FIRST AID - Troop 577 Wichita, Kansas · fiRST Aid 7.introduction Introduction First aid—caring...
Transcript of FIRST AID - Troop 577 Wichita, Kansas · fiRST Aid 7.introduction Introduction First aid—caring...
FIRST AID
How to Use This PamphletThe secret to successfully earning a merit badge is for you to use both the pamphlet and the suggestions of your counselor.
Your counselor can be as important to you as a coach is to an athlete. Use all of the resources your counselor can make available to you. This may be the best chance you will have to learn about this particular subject. Make it count.
If you or your counselor feels that any information in this pamphlet is incorrect, please let us know. Please state your source of information.
Merit badge pamphlets are reprinted annually and requirements updated regularly. Your suggestions for improvement are welcome.
Send comments along with a brief statement about yourself to Youth Development, S209 • Boy Scouts of America • 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane • P.O. Box 152079 • Irving, TX 75015-2079.
Who Pays for This Pamphlet?This merit badge pamphlet is one in a series of more than 100 covering all kinds of hobby and career subjects. It is made available for you to buy as a service of the national and local councils, Boy Scouts of America. The costs of the development, writing, and editing of the merit badge pamphlets are paid for by the Boy Scouts of America in order to bring you the best book at a reasonable price.
first aid
BOY sCOUts Of aMEriCaMErit BadGE sEriEs
The Boy Scouts of America is indebted to the American Red Cross for its subject matter expertise, review, and other assistance with this edition of the First Aid merit badge pamphlet.
Requirements1. Satisfyyourcounselorthatyouhavecurrentknowledge
ofallfirst-aidrequirementsforTenderfoot,SecondClass,andFirstClassranks.
2. Dothefollowing:
a. Explainhowyouwouldobtainemergencymedical assistancefromyourhome,onawildernesscamping trip,andduringanactivityonopenwater.
b. Explainthetermtriage.
c. Explainthestandardprecautionsasappliedto bloodbornepathogens.
d. Prepareafirst-aidkitforyourhome.Displayand discussitscontentswithyourcounselor.
3.Dothefollowing:
a. Explainwhatactionyoushouldtakeforsomeone whoshowssignalsofshock,forsomeonewho showssignalsofaheartattack,andforsomeone whoshowssignalsofstroke.
b. Identifytheconditionsthatmustexistbefore performingCPRonaperson.Thendemonstrate propertechniqueinperformingCPRusingatraining deviceapprovedbyyourcounselor.
c. Explaintheuseofanautomatedexternal defibrillator(AED).
d. Showthestepsthatneedtobetakenforsomeone sufferingfromaseverecutonthelegandonthe wrist.Tellthedangersintheuseofatourniquetand theconditionsunderwhichitsuseisjustified.
e. Explainwhenabeestingcouldbelifethreatening andwhatactionshouldbetakenforprevention andforfirstaid.
35897ISBN 978-0-8395-3301-6©2007 Boy Scouts of America2010 Printing
BANG/Brainerd, MN3-2010/059719
fiRST Aid 3
f. Explainthesymptomsofheatstrokeandwhataction shouldbetakenforfirstaidandforprevention.
4.Dothefollowing:
a. Describethesignalsofabrokenbone.Showfirst-aid proceduresforhandlingfractures(brokenbones), includingopen(compound)fracturesofthe forearm,wrist,upperleg,andlowerlegusing improvisedmaterials.
b. Describethesymptomsandpossiblecomplications anddemonstrateproperproceduresfortreating suspectedinjuriestothehead,neck,andback. Explainwhatmeasuresshouldbetakentoreduce thepossibilityoffurthercomplicatingtheseinjuries.
5.Describethesymptoms,properfirst-aidprocedures,andpossiblepreventionmeasuresforthefollowingconditions:
a. Hypothermia
b. Convulsions/seizures
c. Frostbite
d. Dehydration
e. Bruises,strains,sprains
f. Burns
g. Abdominalpain
h. Broken,chipped,orloosenedtooth
i. Knockedouttooth
j. Musclecramps
6.DoTWOofthefollowing:
a. Ifasickoraninjuredpersonmustbemoved,tell howyouwoulddeterminethebestmethod. Demonstratethismethod.
b. Withhelpersunderyoursupervision,improvisea stretcherandmoveapresumablyunconsciousperson.
c. Withyourcounselor’sapproval,arrangeavisitwith yourpatrolortrooptoanemergencymedicalfacility orthroughanAmericanRedCrosschapterfora demonstrationofhowanAEDisused.
7.TeachanotherScoutafirst-aidskillselectedbyyourcounselor.
4 fiRST Aid
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 ReducingRisk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
HowtoHandleanEmergency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 1.ChecktheScene..............................11 2.CallforHelp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 3.ApproachSafely. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 4.ProvideUrgentTreatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 5.ProtectFromFurtherInjury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 6.TreatEveryAccidentVictimforShock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 7.MakeaThoroughExamination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 8.PlanaCourseofAction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
First-AidSuppliesandSkills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 PersonalFirst-AidKit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 HomeorPatrol/TroopFirst-AidKit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 MovinganIllorInjuredPerson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
MinorWoundsandInjuries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Bruises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 PunctureWounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 CutsandScrapes(Abrasions). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 BlistersontheHandandFoot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Muscle,Joint,andBoneInjuries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 MuscleCramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 SprainsandStrains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 BrokenBones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Head,Neck,andBackInjuries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
fiRST Aid 5
Cold-andHeat-RelatedConditionsandInjuries. . . . . . . . . . 51 Hypothermia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Frostbite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Dehydration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 HeatExhaustion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Heatstroke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Burns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Superficial(First-Degree)Burns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Partial-Thickness(Second-Degree)Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Full-Thickness(Third-Degree)Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 ChemicalBurns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 ElectricalBurns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
OtherFirst-AidCases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Fainting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 LossofConsciousness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Seizures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Diabetes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 ForeignObjectintheEye. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Nosebleeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 PoisonousPlants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 AbdominalPain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 DentalInjuries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 BitesandStings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Life-ThreateningEmergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 HeartAttack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Stroke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 SevereBleeding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 AnaphylacticShock(Anaphylaxis). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
First-AidResources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
fiRST Aid 7
.introduction
IntroductionFirstaid—caringforinjuredorillpersonsuntiltheycanreceiveprofessionalmedicalcare—isanimportantskillforeveryScout.Withsomeknowledgeoffirstaid,youcanprovideimmediatecareandhelptosomeonewhoishurtorwhobecomesill.Firstaidcanhelppreventinfectionandseriouslossofblood.Itcouldevensavealimboralife.
First-aidrequirementsfortheTenderfoot,SecondClass,andFirstClassranksencourageyoutopracticetreatingcertaininjuriesandailments.EarningtheFirstAidmeritbadgewillhelpyouunderstandthatemergencymedicaltreatmentisasetofclearactionsteps.Byfollowingthestepseverytimeyoucomeuponafirst-aidemergency,youcanquicklyevaluatethesituation,comeupwithafirst-aidplan,andthenseethatplanthrough.
The Goals of First Aid• Protect a person who is injured or ill from
further harm.
• Stop life-threatening medical emergencies. (Keep the airway open. Maintain breathing and circulation. Stop serious bleeding. Treat for shock.)
• Get the person under professional medical care.
To learn how to
treat for shock,
see “How to
Handle an
Emergency.”
8 fiRST Aid
introduction.
First-Aid Rank RequirementsTenderfoot
11. Identify local poisonous plants; tell how to treat for exposure to them.
12a. Demonstrate how to care for someone who is choking.
12b. Show first aid for the following:
• Simple cuts and scrapes • Venomous snakebite
• Blisters on the hand and foot • Nosebleed
• Minor (thermal/heat) burns or • Frostbite and sunburn scalds (superficial, or first-degree) • Bites or stings of insects and ticks
Second Class
6a. Show what to do for “hurry” cases of stopped breathing, serious bleeding, and ingested poisoning.
6b. Prepare a personal first-aid kit to take with you on a hike.
6c. Demonstrate first aid for the following:
• Object in the eye
• Bite of a suspected rabid animal
• Puncture wounds from a splinter, nail, and fishhook
• Serious burns (partial-thickness, or second-degree)
• Heat exhaustion
• Shock
• Heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and hyperventilation
First Class
8b. Demonstrate bandages for a sprained ankle and for injuries on the head, the upper arm, and the collarbone.
8c. Show how to transport by yourself, and with one other person, a person
• From a smoke-filled room
• With a sprained ankle, for at least 25 yards
8d. Tell the five most common signals of a heart attack. Explain the steps (procedures) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
fiRST Aid 9
.introduction
Reducing RiskOnewaytostayhealthyandsafebothathomeandwhenyouareintheout-of-doorsistorecognizethatthereisanelementofriskinmanyactivities.Bybeingawareofriskandadjustingyourbehaviortomanageit,youwillalsobeinastrongerposi-tiontoprovideassistanceshouldanemergencyarise.AmongthewaysyoucanincreaseyourroleinriskmanagementduringScoutingadventuresarethefollowing:
• Stayingoodphysicalconditionsothatyouarereadyforthedemandsoftheactivitiesyouenjoy.
• Knowwhereyouaregoingandwhattoexpect.
• Adjustclothinglayerstomatchchangingconditions.
• Drinkplentyofwater.
• Protectyourselffromexposuretothesun,bitinginsects,andpoisonousplants.
• Takecareofyourgear.
Scouttroopsandpatrolscanalsomanageriskasagroup:
• Reviewandpracticefirst-aidskillsandtechniquesonaregularbasis.
• Takeresponsibilityforhavingasafeexperience.
• Besureeveryoneunderstandsandfollowsgroupguide-linesestablishedtominimizerisk.
• Ensureeveryonehasasayinrecognizinganddealingwithrisksthatmightarise.
After you learn the first-aid skills and techniques required for the First Aid merit badge, you can teach another Scout what you have learned. Teaching a fellow Scout a simple first-aid skill is a great way to practice and gain mastery of the skill and will also allow you to complete requirement 7.
fiRST Aid 11
.How to Handle an Emergency
HowtoHandleanEmergencyEventhebestplanscanfallapart.Accidentswillhappen.Peoplewillbecomesick.Youmightbethepersonwhoismostabletotakechargeofanemergencyscene.Hereishowyoushouldproceed.
1. Check the SceneThesiteofanaccidentcanbeconfusing,especiallywhenseri-ousinjurieshaveoccurredorthereismorethanonepersoninvolved.Thereareanumberofthingstoconsider.Thehazardthatcausedtheaccidentmaystillposeathreat.Seeingblood,brokenbones,vomit,orpeopleinpainmightdisturbbystandersandfirst-aiders.
Beforeyoutakeanyaction,stopforamomenttolookovertheentiresceneandcollectyourthoughts.Considerthefollowingquestions:• Whatcausedtheaccident?• Aretheredangersinthearea?• Howmanyvictimsarethere?• Ifthereareotherpeoplenearby,cantheyassistwithfirstaid
orwithgettinghelp?• Willbystandersneedguidancesothattheydonotbecome
injuredorillthemselves?
Do Your BestGood Samaritan laws legally protect anyone making a good-faith effort to help the victim of an injury or illness. Whenever you are confronted with a first-aid emergency, use your skills to the best of your ability. No one expects you to have the knowledge of a physician. However, Scouting’s history is filled with stories of Scouts who used their training to help others, sometimes even saving lives.
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How to Handle an Emergency.
2. Call for HelpShouldyouencounterasituationwheresomeonehasmorethanaminorillnessorinjury,actquicklytogetemergencymedicalhelp.YoucanreachemergencyservicesinmuchoftheUnitedStatesbycalling911.Somecommunitiesuseotheremergency-alertsystemssuchasdialing0orcallingalocalsheriff’sofficeorfiredepartment.Instructabystanderoranotherfirst-aidertocallforhelpimmediately:“You, call for help right now. Tell them where we are and what has happened, then report back to me.”
Awildernesscampingtripcantakeyoufarfromtelephones.AninjuredScoutwhocanwalkonhisownorwithsomesup-portmaybeabletohiketoaroad.AgroupofScoutsmaybeabletobuildastretcherandcarryavictim.Forseriousinjuries,though,itisusuallybesttotreatthevictimattheaccidentsite—providedthatdoingsowouldnotfurtherendangerthevictimorthefirst-aiders—andsendtwoormorepeopleforhelp.
Mobile phones
are unreliable in
wilderness areas.
If you take a
mobile phone on
an outing, have a
backup plan for
summoning emer-
gency assistance.
fiRST Aid 13
.How to Handle an Emergency
Writeanotecontainingthefollowinginformationandsenditwiththemessengers:
• Locationofthevictim
• Descriptionoftheinjuriesorillness
• Timetheinjuriesorillnessoccurred
• Treatmentthevictimhasreceived
• Numberofpeoplewiththevictimandtheirgeneralskilllevelforfirstaid
• Requestsforspecialassistanceorequipment,includingfood,shelter,orcarefornonvictims
Activitiesonopenwatersometimestakepeoplefarfromanyhelp.Largerboatsoftenhaveradioequipmentthatcanbeusedtosummonaid.Whenphonesorradiosarenotavailable,however,passengerswillneedtomakeandcarryoutaplanforgettinghelp.Suchaplanmightinvolvesendingtwopeopletotheclosesttelephonetocallforhelp.
3. Approach SafelyAfterassessingthesituationandsummoninghelp,determinethebestwaytoreachtheinjuredpersonorpersons.Perhapsanaccidentvictimislyingonabusyhighwayorhasfallenandtumbledpartwaydownamountainside.Willyoualsobeindan-gerifyoudashontothehighwayorrushdowntheslope?Figureoutasafewaytoapproachthevictimortoremovethedangersfromanarea.Do not become an accident victim yourself.
See “First-Aid
Supplies and
Skills” for
information on
how to build
an improvised
stretcher.
In Case of EmergencyMany people carry mobile phones these days, but not everyone carries details of whom should be called on their behalf in case they are involved in a serious accident. If you add the acronym ICE—for “In Case of Emergency”—as a contact in your mobile phone, emergency workers can quickly find someone to notify about your condition. Ask your parent whom to list as your ICE contact.
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How to Handle an Emergency.
Onceyouhavefiguredoutthesafestwaytoapproach,introduceyourselftoinjuredpersonsandtobystanders.Assurethemthatmedicalprofessionalshavebeencalledandareontheway.Speakinginacalmvoice,explainthatyouareaScouttrainedinfirstaidandthatyouaretheretohelp.Askvictimsiftheywillallowyoutoassistthem.Continuetospeaktoinjuredorillpersonsasyouadministerfirstaid,keepingtheminformedofwhatyouaredoing.
Sometimesavictim’slocationthreatenshisorhersafetyandthatoffirst-aiders.Forexample,supposeyouareouthikingandabuddyfallsintoastreamorgetshurtwhileonanunsta-bleboulderfieldoravalancheslope.Itmightbenecessarytomovehimtoasaferlocationbeforefirst-aidtreatmentcanbegin.Tomovehim,getthehelpofseveralothersinyourgroupandliftthevictiminthesamepositioninwhichhewasfound.Thencarryhimtosafetyandgentlyputhimdown.(See“MovinganIllorInjuredPerson”laterinthispamphlet.)Takespecialcaretopreventhisneckfrommovingbysupportinghisheadbefore,during,andaftertheemergencymove.
When a person is
unconscious,
assume it is OK to
render aid.
