Think Fast

Test your first aid smarts with this true-false quiz.
Statements :

1. If a child swallows poison, give liquids.
2. Put ice on a burn.
3. Place a knocked-out tooth in milk.
4. Only cuts longer than 2-3cm need stitches.
5. Leave a choking person be.

Answers :

1. False. Call the poison-control center immediately. Expert there can tell you either to induce vomiting, give liquids or stop worrying.
2. False. Ice reduces blood flow, which can slow healing. Instead run cool water on the burn for at least ten minutes. Then look at the spot, if it's blistered or charred, go to the emergency room.
3. True. Milk's minerals and consistency closely match your mouth's environment. For a good chance of saving the tooth, see the dentist within 45 minutes.
4. False. A cut can be short but deep and still require attention. If you can see into the cut or if bleeding doesn't stop after 15 minutes of applying direct pressure, call a doctor.
5. True. But only if the person can speak or is coughing. If he isn't, he's not breathing. Call the emergency phone number and perform the Heimlich maneuver (Link your arms slightly above his navel and pull up sharply).