FIRST AID
In cases of
serious trauma, where there is loss of consciousness, hemorrhage,
persistent pain, apparent fracture, respiratory or cardiovascular
involvement, choking, or deep wounds, always and immediately seek
conventional medical attention from your private care physician
or hospital emergency room. If in doubt err on the side of caution
and seek emergency medical treatment and at least get a medical
diagnosis of the problem. In general, accurate medical diagnoses
are helpful to the practitioner under all circumstances.
In situations
where emergency care is clearly not required, call your practitioner
and report the nature of the injury or symptom. Explain clearly
and without a lot of editorial commentary, where it is located,
how it occurred, the quality and severity of the patient's pain
or experience, any factors that might make the condition better
or worse, and any other information pertinent to the event. Allow
time for the practitioner to record, assess, and ask the necessary
and relevant questions regarding the event.