See “First-Aid
Supplies and
Skills” for
precautions to
be taken
when moving
accident victims.
fiRST Aid 15
.How to Handle an Emergency
4. Provide Urgent TreatmentBreathingandbleeding—theseareyourimmediateconcernswhentreatingthevictimofanaccidentorillness.Victimswhohavestoppedbreathingorwhoarebleedingseverelyarecalledhurry casesbecausetheirlivesareinimmediatedanger.Theyrequiresmart,timelyactiononthepartofafirst-aider.
Wheneveryoucomeuponaninjuredperson,takenomorethan15to20secondstodoaquicksurveyofhisorhercondi-tiontofindoutthefollowing:
• Is the person conscious and breathing?Ifheorsheseemstobeunconscious,tapthepersonontheshoulderandask(orshout)ifheorsheisallright.Ifthepersondoesnotrespond,opentheairwaybytiltingtheheadandliftinguponthechin,thenplaceyourearnearthemouthandnosewhereyoucanhearandfeelthemovementofair.Watchforthechesttoriseandfall.
• Is there severe bleeding?Openraingearandouterclothingthatmighthidewoundsfromview.
• Are there other contributing factors?LookforamedicalIDbracelet,necklace,orcardthatmightgiveinformationaboutallergies,diabetes,orotherpossiblecausesofanemergencysituation.Personswhohaveasthmaorallergiestoinsectstingsorcertainfoods(suchaspeanuts)mightcarrytreat-mentfortheircondition.
See“Life-ThreateningEmergencies”formoredetails.
TriageEmergency situations involving more than one victim can require triage (pronounced tree-ahge)—quickly checking each victim for injuries or symptoms of illness and then determining how best to use available first-aid resources. In its simplest form, triage occurs whenever first- aiders approach an emergency scene that involves two or more persons who are injured or ill. Once on the scene, medical professionals will deter-mine who requires urgent care, who can be treated later, who needs to be monitored in case his or her condition changes, and who is well enough to help out.
If the person is
breathing, the
breaths should
not be irregular
or shallow or
short; the person
should not be
gasping for air.
16 fiRST Aid
How to Handle an Emergency.
5. Protect from further injuryAnimportantpartoffirstaidisprotectinganaccidentvictimfromfurtherinjury.Followtheseguidelines.
• Avoidmovinganinjuredpersonunlesshisorherbodyposi-tionmakesitimpossibletoperformurgentfirstaidorheorsheisinadangerouslocation.Ifaperson’spositionmustbeadjusted,forexample,toallowthemtobreathe,dosowiththeminimumamountofmovement.
• Stabilizethevictim’sheadandnecktopreventanyneckbonesthatmaybebrokenfromdamagingthespinalcord.Askafellowfirst-aiderorabystandertoholdthevictim’sheadandnecksteadytokeeptheneckinproperalignment.
For children age 11 and under, check for a pulse to make sure the heart is beating. This should not take more than 10 seconds.
While awaiting emergency personnel, support the victim’s head in the position you found it, in line with the person’s body.
fiRST Aid 17
.How to Handle an Emergency
6. Treat Every Accident Victim for ShockThecirculatorysystemofapersonwhoisinjuredorundergreatstressmightnotprovideenoughbloodandoxygentothetissuesofthebody.Thisconditioniscalledshock,anditcanbedeadly(asorganscanbegintofail).Ashockvictimcanhavesome,all,ornoneofthefollowingsymptoms:
• Restlessnessorirritability
• Afeelingofweakness
• Confusion,fear,dizziness
• Skinthatismoist,clammy,cool,andpale
• Aquick,weakpulse
• Shallow,rapid,andirregularbreathing
• Nauseaandvomiting
• Extremethirst
Seriousinjuriesandsuddenillnessesarealmostalwaysaccompaniedbysomedegreeofshock,butthevictimmightnotbeaffectedrightaway.Treateveryaccidentvictimforshockevenifnosymptomsappear.Promptfirstaidmaypreventshockfromsettingin.
Fearanduncertaintycanincreaseshock.Inacalmvoice,assurethepersonthateverythingpossibleisbeingdoneandthathelpisontheway.Apersonwhoappearstobeuncon-sciousmaystillbeabletohearyou.Neverleaveanaccidentvictimaloneunlessyoumustbrieflygotocallforhelp.
18 fiRST Aid
How to Handle an Emergency.
7. Make a Thorough ExaminationBythetimeyouhavedealtwithurgentconditionsandprovidedtreatmentforshock,medicalprofessionalsarelikelytohavearrived.Whentheirarrivalisdelayedorthelocationwillrequiregreatertraveltime,conductamorethoroughexamina-tiontobesureyouhavefoundallthevictim’sinjuriesthatrequireattention.Ifthevictimisalert,askwhereitispainfulandwhetherthevictimcanmovethearms,legs,andsoon.Getbeneathjacketsandotherclothingthatcouldobscureorhidewoundsthatarebleeding.
First Aid for Shock1. Try to eliminate the causes of shock by restoring
breathing and circulation, controlling bleeding, relieving severe pain, and treating wounds.
2. Summon emergency aid.
3. Monitor the victim closely to make sure the airway stays open for breathing.
4. If the victim is not already doing so, help the injured person lie down. If you do not suspect back, neck, or head injuries, or fractures in the hip or leg, raise the feet about 12 inches to move blood from the legs to the vital organs.
5. Keep the victim warm with blankets, coats, or sleeping bags.
fiRST Aid 19
.How to Handle an Emergency
8. Plan a Course of ActionAfterconductingtheexamination,determinewhattodonext.Thebestcourseofactioninmostcasesistomakethevictimcomfortableandcontinuetowaitformedicalhelptoarrive.Maintaintreatmentforshock,keeptheairwayopen,monitorthevictimforanychanges,andbereadytoprovideanyothertreatmentthevictimmightrequire.
Inthebackcountryitmaybewisetosetupcampandtoshelterthevictimwithatent.Ratherthanliftingabadlyinjuredpersonintoatent,youcanslitthefloorofastandingtentandthenplacethetentovertheperson.
Beawareofyourownneeds,too,andthoseofothersaroundyou.Staywarmanddry.Ifafirst-aidemergencylastsverylong,besuretoeatanddrinkenough.Beawarethatothergroupmembersmaybefrightenedordisorientedbywhattheyhaveseen.Besuretheydonotwanderoff.Givingpeoplespecificresponsibilities—fixingamealormakingcamp,forexample—canfocustheirattentionandhelpkeepthemcalm.
Learn all the first aid you can and review it often. Perhaps one day you will be able to do just the right thing at a time when your actions make all the difference.
fiRST Aid 21
.first-aid supplies and skills
First-AidSuppliesandSkillsYoucannotrenderfirstaidifyoudonothavethetoolsandsuppliesnecessarytotreataninjuredorillperson.Awell-stockedfirst-aidkitisanessentialitemforallfirst-aiders.Equallyimportantislearningandpracticingdifficultfirst-aidskillssuchashowtosafelytransportanillpersonoranaccidentvictim.
Personal first-Aid KitCarryingafewfirst-aiditemsonhikesandcampoutswillallowyoutotreatscratches,blisters,andotherminorinjuriesandtoprovideinitialcareformoreseriousemergencies.Youshouldbeabletofiteverythinginaresealableplasticbag.Alwaystakeyourpersonalfirst-aidkitwhenyousetoutonaScoutadven-ture.Yourkitshouldincludeasaminimumthefollowing:
❑Adhesivebandages(6)
❑Sterilegauzepads,3-by-3-inch(2)
❑Adhesivetape(1smallroll)
❑Moleskin,3-by-6-inch(1)
❑Soap(1smallbar)oralcohol-basedhandsanitizinggel(1travelsizebottle)
❑Tripleantibioticointment(1smalltube)
❑Scissors(1pair)
❑Nonlatexdisposablegloves(1pair)
❑CPRbreathingbarrier(1)
❑Pencilandpaper
22 fiRST Aid
first-aid supplies and skills.
Home or Patrol/Troop first-Aid Kit Amorecomprehensivefirst-aidkitsuitableforhomeuseorusebyyourpatrolortroopcantreatawiderangeofinjuries.Afterassemblingyourhomekit,besureeveryoneinyourfamilyknowswherethekitisbeingstored.Italsoisagoodideatocarryafirst-aidkitinthecarincaseofroadsideemergencies.OnScoutoutings,thepatrolortroopfirst-aidkitcanbecarriedinafannypackthatismarkedsothatitwillbeeasyforanyonetolocate.Ataminimum,thekitshouldcontainthefollowing:
❑Rollerbandage,2-inch(1)
❑Rollerbandage,1-inch(2)
❑Adhesivetape,1-inch(1roll)
❑Alcoholswabs(24)
❑Assortedadhesivebandages(1box)
❑Elasticbandages,3-inch-wide(2)
❑Sterilegauzepads,3-by-3-inch(12)
❑Moleskin,3-by-6-inch(4)
❑Gelpadsforblistersandburns(2packets)
❑Tripleantibioticointment(1tube)
❑Triangularbandages(4)
❑Soap(1smallbar)oralcohol-basedhandsanitizinggel(1travelsizebottle)
❑Scissors(1pair)
❑Tweezers(1pair)
❑Safetypins(12)
❑Nonlatexdisposablegloves(6pairs)
❑Protectivegoggles/safetyglasses(1pair)
❑CPRbreathingbarrier(1)
❑Pencilandpaper
fiRST Aid 23
.first-aid supplies and skills
Moving an ill or injured PersonThedecisiontomoveanaccidentvictimshouldbemadecare-fully.Inmanycases,therewillbeemergencymedicalcrews,firedepartmentpersonnel,orotherswithspecialequipmentandtrainingwhowilltransportaninjuredperson.If,however,someoneisindangerfromfire,smoke,water,electricalhaz-ards,poisonousgases,exposure,orotherimmediatedanger,youmustmovethatpersontosafety.Youmightalsoneedtomoveaninjuredpersoninordertogivethatpersonpropercare,orreachanothervictim.Movethepersononlyasfarasisnecessary,anddonotendangeryourself.
Sometimesyouwillfindthatavictim’sinjuriesareminorenoughthatthepersoncanmovewithsomeassistance.Beforeattemptingtomovesomeone,makesurethepersonisnotsuf-feringfromanyofthefollowingconditions.Thendeterminethebesttechniquetouseformovingthevictimorwhetherthevictimshouldnotbemovedatall.
• Shock
• Heartattack
• Head,neck,orback(spinal)injury
• Frostbittenorburnedfeet
• Boneorjointinjuryatthehipsorbelow
Foravictimofavenomousbiteorsting,gettingthevictimtomedicalattentionisthemostimportantgoal.Thismaycallformovingthevictimbeforetheswellingbecomestoosevere.
Herearesomeadditionalassistsandhandcarriestocon-sider.Somecanbeperformedbyasinglerescuer,whileothersrequiretwoormorerescuers.Practicesingle-andmultiple-rescuerassistsfirstwithanuninjuredperson.Thiswillhelpyouworksmoothlyandsafelyduringarealemergency.
Signals includes both signs (what you would observe) as well as symptoms (what a person would communicate to you).
24 fiRST Aid
first-aid supplies and skills.
Single-Rescuer AssistsWhenaninjuredpersonmustbemoved,choosethemethod
carefullytoavoidmakingtheinjuriesworseandtoavoidinjuringyourself.Recommendedassistsforasinglerescuerincludethefollowing.
Walking assist.Ifthevictimisconscious,hasonlyminorinjuries,andcanmove,youcansafelyhelpthepersonwalk.Putoneofthevictim’sarmsaroundyourneck.Holdthat
hand.Placeyourotherarmaroundtheperson’swaist.
Ankle drag.Thefastestmethodforashortdistanceonasmoothsurface,ortomovesomeonewhoistoolargeorheavytotransportinanyotherway,istodragthepersonbybothankles.
Shoulder drag.Forshortdistancesoveraroughersurface,andtomoveaconsciousorunconsciouspersonwhomayhavehead,neck,orbackinjuries,usetheclothesdrag.Firmlygrabtheperson’sclothingbehindtheshoulderandneckareaandpullheadfirst.
Blanket drag.Rollthepersonontoablanket,coat,tarp,ortablecloth,coverthepersonasshown,ifpossible,anddragfrombehindthehead.
fiRST Aid 25
One-person lift. Youmaybeabletocarryachildorsomeonewhodoesnotweighmuchifyouplaceonearmunderthevictim’skneesandonearoundtheupperback.Donotusethismethodifyoususpectspinalinjury.
firefighter carry.Totravellongerdistances,carrythevictimoveryourshoulderifinjurieswillallowit.Thefirefightercarryshould
neverbeusedifyoususpectthevictimhasaspinalinjury.
Pack-strap carry. Thepack-strapcarryisbetterforlongerdistancesthantheone-personliftandwhenthefirefightercarryisnotpractical.Usethismethodonlyifyoudonotsuspectspinalinjury.
26 fiRST Aid
first-aid supplies and skills.
Multiple-Rescuer AssistsRecommendedassistsfortwoormorerescuersincludethefollowing.
Helping the person walk.Ifthevictimisconsciousandshowsnosignalsoftheconditionsorinjurieslistedearlier,tworescuerscansafelyhelpthepersonwalk.Putoneofthevictim’sarmsaroundeachrescuer’sneck.Holdthehands.Rescuersplacetheirfreearmsaroundthevictim’swaist.
four-handed seat. Whennoequipmentisavailable,thefour-handedseatistheeasiesttwo-rescuercarry.Itissafeonlyifthevictimisconsciousandcanholdon.Positionthehandsasshown.
Two-handed seat.Usethismethodifthevictimisconsciousbutnotseriouslyinjured.Rescuersplacearmsoneachother’sshoulderandlockarmsforstabilityasthevictimgetsintoposition,thenmovearmsfromshoulderstoacrossthevictim’sback.
fiRST Aid 27
.first-aid supplies and skills
Chair carry. Thisisagoodmethodforcarryinganinjuredpersonupstairsorthroughnarrow,windingspaces.
Hammock carry. Threetosixrescuersstandoneithersideofthevictimandlinkhandsbeneaththeperson.
Rescue From a Smoke-Filled RoomA smoke-filled room is an extremely hazardous environment. Rushing into a smoke-filled room or other dangerous scene to help someone will do no good if you also become a victim. If your safety will be threatened, wait until trained rescuers arrive.
Moving an injured or unconscious person should be done quickly. Avoid using any method that might make the victim’s injuries worse. A victim can be moved to safety with any of the rescuer assists described in this chapter.
scout 1
scout 2
scout 3
28 fiRST Aid
first-aid supplies and skills.
StretchersWhenapersonmustbemovedforsomedistanceorhisorherinjuriesareserious,youshouldcarrythepersononastretcher.
Whenavailable,usealitterorrescuebasketmadeespeciallyfortransportinginjuredpersons.Ifnoneisavailable,makeoneofthefollowingimprovisedstretchersandusethemethodshownintheillustrationstoplacethevictimontheimprovisedstretcher:
Shirt stretcher.Makeastretcheroutoftwopoles(longerthanthevictimistall),forexample,strongbranches,toolhandles,oars,orthepolesfromawalltent.SecuretwoScoutshirts(insideout,withallthebuttonsbut-toned)overthepolestoformastretcher.Ifpossible,overlapthebottomsoftheshirtstoformamoresecurebedding.
overlap bottoms of the shirts.
fiRST Aid 29
.first-aid supplies and skills
Blanket stretcher.Placeapoleontheblanket.Foldovertwo-fifthsoftheblanket.Placeasecondpole6inchesfromtheedgeofthefolded-overpart.Bringtheedgeoftheblanketoverthepole.Foldovertherestoftheblanket.Theperson’sweightwillkeeptheblanketfromunwinding.
