Few students hesitate to head to Hudson Health Center for common colds and congestion, but for minor burns and cuts, students often try to take matters into their own hands.
One time I was using scissors and I cut off the end of my finger
said Sean Cryan, an Ohio University senior studying biology. It wasn't completely detached but it was dangling.
Cryan didn't panic, however, and held his severed part of his finger in place, poured rubbing alcohol on it and covered it with a band-aid until it healed.
While Cryan performed first aid to the best of his ability, some students are unaware of how to treat common injuries.
I had a burn once and just ran it under cold water.- said Joe Greenwell, a freshman studying English. The cold water didn't really help.
Instead, burns like the one Greenwell suffered should be treated with cool water, said Pamela Martino, executive director of the Athens Chapter of the American Red Cross.
The best thing to do when you have a cut or burn is to use common sense and good judgment
she said.
Students shouldn't hesitate to call 911 or poison control when they have minor burns or cuts, or have fallen, said OU Police Lt. Steve Noftz. -
Noftz said.
But the police aren't the only ones who can receive Red Cross training.
You can have a party or a small group and we can send someone to train and teach first aid basics
said Susan Gilfert, health and safety coordinator for the Athens Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Students should keep a well-stocked first-aid kit handy and try not to panic when a medical emergency arises, Noftz said.
Always err on the side of caution
Noftz said. Overall
don't be afraid to call 911.
' kh204706@ohiou.edu
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