First Aid

First Aid

NON-POISONOUS SNAKE BITES

Treatment: Wash with soap and water and apply a bandage

POISONOUS SNAKE BITES

Treatment: Lie down and remain calm. Keep the wound lower than the heart. Put a constriction bandage two inches above the wound. Go for help

SHOCK

Symptoms: Weak, pale, skin is cold and clammy, shivering from chills, may vomit.

Treatment: Have victim lie down and raise their feet slightly. Cover them if they are cool.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

the result of dehydration due to intense sweating
hikers can lose one or two liters of water per hour

Symptoms: pale face, nausea, cool and moist skin, headache, and cramps.

Treatment: Rest in a cool, shady spot. Apply cool wet cloths. Drink water and eat high energy foods.

HYPONATREMIA (water intoxication)

the result of low sodium in the blood, which is caused by drinking too much water and losing body salt through sweating.

Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, altered mental states, and frequent urination

Treatment: Have the victim eat salty foods. If mental alertness decreases, seek immediate help!

HEAT STROKE

a life threatening emergency where the body's heat regulating mechanisms become overwhelmed by a combination of internal heat production and environmental demands.

Symptoms: flushed face, dry skin, weak and rapid pulse, high body temperature, poor judgment or inability to cope, and unconsciousness

Treatment: The heatstroke victim must be cooled immediately! Continuously pour water on victim's head and torso, fan to create an evaporative cooling effect, move victim to shade, and remove excess clothing. The victim needs evacuation to a hospital. Someone should go for help while attempts to cool the victim continue.

SPIDER BITES

Treatment: Put constriction band two inches above the wound. Put ice water on the bite and keep it lower than the heart. Go for help

SCORPION STINGS

Treatment: Place cool cloths or ice water on the sting. Keep the victim calm. Go for help

SPRAINED ANKLE

Treatment: Do not remove the boot unless you are in camp. Tie an ankle support bandage. Once in camp, raise leg and apply cold wet towels

BURNS

First degree burn symptoms: Redness of skin, hot to the touch

Second degree burn symptoms: Redness of skin, blisters

Treatment: Put burn under cool water. Apply ointment and a dry bandage. Do not pop blisters

BLISTERS

Treatment: Treat hot spots with moleskin before they become blisters. Wash with soap and water. Drain blister if necessary.

TRANSPORTING A VICTIM

Four hand carry
Two man carry
One man carry
Stretcher