Board stretcher.Useasurfboard,door,bench,orironingboardtomakethisstretcher.Aboardstretcherissturdierthanablanketstretcherbutheavierandlesscomfortableforthevic-tim.Whentworescuerscarryastretcher,haveoneortwootherrescuers,ifavailable,walkatthesidestosharetheweightandhelpkeepthevictimfromrollingoff.
Transportingsomeonebystretcher(orimprovisedstretcher)canbedifficultandexhaustingwork,requiringatleastfourrescuers.Stretcherbearersshouldtradeoffwitheachothertoconservetheirstrength.Atleastonefirst-aidershouldstaybythevictim’sheadatalltimestomonitortheperson’sconditionandnoteanychanges.
Toplacesomeoneonastretcherorimprovisedstretcher,havethreerescuersholdthevictimstraightandsteady.Afourthrescuercanslidethestretcherbeneaththevictim.Gentlyplacethevictimonthestretcher.Therescuerscanliftandcarrythestretcher.
Ifonlythreerescuersareavailable,theymaytrythehammockcarrywithoutastretcher.First,theyshouldpositionthemselvesatthevictim’sshoulders,torso,andlegstoachievefullsupport.Then,theyshouldliftandcarrythevictim,beingsuretosupportthehead,arms,andlegs.
A stretcher can
be formed by
lashing three
metal pack frames
together. To work
well, the frames
must have roughly
the same width.
Use sleeping bags
for padding.
.Minor Wounds and injuries
MinorWoundsandInjuriesAlthoughyoushouldbepreparedtodealwithawiderangeofmedicalemergencies,yourfirst-aidskillswillprobablybeputtousemostofteninthetreatmentofrelativelyminorwoundsandinjuries.
BruisesTheblack-and-bluemarkthatistypicalofabruiseiscausedbybloodleakingintoskintissues,oftenasaresultofablowfromabluntobject.Theskinisnotbroken.Somebruisesareindica-torsofmoreseriousinjuriesincludingfracturedbonesordam-agetointernalorgans.Thistypeofbruiserequirestheattentionofaphysician.
Mostbruises,however,canbetreatedbyapersontrainedinfirstaid.Totreatabruise,placesomeice(preferably)orarefreezablegelpackinaplasticbagordampcloth.Placeatowelorcleanclothoverthebruisedareaandapplytheicepackforperiodsofnomorethan20minutes.Thistreatmentwillslowbloodfromleakingintothetissues.Minimizingmove-mentoftheaffectedareaalsoslowsbleedingintothebruise.
32 fiRST Aid
Minor Wounds and injuries.
To sterilize
tweezers, soak
them in rubbing
alcohol for a few
minutes, or hold
them over a flame
for a few seconds,
or place them in
boiling water for a
few minutes; cool
before using.
Puncture WoundsPuncturewoundscanbecausedbypins,splinters,nails,orfishhooks.Allcanbedangerousbecausethenatureofapunc-turewoundmakesithardtocleanandeasilyinfected.Totreatapuncturewound,helpflushoutdirtorparticlesthatmayhavebeenforcedinsidethewoundwhentheinjuryoccurredbyirrigatingtheareawithclean,runningwaterforaboutfiveminutes.Usesterilizedtweezerstopulloutsplinters,bitsofglass,orothersmallobjectsyoucansee.Ifalargeobjectisembedded,donottrytoremoveit.Controlanybleeding,andstabilizetheobjectwithrolledorfoldedsterilegauzepads,applyasterilebandage,andgetthevictimtoadoctor.
fishhook in the SkinAfishhookembeddedintheskinisafrequentoutdoorinjury.Remembertwothings:Donottrytoremoveafishhookfromthefaceorfromaneyeoranearlobe,andnevertrytoremoveanembeddedhookbypullingitbackthewayitwentin.Cutthefishinglineand,ifpossible,letadoctorremovethehookfromtheflesh.Ifthatisn’tpossible,youmighthavetodothejobyourself.First,washyourhandswithsoapandwarmwater.Wearnonlatexdisposableglovesandprotectiveeyeweartoavoidcontactwithblood.
Step 1—Wrapa3-footlengthoffishinglinearoundthebendofthehook,asshown,andsecurelywraptheendsaroundyourindexormiddlefinger.
1
fiRST Aid 33
.Minor Wounds and injuries
Step 2—Keeptheaffectedbodypartflatandstable,thengentlypushdownontheshanktofreethebarbfromtheinjuredtissue.Theshankshouldbeparalleltotheinjuredtissue.
Step 3—Keepbystanderswellawayfromthearea.Givethelineaquick,sharpjerk,andbecarefultoavoidgettingsnaggedbytheoutcominghook.
Step 4—Washandbandagetheinjury,andkeepthewoundclean.Applytripleantibioticointmentiftherearenoknownallergiesorsensitivitiestothemedication.Seeadoctorassoonaspossible,becausetheriskofinfectionishighwiththistypeofinjury.
2 3
if the hook has lodged so that the barb is visible above the skin, try this method:
1. Cut off the barbed end with wire cutters or pliers.
2. Back the shank of the hook out through the entry wound.
Because the risk of infection is high with any type of puncture wound, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible.
1 2
34 fiRST Aid
Minor Wounds and injuries.
Cuts and Scrapes (Abrasions)Cutsmaybecausedbyknives,razors,orbrokenglass.Anabrasionisawoundthatoccursasaresultoftheouterlayersoftheskinbeingrubbedorscrapedoff.Abrasionsmayhappenwhentheskinisscrapedagainstahardsurface,forexample,whenabicyclistfallsontothepavement.Thewoundmaynotbleedverymuch.Thegreatestdangerliesincontaminationandpossibleinfectionofthewound.
Toprotectyourselffromcutsandscrapes,dressappropri-atelyfortheactivity—forinstance,jeans,boots,gloves,long-sleevedshirt.Afewsimpleprecautionscanhelpyouavoidthepainofthetreatmentandhealingprocess.
Treataminorcutorscrapebyflushingtheareawithcleanwaterforatleastfiveminutes,oruntilallforeignmatterappearstobewashedaway.Applytripleantibioticointmentifthepersonhasnoknownallergiesorsensitivitiestothemedi-cation,andthencoverwithadry,steriledressingandbandageorwithanadhesivebandage.
When the weather is cold, keep the victim’s hands and feet covered with mittens or socks. Remove mittens or socks frequently to check that circulation is not being restricted.
fiRST Aid 35
.Minor Wounds and injuries
Dressings and BandagesAfter cleaning a wound in which the skin has been broken, protect it with a dressing. A dressing is a protective covering placed over a wound that helps to control bleeding and absorb blood and wound secretions. Sterile dressings are free from germs and should be used to dress wounds whenever possible. If a sterile dressing is not available, use the cleanest cloth you have.
A bandage is a strip of material used to hold a dressing or splint in place. It helps immobilize, support, and protect the injury. Common ban-dages include rolls of gauze, elastic bandages, and triangular bandages. Combination dressing-bandages include adhesive strips with attached gauze pads.
Secure the dressing with a bandage or tape. Watch for swelling, color changes, or coldness of the fingertips or toes. If any of these symptoms appear, it is a signal that circulation is being compromised. Loosen bandages if the victim complains of tingling or numbness.
When using a bandage to secure a dressing, be sure not to wrap it too tightly. Be sure the person’s fingertips or toes are accessible when a splint or bandage is applied to the arm or leg.
To dress and bandage a wound, use a dressing large enough to extend an inch or more beyond the edge of the wound. Hold the dressing over the wound and lower it directly into place. if the dressing slips onto the surrounding skin before it has been anchored, discard it and use a fresh dressing.
36 fiRST Aid
Minor Wounds and injuries.
Blisters on the Hand and footBlistersarepocketsoffluidthatformwhentheskinisaggra-vatedbyfriction.Footblistersarecommoninjuriesamongbackpackers,whereasblistersonthehandsmightbemorecommonamongcanoeists.Tohelppreventfootblisters,wearshoesorbootsthatfit,changesocksiftheybecomesweatyorwet,andpayattentiontohowyourfeetfeel.Tohelppreventblistersonthehands,wearglovesforprotectionandpayatten-tiontohowyourhandsfeel.
Ahot spot—thetenderareaasablisterstartstoform—isasignaltostopimmediately.Totreatahotspotorblister,coverthepinkish,tenderareawithapieceofmoleskinormolefoamslightlylargerthanthehotspot.Useseverallayersifnecessary.Thereareacoupleofhelpfulnewproductsonthemarket—SecondSkin®andBlist-O-Ban®—thatmaybeworthtrying.Followthemanufacturer’sinstructions.Changebandageseverydaytohelpkeepwoundscleanandavoidinfection.
Ifyoumustcontinueyouractivityeventhoughyouthinkasmallblisterwillburst,youmightwanttodrainthefluid.First,washtheskinwithsoapandwater,thensterilizeapinintheflameofamatch.Pricktheblisternearitsloweredgeandpressoutthefluid.Keepthewoundcleanwithasterilebandageorgelpadandmoleskin.
Blisters are best
left unbroken.
If a blister does
break, treat the
broken blister as
you would a minor
cut or abrasion.
Diabetics who
develop blisters
should see
a physician.
fiRST Aid 37
.Minor Wounds and injuries
In some situations,
such as a
life-threatening
one, it might not
be possible or
practical to spend
15 or 20 seconds
washing your
hands. Do the
best you can,
and use your
good judgment.
Protection From Bloodborne PathogensWhenever you provide first-aid care—no matter how minor the wound or injury—you should take steps to protect yourself and others from bloodborne patho-gens, viruses, or bacteria carried in the blood that can cause disease in humans and may be present in the blood or other body fluids of the victims you treat. Bloodborne pathogens include the human immunodefi-ciency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, and the hepatitis B and C viruses, which cause liver disease.
Recommendations from the Boy Scouts of America:
• Treat all blood as if it were contaminated with blood-borne pathogens.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after treating a sick or injured person.
• Never use your bare hands to stop bleeding. Use a protective barrier, preferably nonlatex disposable gloves (a new, unused plastic food storage bag will work in a pinch).
• Safely discard all soiled gloves, bandages, dressings, and other used first-aid items by putting them in a double bag until they can be disposed of properly in a receptacle for biohazards.
• Always wash your hands and other exposed skin with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after treating a victim, even if protective equipment was used.
38 fiRST Aid
Muscle, Joint, and Bone injuries.
Muscle cramps
most often affect
the legs, but
they also can
occur in the
muscles of the
ribs, arms,
and hands.
Muscle,Joint,andBoneInjuries
Muscles,joints,andbonesareallinvolvedinhelpingthebodymove.Falls,slips,collisions,andevenfatigueanddehydrationcancom-promiseorinjurethesebodyparts.
Muscle CrampsAmusclecrampoccurswhenamusclecontractsonitsownanddoesnoteasilyrelax.Theytendtohappenmostwhenthebodyisfatiguedandthemuscleshavenotbeenstretchedwell.Dehydration,exertioninhotweather,anddepletionofelectro-lytes(calcium,chloride,phosphate,potassium,sodium)inthebodymayalsoleadtomusclecramping.Withseverecramping,themusclemayfeelhardandknotted.
Allowapersonexperiencingmusclecrampstorest.Oftenacrampwilldisappearonitsowninafewminutes.Tohelprecovery,gentlymassagethemuscleandlightlystretchit.Iftheweatheriswarmandthepersonhasbeenexercising,besurethepersonrehydrateswithwateror,ideally,asportsdrinkthatwillhelpthebodyandrestoreitsproperelectrolytebalance.
Decrease the likelihood of muscle cramps by staying in good physical shape, stretching before exercising, warming down, and drinking plenty of fluids before, during, and after you work out.
fiRST Aid 39
.Muscle, Joint, and Bone injuries
Sprains and StrainsAsprainoccurswhenanankle,wrist,orotherjointisbentfarenoughtooverstretchtheligaments,thetoughbandsthatholdjointstogether.Twistingananklewhilerunningisonewayapersoncouldsustainasprain.Astrainoccurswhenmusclesareoverstretched,creatingtearsinthemusclefibers.Lowerbackpainisoftentheresultofmusclesstrainedbyoveruseorbyliftingloadsthataretooheavy.
Minorsprainsandstrainscauseonlymilddiscomfort,butmoreserioussprainsandstrainsmightbetemporarilydisabling.Asprainedjointwillbetenderandpainfulwhenmovedandmightshowswellinganddiscoloration.Strainedbacks,arms,andlegswillalsobetenderandcanhurtifactivitycontinues.
Assumethatanyinjurytoajointalsomayincludeabonefracture.Usethefollowingproceduretotreatsprainsandstrainsandpreventfurtherinjury.Havethevictimtakeanyweightoffoftheinjuredjointandinstructthepersonnottousethejoint.Donottrytomoveorstraightenaninjuredlimb.Coveranyopenwoundswithasteriledressing.Applyicepacksorcoldcompressestotheaffectedareafornomorethan20minutesatatime.Besuretoplaceabarriersuchasathintowelbetweentheicepackandbareskin.Seekmedicaltreatmentifthepainispersistentorsevere.
If continued icing
is needed, remove
the pack for 20
minutes before
reapplying.
40 fiRST Aid
Muscle, Joint, and Bone injuries.
Sprains While HikingIf someone suffers an ankle sprain during a hike and your group must keep walking, do not remove the hiking boot from the injured foot. The boot will help support the ankle. If you do take the boot off, the injury may swell so much it will not be possible to get the boot back on. Reinforce the ankle by wrapping it, boot and all, with a bandage, neckerchief, or some other strip of cloth.
As soon as you have reached your destination, have the person take off the boot. Treat with cold packs and seek medical care.
1
3
4
2
fiRST Aid 41
.Muscle, Joint, and Bone injuries
See “Life-
Threatening
Emergencies” for
procedures to follow
in hurry cases.
Broken Bones Afall,aviolentblow,acollision—allthesecancauseafracture, orbrokenbone.Whenyoususpectafracture,donotmovetheperson.Lookforabnormalshapeorpositionofaboneorjoint,andswellingorabluishcolorattheinjuredsite.
Askthevictimthesequestions:
• Didyouhearorfeelabonesnap?
• Doyoufeelpainwhenyoupressontheskinoverthesuspectedfracture?
• Areyouunabletomovetheinjuredlimb?
Ifthevictimanswers“yes”tothesequestions,thepersonlikelyhasafracture.
Closed (Simple) fracture.Aclosed fracture(alsoknownasasimple fracture)isabrokenbonethatdoesnotcutthroughtheskin.Foraclosedfracture,dothefollowing.
• Call911oryourlocalemergency-responsenumber.
• Treathurrycases—nosignsoflife(movementandbreathing)inadults;inchildrenandinfants,nosignsoflifeandnopulse.
• Protectthespinalcolumnbysupportingthevictim’sheadandneckinthepositionfound.
• Treatforshock(butavoidraisingalegthatmightbebroken).
Before administering first aid, you should try to obtain the victim’s consent. If the victim is unconscious, disori-ented, or otherwise appears unable to knowingly grant consent, you can assume it is all right to proceed.
Closed (simple) fracture
42 fiRST Aid
Muscle, Joint, and Bone injuries.
The saying “splint
it where it lies”
is usually
good advice.
Open (Compound) fracture.Anopen fracture(alsoknownasacompound fracture)isabrokenbonethatbreaksthroughtheskinandcreatesanopenwound.Takethefollowingactionsforanopenfracture.
• Call911oryourlocalemergency-responsenumber.
• Treathurrycases—nosignsoflife(movementandbreathing)inadults;inchildrenandinfants,nosignsoflifeandnopulse.
• Protectthespinalcolumnbysupportingthevictim’sheadandneckinthepositionfound.
