When someone has a minor injury such as a bloody nose or a splinter, all that is necessary is what we've all come to know as first aid. It is important to know what to do for an injured person immediately after the injury has occured to minimize pain and discomfort. In all instances of injury listed here, if swelling and pain persist seek immediate medical attention. Even if first aid is applied, an injured person should follow up with professional medical attention.

Insect stings: If you can see the stinger has been left in the skin, remove it. Apply a paste made of water and baking soda and wrap with gauze.

Cuts and Scratches: Always wash your hands before and after tending to any open wounds. Using a clean washcloth or sterile gauze (preferred) wash the area around the cut with hot soapy water. Work from the wound outward and then do it again, this time washing the cut itself. After cleansing, cover cut with a sterile bandage held securely in place. For smaller cuts Band-Aids work fine.

Nosebleeds: Sit quietly with head tilted back. If bleeding continues, gently blow nose to remove any clots, then place a piece of moist cotton in the nose and firmly press on outside of nostril. When bleeding stops you should leave the cotton in place for a short time longer.

Splinters: Wash area with hot, soapy water. Sterilize tweezers and/or needle by holding in a flame until they glow. If sliver is still partially sticking out, use tweezers only. If just below the skin, gently work out with a needle. If it is in too deep for quick removal, see a professional.

Fainting: To prevent fainting, have person sit down, put head between knees and breathe deeply. If someone has fainted, place victim on their back. Try to get their head lower than the rest of their body and put a cold cloth on their forehead and face. Loosen all tight clothing.

Burns, from heat: If the burn is large, no matter what degree it is, see a physician immediately. Keep clothing away from the burn and don't apply anything to it other than layers of sterile gauze or one layer of plastic food wrap to keep the area clean (the wrap will not stick to skin). If burn is small, run it under cold water until the pain is gone. If there is no blister apply a coat of vaseline and cover it with thick sterile gauze. If it is blistered, take care to not break the skin. Apply gauze but do not apply vaseline.

Burns, chemical: Flush with water for several minutes to remove chemical. If in eyes, flush gently for 20 minutes and then see a doctor immediately.

Burns, sun: For blisters, soak a sterile gauze in 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 quart of water, then cover the blistered area.

If only redness, apply a sunburn ointment or baby oil to area. Drink plenty of fluids.

Sunstroke: Remove person to a cool area away from sun. If near a tub have person soak in cool water. If not, remove as much clothing as possible. Apply a cold compress to head and body, while they are laying down with head and shoulders raised. Drink cold water and contact a doctor if possible.

Heat Exhaustion: If a person has heat exhaustion they will feel tired and faint break out in a cold sweat and turn pale and have a low body temperature. This person should lie down, have clothing loosened but be covered with a light blanket. Notice that with heat stroke or sunstroke the victim needs to get cool, but with heat exhaustion the victim needs to be warmed. Victim should see their physician to rule out any other medical problems.

Eye injuries: If you believe the eye has received a scratch or cut, see a doctor immediately. If it is simply irritated from having a small, foreign object in it, flush it out with warm water while having head back. The person should actually be lying down as water is being poured into the eye, while having the eyelid pulled away from eyeball. If you can see the particle but it is not rinsing out, gently lift it out with a sterile piece of gauze.

Bruises: Elevating the injured area while applying an ice pack will reduce pain, swelling and bruising.

In all cases of injury, even the common ones listed above, consult a physician to see if treatment given was sufficient.