warm room, get them to breathe warm air deeply for a while before exposing the skin/limbs to warmth.  (This does not apply to someone who has chilled suddenly, e.g. by falling into the river.)

·     Once their limbs have started to warm up and their circulation has started, a hot drink to heat the body core is useful.

Mental Health Advice

People suffering serious mental health problems, may at first appear drunk. If the situation appears life-threatening call 999.

If someone is suicidal, try calling the Suicide Prevention Team on the radio.
Or the following helplines may be helpful:

Avon and Wilts Mental Health Partnership Trust 0800 953 1919

Samaritans 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org

Text SHOUT on 85258
All are free and available 24/7.

Suicide Prevention Helpline (Bristol) 0800 689 5652 (6 pm – 3.30 am)