• Controlbleedingbyplacingasterilegauzearoundthewoundasyouwouldforanembeddedobject.Donotusedirectpressure,asthatcouldmovethebone.
• Donottrytocleanthewound.
• Treatforshock(butavoidraisingalegthatmightbebroken).
Whetheryouaretreatingaclosedoranopenfracture,allowthepersontoliewhereyoufoundhimorher,unlessthesiteposesanimmediatehazardtothevictimorrescuers.Makethepersoncomfortablebytuckingblankets,sleepingbags,orclothingunderandoverthebody.
SPLinTSIfthevictimmustbemoved,splintingabrokenbonecanhelprelievepainandreducethechancesofadditionalinjury.Asplintisanymaterial,softorrigid,thatcanbeboundtoafrac-turedlimb.Usesplintingonlyifnecessary,tostabilizetheinjuredareaandpreventitfrommovingandcausingfurtherinjuryandpain.Makethesplintlongenoughtoimmobilizethejointsabove,below,andoneithersideofafracture,asneeded.
Makesplintsfromwhateverishandy—boards,branches,blankets,hikingsticks,skipoles,shovelhandles,ortent-polesections.Foldednewspapers,magazines,orpiecesofcardboardorasleepingpadwillwork,too.Takeenoughtimetodesignaneffectivesplintandsecureitwithgoodknotstoprovideenoughsupport.
Do not try to
replace nor move
a bone that seems
to be sticking out
from the wound.
Open (compound) fracture
fiRST Aid 43
.Muscle, Joint, and Bone injuries
Paddingallowsasplinttofitbetterandcanmakethevic-timmorecomfortable.Cushionasplintwithclothing,blankets,pillows,crumpledpaper,orothersoftmaterial.Holdthesplintsandpaddinginplacewithneckerchiefs,handkerchiefs,rollerbandages,orotherwidestripsofcloth,asshown.
HOW TO SPLinT An injUREd LiMBSplintallfracturesandsuspectedfrac-turesinthesamepositionasyoufoundthem.Donottrytostraightenorreposi-tiontheinjuredarea.
Step 1—Keeptheareaaboveandbelowtheinjurystillandstable.
Step 2—Checkforcirculation(feeling,warmth,color).
Step 3—Extendsplintsbeyondthejointaboveandthejointbelowthesuspectedinjury.Minimizemovementwhileapply-ingsplintsbyprovidingsupportaboveandbelowthefracture.
Step 4—Securesplintswithbandages,neckerchiefs,orotherwidestripsofcloth.Tieatleastoneplaceabovetheinjuredareaandonebelow.Donottiebandagesdirectlyovertheinjuryitself.
Step 5—Afterthesplintisinplace,recheckforcirculation(feeling,warmth,color)tomakesureyouhaven’tcutoffcirculation.
improvised splint for the lower arm, using a magazine and padding
1
2
3
4
44 fiRST Aid
Muscle, Joint, and Bone injuries.
Soft splint on the lower leg.Whenapplyingasoftsplintonthelowerleg,donotremovetheinjuredperson’sshoe;itwillprovidesupportandhelpcontrolswelling.
Step 1—Supporttheinjuredarea,aboveandbelow,withonehandundertheankleandtheotherhandkeepingthefootupright.
Step 2—Withoutremovingtheshoe,carefullycheckforcircu-lation(feeling,warmth,color).
Step 3—Positionseveraltriangularbandages,asshown,undertheinjuredarea.
Step 4—Gentlywrapsomethingsoft(smallblanketortowel)aroundtheinjuredarea,asshown.
Step 5—Tiethetriangularbandagesinplacesecurelywithknots.
Step 6—Rechecktheareaforcirculation(feeling,warmth,color).Nocirculationisanindicationthatthebandageistootightandshouldbeloosened.
2 3
4 5 6
fiRST Aid 45
.Muscle, Joint, and Bone injuries
Lower-leg fracture. Usesplintsthatarelongenoughtoreachfromthemiddleofthethightopasttheheel.Placeonesplintoneachsideoftheinjuredlimbandbindthemtogether.
Upper-leg fracture. Applytwopaddedsplints,oneoutsidethelegextendingfromheeltoarmpit,theotherinsidethelegfromtheheeltothecrotch.Bindthesplintstogether.
The muscles of the upper leg are strong enough to pull the ends of a broken thigh bone into the flesh, some-times causing serious internal bleeding that may pose a threat to the victim’s life. For this reason, in addition to the first aid described here for a thigh bone (femur) fracture, treat this injury as a hurry case. Call for medi-cal help immediately. Keep the victim still and quiet. Control any bleeding, and treat for shock.
46 fiRST Aid
Muscle, Joint, and Bone injuries.
SLingSSlingshelpsupportaninjuredhand,arm,collarbone,orshoulder.
Step 1—Supporttheinjuredlimbaboveandbelowtheinjuredarea.
Step 2—Checktheinjuredareaforcirculation(feeling,warmth,color).
1
3 4
5 6a
6b 7
2
fiRST Aid 47
.Muscle, Joint, and Bone injuries
Step 3—Positionatriangularsling(suchasafoldedScoutneckerchieforalargetriangularbandage)acrossthechestasshown.Ifoneisavailable,placeacleangauzebandageoverthesideoftheneckforcomfort,attheareawheretheslingwillbeknotted.
Step 4—Bringtheupperfreeendoftheslingbehindtheneckandthelowerfreecornerupward(asshown)andtietheendstogetherwithasquareknot,formingthesling.
Step 5—Tokeeptheinjuredareamorestable,bindtheslingtothechestusingasecondtriangularbandage.Rollthebandageupasshown.Comfortablybutnottoolooselypositionthebandageabovetheinjuredarea,overtheslingandacrossthevictim’sfront.
Step 6—Bringoneendoftherolled-upbandageunderthevictim’suninjuredarmandtheothersidearoundtheback(6a).Tietheendstogetherwithasquareknotandputacleangauzepadundertheknotforcomfort(6b).
Step 7—Rechecktheinjuredareaforfeeling,warmth,andcolor.
Cravat BandageTo make a cravat bandage from a Scout neckerchief or triangular bandage:
1. Fold the point up to the long edge.
2. Finish by folding the bottom edge several times toward the top edge.
3. Tie all bandages in place with square knots.
Upper-arm fracture. Tie a splint to the out-side of the upper-arm. Place the arm in a sling with the hand raised about 3 inches above level, then use a cravat bandage to hold the upper arm against the side of the chest. The body will act as a splint to immobilize the elbow and shoulder.
48 fiRST Aid
Muscle, Joint, and Bone injuries.
Head, neck, and Back injuriesThebackbone(spinalcolumn)ismadeupofsmallbonescalledvertebraethatsurroundandprotectthespinalcord.Ifavertebraisbrokenordislocated,thespinalcordmaybeinjured.Fracturesofthehead,neck,andbackareextremelydangerous,becausemovementmightfurtherdamagethespinalcordandcausepermanentparalysisorevendeath.
Wheneversomeonehasfallen,beeninvolvedinanauto-mobileaccident,orsufferedablowtothehead,assumethereisaninjurytothehead,neck,orback.Suchinjuriesareoftennoteasytodetect.Thevictimmayormaynotbesufferingfrompain,paralysis,cutsandbruises,orswelling.Theinjuredareamaybedeformedorabnormallyshaped,ortheremaybenosymptomsatall.Someonewithaheadinjurymightbedis-oriented,irritable,confused,orcombative—symptomsthatcanbepresentrightawayormightdevelopovertime.Alwayspro-ceedwithgreatcautionwhenyouareaidingapersonwhomyoususpecthashead,neck,orbackinjuries.
Collarbone or shoulder fracture. Place the forearm in a sling with the hand raised higher than the elbow, then tie the upper arm against the side of the body with a wide cravat bandage. no further splinting is necessary.
Lower-arm fracture. Splint to hold the hand and forearm motionless. Placing the splinted arm in a sling with the hand slightly raised will also immobi-lize the elbow joint.
fiRST Aid 49
.Muscle, Joint, and Bone injuries
Whenyoususpectaninjurytothehead,neck,orback,followthesesteps.
Step 1—Stabilizetheheadandneckofthevictimuntilitcanbedeterminedwhetherthespinalcolumnhasbeeninjured.Afirst-aiderorabystandercanholdthevictim’sheadandnecksteady.
Step 2—Provideurgenttreatmentifnecessary.
Step 3—Donotmovethepersonorlethimorhermoveunlessthreatenedbyanimmediatedangersuchasfire,potentialava-lanche,orhighwaytraffic.
Step 4—Ifthevictimishavingtroublebreathing,gentlyadjustthepositionoftheheadandneckjustenoughtomaintainanopenairway.Donotputapillowunderthehead.
Step 5—Treatforshockbutdonotunnecessarilychangethevictim’sposition.
Wheneveryoususpecthead,neck,orbackinjuriesandthevictimmustbemoved(toopenanairway,forexample,ortogetthepersonoutofthepathofdanger),askotherScoutsorbystanderstohelpsothatthevictim’sbodycanbeturnedorliftedallatoncewithoutcausinganytwistsorturns.
It is safe to suspect possible head, neck, or back injury when the victim
• Has been in a motor vehicle crash
• Has fallen from higher than a standing height
• Complains of neck or back pain
• Feels tingling or weakness in the fingers or toes
• Is not fully alert
• Appears to be intoxicated
• Appears to be frail or over 65 years of age
See “Life-
Threatening
Emergencies” for
more information
about urgent
treatment. For
more on moving
an accident
victim, see
“First-Aid Supplies
and Skills.”
fiRST Aid 51
.Cold- and Heat-related Conditions and injuries
Cold-andHeat-RelatedConditionsandInjuriesThehumanbodyworksbestifithasaconstanttemperatureof98.6degrees.Apersonwhoisexposedtocoldenvironmentalconditionsandlosesbodyheatfasterthanitcanbegeneratedwillbeingravedanger.Theperson’sbodytemperaturemaybecometoolowtosupportlife.Likewise,apersonwhosebodyhasoverheatedandcannotcoolitselfsufficientlymaydieiffastemergencymedicalcarecannotbefound.Thesetemperature-relatedemergenciesrequirefast,lifesavingfirstaid.
HypothermiaHypothermiaoccurswhenaperson’sbodyislosingmoreheatthanitcangenerate.Itisadangerforanyonewhoisnotdressedwarmlyenough,althoughexposuretocoldisseldomtheonlycause.Dehydrationisacommoncontributingfactortohypothermia.Wind,rain,hunger,andexhaustioncanfurthercompoundthedanger.Temperaturesdonotneedtobebelowfreezing,either.Ahikercaughtoutinacool,windyrainshowerwithoutproperraingearcanbeatgreatrisk.Aswim-mertoofaroutinchillywaterorapaddlerwhocapsizesalsoisatriskforhypothermia.
52 fiRST Aid
Cold- and Heat-related Conditions and injuries .
If one person is
being treated for
hypothermia, the
rest of a group
might also be at
risk. Protect your-
selves by taking
shelter, putting on
layers of warm
clothing, and hav-
ing something to
eat and something
warm to drink.
first Aid for HypothermiaAhypothermiavictimmayexperiencenumbness,fatigue,irrita-bility,slurredspeech,uncontrollableshivering,poorjudgmentordecisionmaking,andlossofconsciousness.
Treatahypothermiavictimbypreventingthepersonfromgettingcolder.Aftersummoninghelp,useanyorallofthefollowingmethodstohelpbringthebodytemperaturebackuptonormal:
• Iffullyconsciousandabletoswallow,havethepersondrinkwarmliquids(soup,fruitjuices,water;nocaffeineoralcohol).
• Movethepersonintotheshelterofabuildingoratent.Removewetclothing.Gethimorherintodry,warmclothesorwrapthepersoninblankets,clothing,oranythinghandythatcouldbeused,likejacketsorasleepingbag.
• Wraptowelsaroundwaterbottlesfilledwithwarmfluid,thenpositionthebottlesinthearmpitandgroinareas.
• Monitorthepersoncloselyforanychangeincondition.Donotrewarmthepersontooquickly(forinstance,byimmersingthepersoninwarmwater);doingsocancauseanirregularanddangerousheartbeat(rhythms).
frostbiteFrostbiteisaconditionthatoccurswhenskinisexposedtotemperaturescoldenoughthaticecrystalsbegintoforminthetissues.Afrostbitevictimmightcomplainthattheears,nose,fingers,orfeetfeelpainfulandthennumb,butsometimesthepersonwillnotnoticeanysuchsensation.Grayish-whitepatchesontheskin—indicatingthaticecrystalshavebeguntoforminthetoplayersoftheskin—aresignalsofthefirststageoffrostbite,orfrostnip. Withcontinuedexposure,frostnipworsensandthefreezingextendstodeeperlayersoftheskinandtothemuscles.Frostbitecanbeveryserious,asitcancutoffbloodflowtotheaffectedareaandleadtogangrene,ortissuedeath.
Far from the warmth of the body’s core, toes and fingers are especially vulnerable, as are the nose, ears, and cheeks.
fiRST Aid 53
.Cold- and Heat-related Conditions and injuries
first Aid for frostbiteIfyoususpectthatfrostbiteextendsbelowskinlevel,removewetclothingandwraptheinjuredareainadryblanket.Getthevictimunderthecareofaphysicianassoonaspossible.Donotmassagetheareaorrubitwithsnow.Rewarm the area only if there is no chance of refreezing. Exposetheaffectedareatowarm(100to105degrees)wateruntilnormalcolorreturnsanditfeelswarm,andbandagethearealoosely(placingdry,sterilegauzebetweenfingersandtoes).
Totreatfrostnip,movethevictimintoatentorbuilding,thenwarmtheinjuredarea.Ifanearorcheekisfrozen,removeagloveandwarmtheinjurywiththepalmofyourhand.Slipafrostnippedhandunderyourclothingandtuckitbeneathanarmpit.Treatfrostnippedtoesbyputtingthevic-tim’sbarefeetagainstthewarmskinofyourbelly.
dehydrationThehumanbodyis70percentwater,whichisessentialtomaintainourbodytemperature.Vitalorganslikethebrainandthekidneyswillnotfunctionwellwithoutenoughwater.Welosewatermostlybybreathing,sweating,digestion,andurination.Whenwelosemorewaterthanwetakein,webecomedehydrated.Signalsofmilddehydrationincludeincreasedthirst,drylips,anddarkyellowurine.Signalsofmoderatetoseveredehydrationincludeseverethirst,drymouthwithlittlesaliva,dryskin,weakness,dizziness,confusion,nausea,fainting,musclecramps,lossofappetite,decreasedsweating(evenwithexertion),decreasedurinepro-duction,andlessfrequentanddarkbrownurine.
Dehydration increases the danger of frostbite, so cold-weather travelers must be just as diligent about drink-ing fluids as they are when the weather is hot.
The importance of
drinking plenty of
fluids cannot be
overemphasized.
Do not wait until
you feel thirsty—
thirst is an
indication you are
already becoming
dehydrated.
54 fiRST Aid
Cold- and Heat-related Conditions and injuries .
Dehydration can
play a significant
role in a number of
serious conditions,
including heat
exhaustion, heat-
stroke, hypothermia,
and frostbite.
Dehydration can
happen in hot-
and cold-weather
conditions.
first Aid for dehydrationTotreatmilddehydration,drinkplentyofwaterorasportsdrinktoreplacefluidsandminerals.Drinkonetotwoquarts(orliters)ofliquidsovertwotofourhours.Seeaphysicianformoderateorseveredehydration.Severedehydrationrequiresemergencycare;thevictimwillneedintravenousfluids.Restfor24hoursandcontinuedrinkingfluids.Avoidtiringphysicalactivity.Althoughmostpeoplebegintofeelbetterwithinafewhours,ittakesabout36hourstocompletelyrestorethefluidslostindehydration.
