Save Yourself in Health Emergencies

Sept. 21, 2009 — -- Medical emergencies like heart attacks or choking are scary enough, but if there were no one around to help you, would you know what to do to survive?

Luckily, Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of "The Dr. Oz Show," knows the tips and tricks that could save your life when you find yourself all alone and in danger.

If you're in an emergency, in almost every case Oz advises calling 911 immediately and before attempting these techniques, even if you can't talk. Somtimes, especially if you have a land line, leaving the line open will allow rescuers to track your location.

Many people know that the Heimlich maneuver can save a choking victim, but what if no one else is there to wrap their arms around your midsection and help force out whatever is blocking your airway?

Well then, Oz said, you just have to do it yourself.

Start by making a fist and place the thumb below your rib cage and above your navel, right in the soft upside-down "v" of your ribs, Dr. Oz said. Then, grasp your fist with the other hand and press into that area with a quick upward movement.

If that doesn't work, you can also use your furniture to your advantage. You can lean over a chair, table or railing and thrust your upper belly area against the edge.

If you can breathe at all, however, you don't need to do the Heimlich, Oz said.

There are three types of burns to consider, Oz said. First degree burns are the least serious, where only the outer layer of skin is burned. Such a burn will usually be red with swelling and pain, he said.

Second degree burns occur when the second layer of skin is also burned. In this case the victim gets blisters and the skin can get intensely red and splotchy, Oz said.

The most severe burns are classified as third degree burns when they burn all the layers of skin, possibly even reaching, fat, muscle and bone. The most serious burns are painless because the nerves are burned and there's likely permanent tissue damage.

The best thing to do with a burn, Oz said, is to cool it off by running cold water over it or applying a cold compress, but do not put ice on the burn.

Aspirin is very important to help control swelling.

You should also cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage, but don't use fluffy cotton, which could irritate the skin. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on the burned skin. Also, do not pop any blisters that form.

Minor burns usually heal without further treatment.