First Aid During Monsoon: Quick Responses to Common Rainy Day Emergencies

1. Slip and Fall Injuries

• Bruises, sprains, or superficial cuts
• Sometimes, fractures or head trauma

• Help the person lie still. Do not move them suddenly if head injury or spine trauma is suspected.
• For sprains: Elevate the injured limb, apply a cold compress (not direct ice), and keep it immobile.
• For cuts: Clean the wound with clean water and antiseptic, and cover with sterile gauze.
• If the person loses consciousness or has a nosebleed after a fall, seek emergency care immediately.

• Rub the injured area or apply ointments without cleaning
• Apply heat immediately, always start with cold compress to reduce swelling

2. Electrocution

• Burns at entry/exit sites
• Muscle spasms, unconsciousness, or even cardiac arrest

• Do not touch the person directly if they are still in contact with the current.
• Turn off the power source from the mains or use a non-conductive object (dry wood stick or rubber item) to break contact.
• If the person is unresponsive, check for breathing and start CPR if trained.
• Call emergency services (dial 112 in India).
• Cover any visible burns with sterile, dry cloth, do not apply creams or water.

• Use wet hands or stand in water while helping
• Assume the person is fine just because they’re conscious, internal damage is possible

3. Drowning or Near-Drowning

• Difficulty breathing, coughing, bluish lips, confusion
• In children, this may occur in as little as 20–30 seconds in open drains or water tanks

• Remove the person from water without endangering yourself.
• Check for breathing and pulse.
• If no pulse: begin CPR (30 compressions: 2 breaths if trained).
• If breathing: place in the recovery position (on the side) to prevent aspiration.
• Wrap them in dry cloth and transport them to hospital.

• Delay medical care even if the person seems okay, “secondary drowning” can occur hours later due to fluid in the lungs.

4. Insect or Mosquito Bites

• Itching, redness, swelling
• In severe cases: allergic reaction (breathing difficulty, hives)

• Wash area with soap and water
• Apply calamine lotion or antihistamine cream
• If swelling is severe or if there is difficulty breathing: administer oral antihistamine (if age-appropriate) and rush to emergency care

• Scratch vigorously, it can lead to infection
• Apply home remedies like lime or toothpaste, which may irritate the skin further

5. Fungal Infections and Rashes

• Red, itchy, circular patches (commonly between toes, groin, under breasts)
• Bad odor from feet or clothes

• Keep the area dry and clean
• Apply antifungal powder or cream (clotrimazole-based, age-appropriate)
• Use loose, breathable clothing
• See a doctor if rash spreads or cracks appear

• Cover with tight plastic or bandages—it worsens moisture retention
• Delay treatment if pus or oozing starts

6. Diarrhea or Vomiting from Contaminated Food/Water

• Loose stools, dehydration, fatigue
• Common during monsoon due to waterborne infections

• Give ORS (oral rehydration salts) immediately
• Continue small sips of clean, boiled or filtered water
• Avoid milk, raw fruits, and fried foods temporarily
• Seek medical care if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or if there is blood in stool

• Give antibiotics or antidiarrheal medicines without doctor consultation
• Stop fluids even if vomiting continues, small sips are better than none

7. Eye Infections (Conjunctivitis, Styes)

• Redness, sticky discharge, itching, watery eyes
• Often viral or bacterial due to poor hygiene and damp conditions

• Clean with sterile saline or boiled-cooled water using cotton
• Avoid touching or rubbing eyes
• Use prescribed antibiotic drops (never over-the-counter steroids)
• Keep towels, napkins separate to prevent spread

• Share towels or napkins
• Use rose water or unverified home remedies, they may worsen the infection

When to Seek Emergency Medical Help Immediately

• Unconsciousness or seizures after a fall or shock
• Breathing difficulty, bluish lips, or confusion
• High fever with rash and severe body pain (suspect dengue or chikungunya)
• Persistent vomiting or inability to retain fluids
• Electrical burns, even if the skin looks intact

Conclusion