Heat ExhaustionHeatexhaustioncanbebroughtonbyacombinationofdehy-drationandawarmenvironment.Heatexhaustionisnotuncommonduringoutdooractivitiesconductedinhotweather,especiallyifparticipantsarenotfullyacclimatedtothecondi-tions.Signalsofheatexhaustionincludeseverelackofenergy,generalweakness,headache,nausea,faintness,andsweating;cool,pale,moistskin;andarapidpulse.
first Aid for Heat ExhaustionGetthepersonintheshade(oranair-conditionedvehicleorbuilding).Encouragehimorhertodrinksmallamountsoffluids,suchascoolwaterorasportsdrink.Applywatertotheskinandclothingandfanthepersontohelpthecoolingprocess.Raisingthelegsmayhelppreventafeelingoffaintnesswhenthepersonstands.Usuallyaftertwoorthreehoursofrestandfluids,thevictimwillfeelbetterbutshouldrestfortheremainderofthedayandbeextracarefulaboutstayinghydrated.
fiRST Aid 55
.Cold- and Heat-related Conditions and injuries
HeatstrokeHeatstroke—muchmoreseriousthanheatexhaustion—canleadtodeathifnottreatedimmediately.Leftuntreated,heatexhaus-tioncandevelopintoheatstroke.Inheatstroke,thebody’scool-ingsystembeginstofailandtheperson’scoretemperaturerisestolife-threateninglevels(above105degrees).Onetypeofheat-strokedevelopsinyoung,healthypeoplefromdehydrationandoverexertioninhotweather,especiallyinhighhumidity.Signalsofexercise-relatedheatstrokecanincludeanysignalsofheatexhaustionaswellashot,sweaty,redskin,confusion,disorientation,andarapidpulse.
Theothertypeofheatstrokeusuallyhappensinelderlypeo-plewhentheweatherisveryhot,especiallywithhighhumidity.Thesignalsaresimilartoexercise-relatedheatstrokeexceptthattheskinishotanddrybecausethereisnosweating.
First Aid for HeatstrokeHeatstroke is a life-threatening condition. Call for medical assistance immediately. While waiting for medical per-sonnel to arrive, work to lower the victim’s temperature. Move the person to an air-conditioned or shady area. Loosen tight clothing and further cool the victim by fanning and applying wet towels. If you have ice packs, wrap them in a thin barrier (such as a thin towel) and place them under the armpits and against the neck and groin. If the person is able to drink, give small amounts of cool water.
56 fiRST Aid
BurnsAsparkfromacampfire,boilingwaterspilledfromapot,afaultywire,amishapwithchemicalsinascienceclass,theraysofthesunonbareskin—thecausesofburnsaremany.Burnsaregenerallycharacterizedbydegree,ortheseverityoftheskinandtissuedamage.
Superficial (first-degree) BurnsMildburns,suchasyoumightgetfromtouchingabakingdishthathasjustcomeoutofanoven,willcauseapainfulreddeningoftheskin.Suchburnsareclassifiedassuperficial,orfirst-degreeburns—theyaffectonlytheouterlayerofskin,orepidermis.Treatthembyholdingtheburnundercoldwaterorapplyingcool,wetcompressesuntilthepaineases.Superficialburnsdonotusuallyrequirefurthermedicaltreatmentunlesstheycovermorethan20to25percentofthebody.
Remember to check the scene before you proceed. Always get a victim away from the source of a burn before proceeding with treatment.
Sunburn is
the most
common type of
superficial burn.
fiRST Aid 57
.Burns
Partial-Thickness (Second-degree) BurnsApartial-thickness (second-degree)burnaffectstheepidermisandpartofthelayerofskinbelowit,thedermis.Partial-thicknessburnsaremoreseriousthansuperficialburnsandtypicallyincludeareddeningandblisteringoftheskin.Beingscaldedbyboilingwaterisanexampleofanaccidentthatcouldresultinpartial-thicknessburns.Totreatsuchburns,firstremovethepersonfromthesourceoftheburn.Cooltheburnedareawithcold,runningwateruntilthepainisrelieved.Lettheburndry,thenprotectitwithalooselyapplied,sterilegauzepadandbandage.
While the general public continues to be more familiar with the terms “first degree,” “second degree,” and “third degree” to classify burns, med-ical professionals identify burns by their “thickness.” For instance, minor (first-degree) burns are called superficial. Those that cause blistering of the skin (second-degree) are called partial-thickness burns. The most seri-ous burns (third-degree) are called full-thickness burns.
Partial thicknessSuperficial full thickness
Get immediate medical treatment for the victim if the burns
• Cause trouble breathing
• Cover more than one body part or a large surface
• Have caused possible burns to the airway (such as burns to the mouth and nose)
• Affect the head, neck, hands, feet, or genitalia
• Are full thickness and the victim is younger than age 5 or older than age 60
• Are the result of chemicals, explosions, or electricity
58 fiRST Aid
Burns.
Never break
burn blisters.
Doing so will
create an open
wound that may
become infected.
Do not apply
butter, creams,
ointments, or
sprays—they are
difficult to remove
and may slow the
healing process. full-Thickness (Third-degree) BurnsFull-thickness(third-degree)burnsareveryserious.Theydestroytheepidermisandthedermis.Avictimwhohasbeenexposedtoopenflames,electricity,orchemicalsmaysustainfull-thicknessburns.Theskinmaybeburnedawayandthefleshcharred.Ifnervesaredamaged,thevictimmayfeelnopain.Suchburnsconstituteamedicalemergency.Donottrytoremoveanyclothing,asitmaybestickingtothevictim’sflesh.Aftercoolingtheburn,covertheburnedareawithdry,steriledressings,treatforshock,andseekimmediatemedicalattention.
Treat thermal burns like this scalded forearm by running the affected area under cool running water, or by applying cool, wet compresses. Cover the area loosely with a sterile gauze pad and bandage.
Co
urt
esy
of
the
Am
eric
an n
atio
nal
Red
Cro
ss. A
ll ri
gh
ts r
eser
ved
in a
ll co
un
trie
s.
fiRST Aid 59
Chemical BurnsChemicalburnscanbecausedbyexposureoftheskinoreyestosubstancesthatarestrongacidsorstrongbasessuchasmodelglue,draincleaners,toilet-bowlcleaners,metalcleaners,andbatteryacid.
Herearestepsfortreatingachemicalburn.
Step 1—Usingglovesorapieceofcloth,brushoffpow-deredchemicalsfromthevictim’sskin.Removeanyofthevictim’sclothingwithchemicalsonit.Donotcontaminateyourselfintheprocess.
Step 2—Immediatelyfloodtheaffectedareawithcool,cleanwater.Continueflushingthewoundforatleast20minutestoremovetracesofthechemical.
Step 3—Ifthechemicalgotintotheeyes,flushtheeyeswithcleanwater.Itmaybeeasiertohavethevictimliedownwhileflushingtheeyeswithwater.Actasquicklyaspossible.Continueflushingforatleast15minutes,oruntilemergencymedicalprofessionalsarrive.
Step 4—Covertheburnslooselywithsteriledressingsorgauze.
Step 5—Getmedicalhelpbycalling911oryourlocalemergency-responsenumberimmediately.Ifyouknowthenameoftheproductorsubstancethatcausedtheburn,besuretoinformemergencyworkers.
The damage from a chemical burn can take hours—even days—to fully develop. For this reason, it is ini-tially difficult to evaluate the extent of the burn. The most important first aid for a chemical burn is to dilute the exposure by continuously flushing the area with water for at least 15 to 20 minutes, or until emergency medical help arrives. Remember also that inhaling chemicals can damage your airway and lungs, too.
3
Co
urt
esy
of
the
Am
eric
an n
atio
nal
Red
Cro
ss.
All
rig
hts
res
erve
d in
all
cou
ntr
ies.
60 fiRST Aid
Burns.
Never touch
a person who
is in contact with
a live electrical
power source.
Electrical BurnsIfelectricitytravelsthroughapartofyourbody,youcangetanelectricalburn.Besidesaburn,toomuchelectricitycanevenstoptheheartfrombeatingcorrectlyordamageotherinternalorgans.Superficialandpartial-thicknessburnsfromelectricitylooklikeburnsfromtoomuchheat;theskinmaylookcharred.Full-thicknesselectricalburnsmaynotleavecharredskin.Instead,theskincanlookleatheryandwhiteandbehardtothetouch.Call911orthelocalemergency-responsenumberifsomeonehasanelectricalburn.
Ifyouencounteravictimofanelectricalburn,shutoffthepoweratitssource,andcallanambulanceimmediately.Checkthesceneforsafety,thentakethefollowingsteps:
Step 1—PerformrescuebreathingorCPRifthevictimisnotbreathingormoving.(See“Life-ThreateningEmergencies.”)
Step 2—Coverburnswithsterilegauzepads.Coolelectricalburnsasforthermalburns.
Step 3—Treatforshock.
Burns From Dry ChemicalsAs long as the dry chemical is on the skin, it will con-tinue to burn. So, it’s important to quickly brush off as much of the chemical as possible using a gloved hand. Then flush the area with tap water, taking care not to recontaminate the victim or to contaminate yourself.
fiRST Aid 61
.Burns
SunburnSunburn is a common injury among people who enjoy being outdoors. Most sunburns are first-degree burns, but prolonged exposure to the sun can cause blistering—a second-degree burn. Repeated sunburns over a long period of time can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. People with lighter skin are most at risk, although others are not immune.
Treat painful sunburn as for any heat burn or with cool, damp or wet cloths; change the cloths frequently. Prevent further injury by getting the person under shade. If no shade is available or you are out on a hiking or boating trip, have the person wear a brimmed hat, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt for protection from the sun.
It is best to prevent sunburn. Whenever you are outdoors, use plenty of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least 15. Apply sunscreen liberally about a half-hour before sunlight exposure and reap-ply every two hours, especially if you are sweating or have been in water. A broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants provide even more protection.
Remember this: it’s easy to forget the sunscreen in wintry conditions.
62 fiRST Aid
Other first-aid Cases.
OtherFirst-AidCasesAsafirst-aider,youwillencountermanyrelativelyminorcases.Nevertheless,alwaystakeallinjuries,illnesses,orconditionsseriously.Theycanbesignalsofamoreserioushealththreat.Abdominalpain,forexample,couldbeamongthefirstsignalsofappendicitis.Afaintingspellcouldoccurasaresultofaheartattack,stroke,orinternalbleeding.
Manypeoplehaveheathconditionssuchasdiabetesorepilepsy.Signalsoftheseconditionscanflareupunexpectedlyandmayrequirefirstaid.Wheneveryouprepareforagroupoutingsuchasacampingorcanoeingtrip,findoutifanypar-ticipantshavesuchconditionsandhavetheminformgroupleadersoftheirhealthhistories,treatmentregimens,medica-tions,andthelocationsofthosemedications.
faintingFaintingisabrieflossofconsciousness.Itusuallyoccursbecausethereistemporarylossofbloodflowtothebrain.Itcanbecausedbygettinguptooquicklyorstandingtoolong,byoverheatingordehydration,byemotionalstresssuchasfrightorbadnews,orbyseverepain.
Faintingcanoccursuddenly,ortheremightfirstbesignalssuchasdizziness,nausea,paleness,sweating,numbnessandtinglingofthehandsorfeet,visionblackoutorwhiteout,andcoldnessoftheskin.Thevictimmightfalltotheground.Ifapersonbeginstofeelfaint,havehimorhersitdownwiththeheadbetweenthekneesorliedownandraisethelegsabout12inches.
Sometimes fainting
is a signal of
a more serious
condition such as
an irregular heart-
beat, heart valve
problems, or
internal bleeding.
Any important medical information should be included on a medical id bracelet.
fiRST Aid 63
.Other first-aid Cases
Someonewhohasfaintedshouldbeencouragedtostaylyingdownuntilheorsheawakensandfeelsbetter.Raisethefeetandlegsabout12inches.Makesuretheperson’sbreathingpassage(airway)staysopen.Ifthevictimbeginstovomitwhilelyingdown,turnthepersonontoonesideandkeeptheairwayclear.Supporttheheadwithapilloworletthevictimrestitononearm.Loosenclothingaroundtheneck.Wipethevictim’sforeheadwithacool,wetcloth.Ifthepersonisalertenoughandmightbedehydrated,givefluidstodrink.Ifthepersondoesnotawakenwithintwominutes,orfullyrecoverwithafewminutes,getmedicalhelp.
HyperventilationHyperventilation happens when you are breath-ing faster and deeper than your body needs. Involuntary (or unintentional) hyperventilation may be caused by severe pain, infection, severe bleeding, heart attack, cold water immersion, diabetic coma, poisoning, or conditions such as anxiety attacks. The victim can feel dizzy, faint, and numbness, tingling, and cramping in the fingers and toes. Involuntary hyperventilation usually requires immediate medical attention. Voluntary (or deliberate) hyperventilation is unhealthy and can be dangerous, especially if it is followed by breath holding. A person who does this can pass out or faint from lack of oxygen before he feels the need to breathe. If this occurs while a person is underwater, the result can be drowning. Be alert to abnormal breathing patterns in individuals.
64 fiRST Aid
Other first-aid Cases.
Loss of ConsciousnessAlossofconsciousnessformorethantwominutesisaseriousmedicalcondition.Anunconsciouspersonmighthavebeenhitintheheadorhadaheartattackorstroke.Diabeticscanloseconsciousnessfromeitherveryhighorverylowbloodsugar.LookforanemergencymedicalIDbraceletornecklaceoraninformationcardthatidentifieshealthproblemssuchasdiabetes.Followtheinstructionsonthecardexactly.
Wheneverapersonisunconsciousformorethanaminuteortwo,call911oryourlocalemergency-responsenumberformedicalassistance.Checktoseeifthepersonisbreathingandforothersignsoflife.BeginCPRifappropriate.Iftherehasbeenanaccident,protectthevictim’sheadandneckfrommovement.
Iftheunconsciouspersonhasnotbeeninvolvedinanaccident,lookaroundthesceneforevidenceofpoisoning,druguse,orotherpossiblecausesforthelossofconsciousness.Ifyoususpectpoisonordrugswereinvolved,takethecontainerorsuspectedpoisontotheemergencyroomwiththevictim.Ifthevictimrecoversbeforemedicalpersonnelarrive,heorsheshouldseekmedicaladviceassoonaspossible.Any loss of consciousness after a head injury, even if only for a short time, requires immediate evaluation by a health-care professional.
SeizuresAseizureisachangeinawarenessorbehaviorthatiscausedbyabnormalelectricalactivityinthebrain.Inadultsandchil-drenoverage6,seizuresareusuallyduetoepilepsy,adisorderofthebrain.Aseizurecouldbeasignalofaseriousmedicalproblem.Seizurescanoccurinapersonwhoissufferingfromaheadinjury,braintumor,stroke,poisoning,electricalshock,heatstroke,infection,ahighfever(usuallyinchildren),lowbloodsugar,orlowbloodpressure.
Epilepsymaybethecauseofaseizure.Thereareseveralcommonformsofepilepsy.Ingrand malepilepsy(alsoknownastonic/clonicseizure),thevictimmayloseconsciousnessandfalltotheground.Thearmsandlegsstiffenthenjerkforcefully.Somemusclesortheentirebodycanstiffenortwitchwithsud-denmusclespasmsknownasconvulsions.Thevictimmaybitethetongue.Neckveinsmaybeswollenandthefacemayturnredorblue.Breathingmaydecreaseandisoftenloudand
Taking too
many drugs or
drinking too
much alcohol
can make a
person lose
consciousness.
