WWHAM questions

Who is it for? It may not be the customer who needs the treatment. Children needing first aid should be referred to the pharmacist.

What are the symptoms? Ask the customer to describe all of the symptoms, as people with severe bleeding, shock or head injuries should be immediately referred.

How long have the symptoms been present? Minor wounds or burns that are not healing may indicate that there is an infection.

Action already taken? Find out how the accident happened and what action has already been taken. If the customer requires further medical attention and you are speaking to whoever will be taking care of them, you should pass on as much information as possible.

Medication? It is important to find out if the customer is taking prescribed or OTC medicines. Any customer who is taking warfarin or other anticoagulant medicines should be immediately referred to the pharmacist.

When to refer to the pharmacist

• Bleeding that doesn't stop after five minutes of applying pressure
• There is something stuck in the wound
• The injury was caused by an animal or human bite or puncture wound (e.g. a nail)
• The cut is more than half an inch long or appears to be deep. Large or deep wounds can cause nerve or tendon damage
• Cuts and grazes €“ if deep or contaminated with dirt/foreign objects; if the customer hasn't had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years
• Burns and scalds €“ if bigger than three or four inches across; if blistering is severe; if skin is discoloured
• Babies and children requiring first aid.