...Continued from previous week
1) It is permissible to transgress the Shabbos for someone who develops a serious eye infection that is accompanied by extreme tearing, bleeding or mucus.
2) Likewise, if the eye is affected by a hot, burning sensation, or other symptoms that are deemed dangerous, the Shabbos may be transgressed to seek medical attention or to employ a treatment, already at the onset of the infection, as to avoid it developing into something more serious or fatal. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 328:9 and Mishna Berura S"K 23. See also Shulchan Aruch HaRav Siman 328:9)
3) One who sustains a wound via a piece of iron or similar metal, even if it isn't affecting internal organs, if it is deemed serious, he may transgress the Shabbos to have it treated. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 328:7. See Biur Halacha Dibur Hamaschil Machmas Barzel where he quotes Rav Akiva Eiger in the name of the Tevuas Shor, debating if this is only if the wound happened via a powerful blow or if it is also for a wound that happened via soft contact with iron.)
4) Some Poskim apply the aforementioned Halacha only to wounds that are large and deep and not to small and shallow cuts. (See Shmiras Shabbos K'Hilchasa Perek 32:11:7 and footnote 40)
5) If someone is suffering from strong stomach pains, which can at times be a sign of a larger, more serious danger, he may transgress the Shabbos to have it examined by a medical professional.
6) Likewise, we transgress the Shabbos in all situations where there is even a slight reason to believe that someone is in a dangerous situation that may lead to heart attack, kidney failure, appendix infection or any other life-threatening incident.
7) A light burn (first degree burn that usually only affects the top layer of skin) which causes light redness and mild pain on a small area of the skin, is considered like a simple ache, and no biblical or rabbinical Melachos may be transgressed to treat it.
8) Additionally, no medication may be applied to this light burn in order to dull the pain. (This is because being that the burn did not reach the level of "Nafal L'Mishlav", making him need to lie down, the person is not deemed even a Choleh Sh'ain Bo sakana)
However, an Aino Yehudi may dab the medication or ointment on the light burn on behalf of the Jew, as long as the ointment is not smeared all over the burn or over the bandage that will then be applied to cover the burn, as smearing may be a biblical transgression.
To be continued next week B’Ezras Hashem