Never give an
unconscious
person anything
to drink, throw
water on the face,
or offer stimulants
such as smelling
salts. Do not
shake or slap the
person in an effort
to wake him or
her up.
fiRST Aid 65
.Other first-aid Cases
labored,accompaniedbygruntsorsnortswithanunusualhissingsound.Thevictimmaydroolorfoamatthemouthandmaylosebladderorbowelcontrol.
Anotherkindofepilepticseizureisthepetit mal seizureinwhichthepersonseemstobrieflyloseawarenessofhisorhersurroundingsandappearstostareintospace.Thisbehaviorisoftenmistakenfordaydreaming.Althoughawake,theindivid-ualdoesnotrespondnormally.Afterward,thepersondoesnotrecalltheepisode.Focalseizurescauseonepartofthebodytojerkortwitch,andthepersonseemsdistantorunaware.
Whilethereisnofirst-aidmeasurethatwillstopaseizure,youcanprovidegoodfirstaidbyprotectingthepersonfrombeinginjuredwhileexperiencingaseizure.Breaktheperson’sfall,ifpossible,andlowerhimorhergentlytothefloororground.
Step 1—Moveawayanyfurnitureandhardorsharpobjectsthatcouldcauseinjury.Avoidmovingthepersonunlessthereispotentialdangernearby—afireplace,stairway,glassdoor,swimmingpool,orotherhazard.
Step 2—Loosentightclothingaroundtheneckandwaist.
Step 3—Donottrytoholdtheperson.Tryingtorestrainsomeoneduringaseizurerisksinjurytothatpersonandtothefirst-aider.
Step 4—Donotforceanythingintothemouthorbetweentheteeth.
Step 5—Makesuretheairwayremainsopen.
Step 6—Whentheseizureisover,placethepersoninarecoveryposition.
Step 7—Letthepersonrest.Keepcuriousonlookersaway.
Step 8—Ifthepersonisnotknowntohaveepilepsy,iftheseizurelastsmorethanfiveminutes,recurs,orcausesinjury,orifthepersonisslowtorecover,call911oryourlocalemergency-responsenumber.Callforemergencyassistanceimmediatelyifaseizurevictimispregnant,diabetic,uncon-scious,orinjured,orhasswallowedlargeamountsofwater(asaresultofanaquaticaccident).
Epilepsy is
controlled by
medications.
While it may
not always be
necessary to call
911 for a seizure
victim who has
epilepsy, when in
doubt, call 911.
Regardless, a
seizure victim
may still need
medical attention.
66 fiRST Aid
Other first-aid Cases.
You may need to
turn a person who
has been in a
recovery position
for 30 minutes or
longer to the
opposite side to
stimulate circula-
tion. However, do
not move a person
with suspected
spinal injury
unless it is abso-
lutely necessary.
Recovery PositionPlace a victim who is unconscious but who is breathing normally in a recovery position. To do this, extend the person’s lower arm, in line with his or her body; support the head and neck as you grasp the victim’s hip and shoulder, and roll the person toward you so that he or she is lying on the side. This will prevent the person from choking on saliva, blood (from a bitten tongue), or vomit, and will help keep the airway open. Continue to monitor the person’s breathing until medical help arrives.
Recovery position for a person who does not have a suspected spinal injury
Recovery position for a person who may have a spinal injury
fiRST Aid 67
.Other first-aid Cases
diabetesDiabetesisadisorderthatimpairsthebody’sabilitytocontrolitsbloodsugarlevel.Insomecases,thebodystopsmakinginsulin.Insulinisahormonethathelpsthebodyusesugarforenergy.Somepeoplewhohavediabetesmustinjectinsulintolive.Peoplewithdiabeteswhodonothavetouseinsulincankeeptheirbloodsugarattheproperlevelsbywatchingwhattheyeatandtakingotherdiabetes-controllingmedications.
Whenadiabeticperson’sblood-sugarlevelistoohighortoolow,thepersoncanbecomeunconscious.Thisisadiabeticemergency.Averyhighbloodsugarlevel(hyperglycemia)willrarelycausedeath;alowbloodsugarlevel(hypoglycemia)isextremelydangerousbecausewithoutsugar,braincellsdiequicklyandpermanentbraindamagecanresult.Becauseitisimpossibletoknowifthereistoomuchortoolittlesugarwith-outdoingabloodtest,allunconsciousdiabeticsshouldbetreatedasthoughtheirbloodsugarlevelsaretoolow.
AdiabeticpersonmaybewearingamedicalIDnecklaceorbraceletorhaveacardexplainingwhatshouldbedonedur-ingadiabeticemergency.Thepersonmightalsocarrysomeformofconcentratedsugar,tobetakenorallyiflowbloodsugarissuspected.Followtheinstructionsexactly.
Diabeticswhouseinsulinsometimeshavealowbloodsugarlevelwithoutbecomingunconscious.Thiscanhappeniftheytaketoomuchinsulin,don’teatenoughfood,exercisealotwithouteatingasnack,oriftheydecreasetheirdoseofinsulinaheadoftimeorwaittoolongbetweenmeals.Withmildcasesofhypoglycemialikethese(andthevictimisfullyconsciousandabletosafelyswallowfoodordrinks),givethevictimfruitjuiceorasoftdrinkthatcontainssugar(nondiet).
Warning signals of hypoglycemia include headache; sweating; pale, moist skin; weakness; dizziness; shallow breathing; and a rapid pulse. Signals of hyperglycemia include extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness, lack of appetite, and labored breathing.
Hypoglycemia is
also called
insulin reaction
or insulin shock.
68 fiRST Aid
Other first-aid Cases.
When you are
outdoors on
windy days,
help protect
your eyes by wear-
ing sunglasses.
foreign Object in the EyeSomethingintheeyeisnotjustpainful—itcouldendangereyesight.TheNationalSocietytoPreventBlindnesssaysthat90percentofalleyedamageispreventable.Toprotectyoureyes,alwayswearsafetyglassesorgoggleswhenusingpowertools,lawnandgardenequipment,andothermachinerythatslingsdirtanddebris.Becarefulnottoletfumesfromsolventsandcleaningagentsburnyoureyes.
Ifaforeignobjectgetsintheeye,donotrubtheeye;rub-bingmightscratchthecornea(theclearcoveringofthecoloredpartoftheeye).Havethepersonblinktheeyes;tearsmightflushouttheobject.Ifthatdoesn’twork,washyourhandswithsoapandwater,thentrytoflushouttheforeignparticleswithcleanrunningwaterorcleanwaterpouredfromaglassorbottle.
Foreignmatterthatisembeddedintheeyeorthatwillnotwashoutmustbetreatedbyaphysician.Stabilizetheobjectifpossibleandcovertheinjuredeyewithadry,sterilegauzepad.Takethepersontoadoctor.
nosebleedsNosebleedsmightlookbad,buttheynormallyarenotveryseri-ousandwillusuallystopinjustafewminutes.Thebleedingusuallystemsfromasmallveininthenoseandcanbecaused
byirritationtotheareafromcolds,allergies,picking,coldanddryweather,andoveruse
ofnosedropsorsprays.
fiRST Aid 69
.Other first-aid Cases
Havethevictimsitleaningslightlyforwardsothattheblooddoesnotrundownthethroat.Askthepersontousethumbandforefingertopinchthenosefirmlybutgently,andapplypressureontheupperlip,justbelowthenose.Whilethepersonispinching,applyacoldcompresstothenoseandsurroundingarea.
Afterabout10minutes,havethepersonslowlyreleasethenosepinch.Ifthebleedingreappears,pinchthenoseandapplypressureonceagain.Afterthebleedingstops,donotirritate,pick,orblowthenoseforseveralhours.Ifthebleedingcontin-uesformorethan15minutes,seekmedicalattention.
For Ingested Poisoning, Call 800-222-1222A poison is a drug, chemical, or toxic liquid that can cause illness or death if swallowed. Any drug or medi-cine can be poisonous if not taken according to a doctor’s instructions or the directions on the label. Many cosmetics, cleaning products, pesticides, paints, and other household products also contain chemicals that may be harmful if swallowed.
Call the Poison Control Center toll-free at 800-222-1222 if you have a poisoning emergency. Keep this number handy. Meanwhile, follow these steps.
Step 1—Immediately take any poison containers to a telephone. Call the poison control center toll-free at 800-222-1222, or 911, or your local emergency response number (if a life-threatening condition such as uncon-sciousness, a change in consciousness, or no breathing is found), and follow the instructions you are given.
Step 2—Treat the victim for shock and monitor breath-ing. Do not give anything by mouth unless you are told to do so by medical professionals.
Step 3—Save any vomit (use a bowl, cook pot, or plas-tic bag). It will help a physician identify the poison and give the right treatment.
70 fiRST Aid
Other first-aid Cases.
Poison Control
Center
800-222-1222
Poisonous PlantsTheoilysapfromtheleaves,stem,androotsofpoisonivy,poi-sonoak,andpoisonsumacirritatestheskinofmostpeople.Oncethesapgetsonskin,itcanspreadtootherpartsofthebodyandcausearashwithredness,blisters,swelling,itching,burning,fever,andheadache.Theseverityofthereactiondependsontheindividualandtheextentoftheexposure.Thebestformofpreventionistolearnhowtorecognizethepoison-ousplantsinyourareaandtoavoidcontactwiththem.
Learn what poisonous plants look like and stay away from them. “Leaflets three, let it be” might help you remember to avoid plants that have leaflets grouped in threes, such as poison ivy. White berries are another signal of poisonous plants, although not all plants with three leaves or white berries are poisonous. Wear pro-tective clothing (disposable coveralls, rubber-coated or nonlatex gloves) and take care when handling tools, clothing, and gear that could be contaminated.
Poison oak Poison ivy
Poison sumac
fiRST Aid 71
.Other first-aid Cases
Thesapoftheseplantsmustbeonyourskinfor10to20minutesbeforeitstartstocauseproblems.So,ifyouthinkyouhavetouchedapoisonousplant,immediatelystoptowashtheexposedareawellwithsoapandwater.Wipewithrubbingalcoholandapplycalamineorothersoothingskintreatment.Ifthereactionissevere,ifthegenitalareaisaffected,orifplantpartswerechewedorswallowed,seekimmediatemedicalattention.
Thesapalsobindswelltoclothing,sochangeclothes.Keeptheoutfityouwerewearingseparatefromyourotherclothing,andwashitseparatelybackhome.
Abdominal PainTherearemanycausesofabdominalpain.Itmightbeasharm-lessasanupsetstomachorasdangerousasappendicitis.Alwaystakeallcomplaintsofabdominalpainseriously.Watchthepersoncloselyforincreasingpainorchangesinthelevelofconsciousness.Mostpeoplewhohaveappendicitiswillhavethesamesymptoms.Firstthereisalossofappetite.Thenapainbeginsinthelowerrightquarteroftheabdomenandgetsworseoverseveralhours.Finally,thereisnauseaandvomiting.
Ifyouthinksomeonemighthaveappendicitis,donotallowthepersontoeatordrink.Call911oraphysicianimme-diately.Alsoseekmedicalattentionifsomeonesufferingabdominalpainhasatemperatureof102degreesorhigheroriftherearesignalsofbloodintheurine,vomit,orstool.
right upper quarter
left upper quarter
right lower quarter
left lower quarter
72 fiRST Aid
dental injuries Ablowtothefacecanknockoutatoothorbreak
ajaw.Thesedentalinjuriesrequireimmediatemedi-caltreatment.However,aninfectedtoothwithpain,
fever,orswellingcanbejustasseriousandalsorequirestreatmentwithoutdelay.
Braces and retainers.Ifawireiscausingirritation,covertheendofthewirewithasmallcottonball,beeswax,coldcandlewax,orapieceofgauzeuntilyoucangetthepersontothedentist.Ifawireisembeddedinthecheek,tongue,orgumtissue,donotattempttoremoveit.Seeadentistororthodontistimmediately.
Bitten lip or tongue. Applydirectpressuretothebleedingareawithacleancloth.Ifswellingispresent,applyacold,wetclothorpad.Ifthebleedingdoesnotstop,theinjuredpersonshouldseekmedicalattention.
Toothache. Havethevictimrinsethemouthvigorouslywithwarmwater(tocleanoutdebris);usedentalflosstoremoveanyfoodthatmightbetrappedbetweentheteeth.Ifswellingispresent,placeacold,wetclothorpadontheoutsideofthecheek.Havethepersonseeadentistimmediately—toothachemaybeasignalthatinfectionispresent.
Broken, chipped, or loosened tooth.Gentlyrinsethemouthwithwarmwater.Placeacold,wetclothorpadintheareaoftheinjury,tominimizeswelling.Thevictimshouldseeadentistimmediately;takethebrokenorchippedpieceoftoothalong.
Knocked-out tooth.Pickupthetoothcarefullybythecrown(nottheroot).Rinsethetoothgentlyundercoldrunningwaterorwithmilk,ifitisavailable.Donotscrub,scrape,ordrythetooth,anddonotallowthetoothtodry.Flushthewoundwithcleanwaterorsalinesolution.Applypressurewithacleanclothorgauzetostopanybleeding.Placethetoothinacon-tainerofmilkorcoolwater.Takethevictimandthetoothandgodirectlytothedentist’sofficeoremergencyroom,ideallywithin30minutes.
Possible fractured jaw. Keepthejawfrommovingbyusingahandkerchief,necktie,towel,orsimilaritem.Ifswellingispres-ent,applycold,wetclothsorpads.Calladentistortakethevictimimmediatelytotheemergencyroom.
fiRST Aid 73
.Other first-aid Cases
Do not use heat or
place aspirin on
an aching tooth or
gum tissues.
Proper dental care and maintenance will prevent many dental injuries. To reduce the chance of tooth injury, follow these tips.
• Always use your safety belt when riding in an automobile.
• Wear the proper safety gear, including a mouth guard, when playing contact sports.
• Never bite down on hard items such as popcorn kernels, ice, or nutshells.
• Do not use your teeth to open packages or bottles.
74 fiRST Aid
Bites and StingsThebitesofmosquitoes,chiggers,andno-see-umsareirritatingbutnotusuallydangerous.Moretroublesomeareticks,somespiders,andsomeants.Toavoidgettingbittenbyticks,wearlongpantsandalong-sleevedshirtwheneveryouareintick-infestedwoodlandsandfields.Buttonyourcollarandtuckyourpantcuffsintoyourbootsor
socks.Inspectyourselfdaily,especiallythehairypartsofyourbody,andimmediately
removeanyticksyoufind.Ticksburytheirheadsbeneaththeskinof
theirvictims.Toremoveatick,withglovedhands,graspitwithtweezersclosetotheskinandgentlypulluntilitcomesloose.Don’tsqueeze,twist,orjerkthetick,asdoingsocouldleaveitsmouthpartsstillburiedintheskin.Washthewoundwithsoapandwaterandapplyanantiseptic.Thoroughlywashyourhandsafterhandlingatick.
Thefemaleblack widow spider(whichisresponsibleforbites)isglossyblackwithared-orange
hourglassmarkingontheundersideofitsabdomen.Thesespidersliketodwellunderstonesandlogs,in
longgrass,brushpiles,barns,garages,latrines,andothershadowyspots.Itsbitecancauserednessand
sharppain,sweating,nauseaandvomiting,stomachpainand
cramps,andseveremusclepainandspasms.Breathingmight
becomedifficult.
When removing a tick, do not burn the tick, prick it with a pin, or cover it with petroleum jelly or nail polish. doing so may cause the tick to release more of the disease-carrying bacteria.
Black widow spider
fiRST Aid 75
.Other first-aid Cases
Fire ants live in
loose mounds of
dirt. If you see
such a structure,
do not disturb it.
Thebrown recluseisamedium-sized,yellow-tantodarkbrownspiderwithaviolin-shapedmarkonitsback.Thesespidersoftenhideinlittle-usedstorageareassuchascellarsandclosets,andoutdoorsinpro-tectedareasunderrocksandloosetreebark.Avictimmightnotnoticethebiteatfirst,butwithintwotoeighthours,therewillbemildtoseverepainwithrednessatthebitesite.Theareabecomesswollenandtender,andasmallblisterusuallyforms,followedbyanopensore.Thevictimmightsufferfever,chills,nausea,vomiting,jointpain,andafaintrash.Washthebitesitewithsoapandwater,andapplyacoldpacktothearea.Seekmedicalattentionimmediately.
Thestingofa fire antcanbeextremelypainful.Ifdis-turbed,fireantswillswarmandattackcooperativelyandaggressively,oftengrabbingholdofthevictim’sskinandsting-ingrepeatedly.Becarefulnottobreakthetinyblistersthatformfromthestings.Washtheinjuredareawell,usingantisepticorsoapandwater.Coverwithasterilebandageand,forrelief,tryapastemadeofbakingsodaandwater,andtakeamildnonaspirinpainreliever.Theblisteredareashouldhealwithinaweek.
Brown recluse spider (enlarged)
Some people may be highly allergic to fire ant bites, which can cause the life-threatening reaction called anaphylactic shock (anaphylaxis). For more information, see “Life-Threatening Emergencies.”
76 fiRST Aid
Other first-aid Cases.
Ifyouarestungbyabeebutarenotallergictobeestings,youcansimplyremovethestingerbyscrapingitoutwithaknifeblade.Don’ttrytosqueezethestingerout.Doingsowillforcemorevenomintotheskinfromthesacattachedtothestinger.Forbee,wasp,orhornetstings,useanicepacktohelpreducepainandswelling.
Common scorpion stingsoftencausesevere,sharppainwithswellinganddiscoloration,butgenerallycausenolastingilleffects.Anicepackorcoldcompressshouldhelprelieveanyitchingandpain.Anover-the-counterantihistaminemayhelprelievesymptoms.However,ifthevictimhasahistoryofaller-gicreactionstoinsectstingsorshowssignalsofillness,seekmedicalhelpatonce.
For information about anaphylactic shock (anaphylaxis), a severe allergic reaction, see “Life-Threatening Emergencies.” Without immediate treatment, a person who goes into anaphylactic shock can die. People who are allergic to bee or wasp stings, fire ant bites, or pea-nuts, shellfish, and certain other foods can have similar anaphylactic reactions. Small children may be especially vulnerable to a severe reaction.
Honeybees Paper waspMud dauber wasp
.Other first-aid Cases
Animal bites. Thebiteofadog,cat,oranyotherwarm-bloodedanimalisaseriouspuncturewound.Theanimalmightsufferfromrabies,adeadlyillnessthatcanbetransmittedthroughthesalivaofsomemammals,inparticulardogs,skunks,raccoons,foxes,andbats.Theonlywaytolearnifananimalisinfectedistocatchitandhaveittestedbymedicalexperts.
Totreatananimalbite,scrubtheareawithsoapandwaterand,ifpossible,flushthewoundwithcleanwaterforafullfiveminutestoremovesaliva.Controlthebleedingandcoverthewoundwithasterilebandage.Thevictimmustseeadoctor,whocandeterminewhethertogiverabiesshots.
Ifthebiteisthatofapetdogorcat,getthename,address,andphonenumberoftheowner,ifpossible.Ifbittenbyawildanimal,donottrytocaptureit.Instead,havesomeonemakenoteofthetypeofanimal,itsdescription,andthedirectioninwhichitwasheaded,thencontactthelocalpublichealthauthoritiestoreportthebite.
An unprovoked attack could be a sign that an animal is rabid. Report all animal bites to your local public health authorities or the police. Do not kill the animal unless necessary, and do not put yourself at risk by trying to catch the animal. Call the police, rangers, or animal control officers, who are trained to do the job safely. Suspicious animals may be confined and observed, or destroyed so that their brains can be tested for rabies.
Raccoon
78 fiRST Aid
Other first-aid Cases.
Snakebites.Thebiteofanonvenomoussnakecausesonlyminorpuncturewoundsandcanbetreatedassuch.Sincesnakesarenotwarm-blooded,theycannotcarryrabies.Scrubthebitewithsoapandwater,treatwithanantiseptic,andcoverwithasterilebandage.However,avenomoussnakebiterequiresspecialcare.
ThevenomoussnakesofNorthAmericaarepitvipersandcoralsnakes.Pitvipers,includingrattlesnakes,copperheads,andcottonmouths,havetriangular-shapedheadswithpitsoneachsideinfrontoftheireyes.Signalsofapitviperbiteincludepuncturemarks,pain(perhapsextreme)andswelling(possiblysevere),skindiscoloration,nauseaandvomiting,shallowbreathing,blurredvision,andshock.
Coralsnakeshaveblacknosesandaremarkedwithredandyellowbandsside-by-side,separatedbybandsofblack.Theyinjectapowerfulvenomthataffectsthevictim’snervoussystem.Thesignalsofacoralsnakebiteincludeslowedphysicalandmentalreactions,sleepiness,nausea,shortnessofbreath,convulsions,shock,andcoma.
Thebiteofavenomoussnakecancausesharp,burningpain.Theareaaroundthebitemightswellandbecomediscol-ored;however,avenomoussnakedoesnotinjectvenomeverytimeitbites.Herearethestepsfortreatingthebiteofvenomoussnakes.
Step 1—Getthevictimundermedicalcareassoonaspossiblesothatphysicianscanneutralizethevenom.
Step 2—Removeringsandotherjewelrythatmightcauseproblemsiftheareaaroundthebiteswells.
Step 3—Ifthevictimmustwaitformedicalattentiontoarrive,washthewound.Ifitisabiteofacoralsnake,wraptheareasnugly(butcomfortably)withanelasticrollerbandage.
Step 4—Havethevictimliedownandpositionthebittenpartlowerthantherestofhisbody.Encouragehimtostaycalm.Hemightbeveryfrightened,sokeepassuringhimthatheisbeingcaredfor.
Step 5—Treatforshock.
Donotmakeanycutsonorapplysuctiontothebite,applyatourniquet,oruseelectricshocksuchasfromacarbattery.Thesemethodscouldcausemoreharmtothevictimorarenotproventobeeffective.
As a precaution,
use a hiking stick
to poke among
stones and brush
ahead of you
when you walk
through areas
where snakes are
common. Watch
where you put
your hands as you
collect firewood
or climb over
rocks and logs.
Do not give a
snakebite victim
alcohol, sedatives,
or aspirin. Do not
apply ice to the
snakebite. Ice
will not help the
injury but could
damage the skin
and tissue.
fiRST Aid 79
.Other first-aid Cases
Rattlesnake
Copperhead
Cottonmouth moccasin
Remember this ditty for safety around coral snakes: red and black—friendly jack; red and yellow–deadly fellow.
Since nearly all snakebites occur on the limbs, wearing gloves and boots or high leather shoes will protect the most vulnerable areas. The best rule is to never put your feet or hands where you cannot see them. Don’t reach over blind hedges or poke around in crev-ices, hollow logs, or woodpiles.
fiRST Aid 81
.Life-threatening Emergencies
Learn to recognize
life-threatening
conditions and be
prepared to take
quick action. The
procedures for
adults, children,
and infants may
differ slightly.
Life-ThreateningEmergenciesTherightfirstaidgivenquicklycansavealife.Apersonwhohasstoppedbreathingmustreceiverescuebreathingwithinthreetofiveminutesorbraindamagewilloccur.Peoplewhomayneedlifesavingfirstaidincludevictimsofheartattacks,deepcutswithseverebleeding,submersionemergency(ornear-drowning),andlightningstrikes.Aftercallingforhelp,assessthesituationtodecidewhatyoushoulddoandinwhichorder.
Aneasywaytorecalltheorderoftreatmentinalife-threateningemergencyisA-B-C-D:Airway,Breathing,Circulation,anddefibrillation.
A is for AirwayTheairwayisthepassagethatallowsairenteringthemouthornosetoreachthelungs.Alwaysprotecttheairwayofanyacci-dentvictim.Ifthepersonbeginstovomit,turnthevictimontohisorhersidesothatthevomitcomesoutofthemouthandisnotaspirated(inhaled)intothelungs.
Put A-B-C-D Into PracticeIs the person conscious? Tap the person on the shoul-der to see if he or she responds. Ask a question such as, “Are you OK?” If there is no response to sound or touch, the person is unconscious. Call or send for medical help.
82 fiRST Aid
Life-threatening Emergencies.
Ifavictimisuncon-scious,carefullyplacethepersononhisorherback,protectingtheheadandneckifyoumustrollthepersonover.Then,opentheairwaybypressing(ortilting)ontheforeheadwithonehandandliftingthechinwiththeothertotiltbackthehead.Thisactionwillkeepthetonguefromblockingtheperson’sairway.
B is for BreathingAfteropeningthevictim’sairway,checktoseeifthepersoncanbreathenormally.Placeyourcheekinfrontofthevictim’smouth(about1to2inchesaway).Look,listen,andfeelformovementandbreathing(signalsofcirculation,or“signsoflife”)fornomorethan10seconds.Ifthepersonisbreathingeffectively,youwillfeelandheartheairflowonyourcheekandseeandfeelthechestrisingandfallingatregularintervals.If there is no breathing or movement; give two rescue breaths, then begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Look, listen, feel—these are the steps to check for breathing.
Tilt the head and
lift up on the chin
to open the airway
of an unconscious
person.
If opening the
airway restores
breathing, place
the victim in a
recovery position.
Continue to moni-
tor the person’s
breathing until
help arrives.
fiRST Aid 83
.Life-threatening Emergencies
Onceyouhaveopenedtheairway,checkformovementandbreathingfornomorethan10seconds.Ifthepersonstillisnotbreathing,givetworescuebreaths.
Step 1—PlaceaCPRbreathingbarrieroverthevictim’smouth.Thatmayprotectbothofyoufromorallytransmitteddiseases.
Step 2—Givetworescuebreaths.Whilemaintainingthehead-tilt,pinchthenostrils,sealyourmouthoverthevictim’smouthandblowintoittofilltheperson’slungs.(Foraninfant,sealyourmouthoverboththemouthandnose,thenbreathegently.)Eachbreathshouldlastabout1second.Watchtoseeifthechestclearlyrises.Removeyourmouthandthengiveanotherrescuebreath.
Step 3—for a child or an infant,aftertworescuebreaths,checkforapulsefornomorethan10seconds.Ifthereisstillnobreathing,beginrescuebreathing(1breathaboutevery3seconds)andrecheckforbreathingandpulseevery2minutesaslongasthereisapulsebutnobreathing.for an adult,aftertworescuebreaths,beginCPRimmediatelyifthevictimdoesnotresumebreathing.
If the victim revives, put him or her in a recovery position and treat for shock. Monitor the person to make sure breathing does not stop again.
Rescue breathing techniques are constantly being improved. Check with your Scout leaders and local American Red Cross chapter or American Heart Association office for current methods and training opportunities.
84 fiRST Aid
Life-threatening Emergencies.
C is for CirculationSignalsofcirculationmeanthattheheartisstillbeatingandcirculatingbloodthroughthebody.Normalbreathingandmovementaresignalsoflifeandthatthereisaheartbeat.Inthecaseofyoungchildren(underage12)andinfants,feelingforapulsefornomorethan10secondscanalsobeperformed.If there are no signals that the heart is beating, begin CPR immediately.
Accidentsormedicalconditionsthatcauseapersontostopbreathingcanalsostoptheheart.Iftheheartisnotpumpingandcirculatingbloodthroughthebody,thevictimwillnotbebreathing,moving,ormakingnormalsounds.Ifyouhavedeliveredtworescuebreathsandthevictimdoesnotbegintobreathe,youshouldperformcardiopulmonary
resuscitation,orCPR,immediately.LearningCPRrequirescarefulinstructionfrom
acertifiedteacher.PerhapsyoucanpracticeCPRatScoutmeetings.TheAmericanRedCrossandAmericanHeartAssociationofferclasses,too.YourScoutleaderscanhelpyoufindtrainingtolearnthislifesavingskill.
While the techniques for CPR are different for adults, children, and infants, the cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths applies to everyone. To receive full and proper CPR training, contact your American Red Cross chapter or the American Heart Association. See the resources section in the back of this pamphlet for more information.
Adult
Child (one or two hands) infant (two or three fingers)
fiRST Aid 85
.Life-threatening Emergencies
d is for defibrillationTheheartismadeupofmanymusclefibersthatusuallycon-tractandrelaxinunisontopumpblood.Duringaheartattack,thosemusclefibersdonotworktogether.Aheartattackcanleadtowhatisknownas“cardiacarrest.”Anothercauseofcar-diacarrestisanabnormalelectricalheartrhythm,mostcom-monlyknownasventricularfibrillation.
Amachinecalledadefibrillatorcansendanelectricalshockthroughthehearttomomentarilystopallelectricalactiv-ity.Thispausegivestheheartenoughtimetotrytorestoreaneffectiveheartbeat(rhythm).Apersonwhosehearthasstoppedfunctioningcanbetreatedwiththisspecialdevice,ifoneisavailable.Ideally,thisshouldhappenwithinseveralminutesofthevictim’scollapse.
Mostambulances,hospitals,andemergencycarefacilitiesareequippedwithdefibrillatorsforusebytrainedmedicalper-sonnel.Becauseadefibrillatormustbeusedquickly(withinseveralminutes)tosaveaperson’slife,anewtypeofdefibrilla-torcalledanautomated external defibrillator (AED)hasbeendeveloped.ManyfirstresponderssuchaspoliceofficersandfirefighterscarryandaretrainedintheuseofAEDs.
AnAEDiscomputerized.Itcancheckaperson’sheartrhythmandrecognizearhythmthatrequiresashock.Itcanalsoadvisetherescuerwhenashockisneeded.AEDsusevoiceprompts,lights,andtextmessagestotelltherescuerthestepstotake.
AEDsareveryaccurateandeasytouse.Withonlyafewhoursoftraining,alaypersoncanlearnhowtooperateanAED.However,youmustbetrainedtooperateonesafelyandeffectively.
Many public places such as airports and shopping malls now have installed AEDs in clearly marked, desig-nated areas much the same way that fire extinguishers are made readily available for access in an emergency.
86 fiRST Aid
Life-threatening Emergencies.
Heart AttackAheartattackisalife-threateningconditionthatcausesdeathofordamagetotheheartmuscle.Whenanarterythatsuppliesbloodtotheheartisblocked,aheartattackcanoccur.Heartattackrequiresquickactiontopossiblysavealife.Learntorec-ognizethewarningsignalsofaheartattack,thenbepreparedtotakepromptactionbycalling911orthelocalemergency-responsenumber.ImmediatelyadministerCPRifnecessary.
Common Warning Signals of Heart AttackHerearesomecommonwarningsignalsofheartattack.
• Persistent,uncomfortablepressure,squeezing,fullness,orpaininthecenterofthechestbehindthebreastbone.Thefeelingmayspreadtotheshoulders,arms,andneck.Itmaylastseveralminutesorlongerandmaycomeandgo.Itneednotbesevere.(Sharp,stabbingtwingesofpainusuallyarenotsignalsofheartattack.)
• Unusualsweating—forinstance,perspiringeventhougharoomiscool.
• Nausea—stomachdistresswithanurgetovomit.
• Shortnessofbreath.
• Afeelingofweakness.
Shouldanyonecomplainofthesesymptoms,getmedicalattentionforthevictimrightaway.Beawarethatacommonreactionofmenandwomenwhoareexperiencingsignalsofheartattackistodenythatanythingiswrong.BereadytobeginCPRiftheheartbeatandbreathingstop.
Women may
experience differ-
ent symptoms
than do men. A
woman might also
have intermittent
back, abdominal,
and upper-body
pain; unexplained
fatigue; and dizzi-
ness. She might
feel heaviness in
the chest or a
burning sensation
rather than pain.
If you suspect someone is having a heart attack and this person is con-scious, try to find out the following.
• Is the person taking any type of blood-thinning medication?
• Is the person allergic to aspirin?
• Does this person have stomach problems?
• Has the person ever been advised by a physician not to take aspirin?If the answer is “no” to all of the questions above, when you call 911,
emergency responders may advise you to offer the person two uncoated baby aspirin tablets (81 mg apiece). Aspirin must be used, not painkillers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
fiRST Aid 87
.Life-threatening Emergencies
StrokeAstrokeoccurswhenanarterytothebraineitherburstsorisblockedbyaclot.Whenbloodsupplytothebrainisinter-rupted,braincellsbegintodie.
Common Warning Signals of StrokeThiscardiovasculardiseaseinjuresthebrain,andthesignalshappenfast;thevictimmightnotbeawareastrokeisoccur-ring.Othersnearbymightnotknowit,either.Thisiswhyitissoimportanttoknowthecommonwarningsignalsofstroke.
• Suddenweaknessornumbnessoftheface,arm,orleg(especiallyononesideofthebody)
• Suddenconfusionortroublespeakingorunderstandingspeech
• Suddentroubleseeing
• Suddendizziness,withlossofbalanceorcoordinationandtroublewalking
• Suddenandsevereheadachewithnoknowncause
Perhapssomeonehassuddenlylosttheabilitytospeakclearlyortomoveonesideofthebody,orsuddenlyhastroublewalkingorseeing.Ifyouthinksomeoneishavingastroke,notethelasttimeyousawthepersonactingnormally,thencall911immediately;fastactionisvital.
Think FASTUse this quick method to help determine whether someone might have suffered a stroke.f = face. Ask the person to smile. Watch for weakness to one side of the face.A = Arm. Ask the person to raise both arms. Watch for weakness or numbness in the limbs.S = Speech. Ask the person to say a simple sentence such as, “May I have a cookie?” Listen for slurred speech.T = Time. Time to call 911 right away if the person cannot perform any of the simple tasks above or shows any other signals of stroke. Be sure to note the time the signals began.
While waiting for
medical personnel
to arrive, keep
the person calm
and comfortable.
A stroke could
make a person
nervous and
afraid. Reassure
the person that
help is on the way.
Do not give the
victim anything to
eat or drink.
88 fiRST Aid
Life-threatening Emergencies.
When Someone Is ChokingA person who is choking and can cough, speak, or breathe is still getting some air to the lungs. Encourage him or her to cough up the object, and be ready to administer first aid if it is needed. However, if the person is coughing weakly or making high-pitched noises, or if the person can’t cough, speak, or breathe, you will need to take quick action.
Have someone call for help, then do the following.
Step 1—If the child or adult is conscious, give a series of five back blows as shown. From behind, place one arm across the person’s chest and lean forward. Firmly strike the per-son’s back with the palm of your hand. Follow the five back blows with abdominal thrusts as described in steps 2 and 3.
Step 2—Stand behind the victim. Put your arms around the waist and clasp your hands together. The knuckle of one thumb should be just above the victim’s navel but below the rib cage.
Step 3—Thrust your clasped hands inward and upward with enough force to pop loose the obstruction.
Step 4—Repeat steps 1 through 3 until the obstruction clears or medical help arrives.
Someone who is choking on food may grasp the throat to signal that he or she is unable to breathe. Treat by performing back blows and abdominal thrusts.
1
2
3
fiRST Aid 89
.Life-threatening Emergencies
Severe BleedingAcarelessmomentwithaknife,anax,orapowertooloranynumberofotheraccidentscanseveralargebloodvesselinthearmorleg,causingseverebleeding.Quickfirst-aidactioncanstopbleedingandperhapssaveapersonfrombleedingtodeath.
first Aid for Severe BleedingStep 1—Putonnonlatexdisposableglovesandprotectivegog-gles.Withacleanclothorsteriledressingasapad,usethepalmofyourhandtoapplyfirmpressuredirectlyoverthewound.Ifyouhaveanelasticbandagehandy,useittosecurethepadtightlyoverthesourceofthebleeding.
Step 2—Afterthebleedingstops,holdthepadinplacewithasterilebandage—anathleticwrap,stripstornfromcleancloth-ing,orsomethingelsesimilarcloseathand.Bindthepadfirmlybutnotsotightlythatcirculationiscutoff.
Step 3—Ifthebandageisonanarmoraleg,periodicallycheckforcirculation(feeling,warmth,color).Nocirculationisanindicationthatthebandageshouldbeloosened.
Step 4—Ifapressurepadhasbecomesoakedwithblood,placeafreshpadoverthefirstone(donotremoveit)andcontinueapplyingpressure.
Wounds can be incisions—clean cuts through the skin, such as those caused by knives, razors, broken glass, or other sharp objects, or lacerations—rough, jagged cuts. Deep wounds may injure muscles, tendons, and nerves. Contamination of any wound increases the chances of infection.
A paramedic or
physician will
probably want to
know when the
injured person
was immunized
against tetanus—
a serious illness
that can some-
times result when
bacteria are
introduced
through cuts,
abrasions, and
other breaks in
the skin.
Applying direct pressure on a wound will stop most bleeding.
90 fiRST Aid
Life-threatening Emergencies.
TOURniqUETSForthemostextremecasesofseverebleeding,first-aidershavesometimesusedatourniquet—adevicedesignedspecificallytobetightenedabovealimbthathasbeenpartiallyorcompletelysevered—asalastresortforstoppingbleeding.Thismethodisusedonlywhenallothereffortshavefailedandadvancedpro-fessionalmedicalcareiseitherdelayedbyatleast30minutesornotavailable.Atourniquetwillcompletelystoptheflowofbloodtothelimb.Itcanalsocausegangrene(tissuedeath)andmayrequiresurgicalamputationofthelimb.
Inthepast,fieldtourniquetsweremadefromastripofclothatleast2incheswide(neveracord,wire,rope,oranyotherthinmaterial).Thestripwastiedwithanoverhandknotabovethewound,andastick,tentpeg,orsimilarrod-shapedobjectwasplacedontheknotandtieddownwithasquareknot.Thestickwasthentwistedjustuntilthebleedingstopped,andthensecuredsothetourniquetwouldnotcomeloose.Today,ifatourniquetmustbeused,itisgenerallyacommerciallymadedevicedesignedforthisspecificpurpose.
Onceatourniquethasbeenapplied,awrittennoteofthelocationofthetourniquetandthetimeitwasappliedismadeandattachedtothevictim’sclothing.Thevictimshouldbetreatedforshockandgivenfirstaidforotherinjuries.Thetourniquetmustnotbecovered.
Ifitislikelythatitwillbehoursbeforeadvancedmedicalhelpisavailable,thenthetourniquetshouldbeloosenedtodetermineifbleedinghasstoppedandalsotoallowsomebloodflowtothelimbafterfiveminutes.Ifbleedingcontinues,thetourniquetshouldbetightenedandrecheckedafteranotherfive-minuteperiod.Ifthebleedinghasstopped,theloosenedtourniquetshouldbeleftinplace.Toavoidcrushingthetissueandcausingpermanentdamagetonervesandbloodvessels,thetourniquetshouldbeperiodicallycheckedandloosened.
Foranycaseofseverebleeding,summonemergencymedi-calhelpimmediately.Youshouldalwaysusenonlatex,dispos-ableglovesandprotectivegoggleswhenrenderingaidtoapersonwhoisbleeding.Becauseofthemanyrisksassociatedwiththeapplicationofatourniquet,thismethodisbestlefttotrainedmedicalprofessionalsorskilledrespondersspeciallytrainedintheapplicationoftourniquets.
If the injury is on
a flexible part of
the body—an
elbow or knee, for
example—after
the bleeding has
stopped, use a
splint to immobi-
lize the joint and
prevent the
wound from
pulling open.
fiRST Aid 91
.Life-threatening Emergencies
Anaphylactic Shock (Anaphylaxis)Formostpeople,beeorwaspstingswillcausepain,redness,andalittleswellingaroundtheaffectedareaandperhapsafewdaysofitching.Forthesmallnumberofpeoplewhoareallergictobeeorwaspvenomorfireantbites,thesestingsandbitescancausealife-threateningreactioncalledanaphylactic shock (anaphylaxis). Symptomscanincludeaswellingofthroattis-suesortonguethatrestrictsairpassagesandmakesbreathingdifficultorevenimpossible.
Without immediate treatment, a person who goes into anaphylactic shock can die. People who are allergic to peanuts, shellfish, and certain other foods can have similar anaphylactic reactions if they ingest or even
inhale particles of these foods. For instance, people
who are allergic to pea-nuts cannot consume
foods cooked in peanut oil.
Any Scout who
has an allergy
that could cause
anaphylactic
shock should
share that infor-
mation with Scout
leaders and
always let group
leaders know
where he carries
anaphylaxis medi-
cations so that
they can be made
available at a
moment’s notice.
92 fiRST Aid
Life-threatening Emergencies.
People who know they are susceptible to anaphylaxis should carry emergency kits that contain an injection of epinephrine, a rapidly acting hormone that reverses the effects of anaphylactic shock.
first Aid for Anaphylactic ShockStep 1—Call911oryourlocalemergency-responsenumber.
Step 2—CheckthevictimforamedicalIDbracelet,necklace,orinformationcard.Askifthepersoniscarryingaprescribedemergencymedicalkit.YoumaybeabletoassistthepersonundercertaincircumstancesANDifyouaretrainedandallowedtoassistbystateorlocalregulations.Ifso,followthekitinstructionsexactlyandassistthepersonbylocatingthemedicationkitandhandingittohimorher.Itisbestthattheindividualadministersthemedication.Ifthepersonisuncon-scious,followtheA-B-C-Dlifesavingsequenceand/orfollowinstructionsprovidedbyemergencymedicalprofessionals.
Step 3—Seethatthevictimreceivesfollow-upmedicaltreatment.
Ifyouarenotqualifiedtoadministerepinephrine,youshouldhelpmakesurethepersonstaysinacomfortableposi-tionforbreathingwhileawaitingmedicalhelp.Thiswillusu-allybeasittingposition.
Life-threatening food allergies are rare. However, an increasing number of people suffer from food-allergy reactions that, although not life-threatening, can cause great discomfort. If you have a food allergy, always be sure to let Scout leaders know about it. They can then work with members of the patrol and troop to ensure that the foods that trigger an allergic reaction are avoided during the planning and carrying out of Scout events. Making a situation safe for everyone is also a way to increase the sense of cooperation and support within a Scout unit.
fiRST Aid 93
.first-aid resources
First-AidResourcesScouting LiteratureBoy Scout Handbook;Fieldbook; Deck of First Aid; Basic Illustrated Wilderness First Aid; Emergency First Aid pocketguide; Be Prepared First Aid Book; Dentistry, Emergency Preparedness, Fire Safety, Lifesaving, Medicine, Public Health, Safety, andWilderness Survival meritbadgepamphlets
Books
American Medical Association Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care,reviseded.RandomHouse,2000.
Auerbach,PaulS.Medicine for the Outdoors: The Essential Guide to Emergency Medical Procedures and First Aid. LyonsPress,2003.
Backer,Howard,etal.Wilderness First Aid: Emergency Care for Remote Locations.JonesandBartlett,2005.
First Aid, 4thed.AmericanAcademyofOrthopaedicSurgeons,2005.
Forgey,William.Wilderness Medicine: Beyond First Aid,5thed.GlobePequotPress,1999.
Gill,PaulG.Wilderness First Aid: A Pocket Guide. RaggedMountainPress,2002.
Isaac,Jeffrey.The Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook, reviseded.Lyons&Burford,1998.
Rickey,Brad,andKurtDuffens.FastAct Pocket First Aid Guide. FastAct,1999.
Schimelpfenig,Todd,andLindaLindsey.NOLS Wilderness First Aid,3rded.NationalOutdoorLeadershipSchoolandStackpoleBooks,2000.
Tilton,Buck.Backcountry First Aid and Extended Care,4thed.Falcon,2002.
Weiss,EricA.Wilderness 911: A Step-by-Step Guide for Medical Emergencies and Improvised Care in the Backcountry. TheMountaineersBooks,1998.
Wilkerson,JamesA.,ed.Medicine for Mountaineering and Other Wilderness Activities,5thed.TheMountaineersBooks,2001.
Visit the Boy Scouts of America’s official retail Web site (with your parent’s permission) at http://www.scoutstuff.org for a complete listing of all merit badge pam-phlets and other helpful Scouting materials and supplies.
94 fiRST Aid
first-aid resources.
Organizations and Web SitesAmerican Heart Association7272GreenvilleAve.Dallas,TX75231Toll-freetelephone:800-242-8721Website:http://www.americanheart.org
American Medical Association515N.StateSt.Chicago,IL60610Toll-freetelephone:800-621-8335Website:http://www.ama-assn.org
American Red Cross2025ESt.NWWashington,DC20006Telephone:202-303-4498Website:http://www.redcross.org
American Stroke Association7272GreenvilleAve.Dallas,TX75231Toll-freetelephone:888-478-7653Website:http://www.strokeassociation.org
national Safety Council1121SpringLakeDriveItasca,IL60143-3201Toll-freetelephone:800-621-7619Website:http://www.nsc.org
The American Red Cross produces several resources that may be of particular interest to Scouts, Scout leaders, and merit badge counselors.
American Red Cross. First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community (participant’s manual). Staywell, 2006.
American Red Cross. First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community (DVD). Staywell, 2006.
American Red Cross. American Red Cross First Aid—Responding to Emergencies (participant’s man-ual). Staywell, 2007.
American Red Cross. American Red Cross Sport Safety Training Handbook. Staywell, 2007.
fiRST Aid 95
.first-aid resources
Acknowledgments
ForthisrevisionoftheFirst Aidmeritbadgepamphlet,theBoyScoutsofAmericaisgratefultoRichardThomas,Pharm.D.,Scottsdale,Arizona,forhisthoroughreviewsandinput.Dr.Thomasisalongtime,avidsup-porterofScoutingwhohasprovidedhissubjectexpertiseforanumberofmeritbadgepamphlets.WearegratefultoMurphyGreen,M.D.,Harlan,Kentucky,forhisearlyinvolvement.
ThanksalsototheBSAHealthandSafetyCommittee,inparticularcommitteechairGeorgeAllen,M.D.;andmembersCalvinBanning;DavidCohen,M.D.;StephenLomber,M.D.,Ph.D.;andHaroldYocum,M.D.
WeappreciatetheQuicklistConsultingCommitteeoftheAssociationforLibraryServicetoChildren,adivisionoftheAmericanLibraryAssociation,foritsassistancewithupdatingtheresourcessectionofthismeritbadgepamphlet.
The Boy Scouts of America is grateful to the American Red Cross for providing hands-on assistance from beginning to end with this edition of the First Aid merit badge pamphlet. From the text to photos and illustrations, subject
expertise, and a multitude of other lines of support, the American Red Cross has been indispensable, professional, and obliging in every way. In particular, the BSA would like to thank the following individuals from the American Red Cross National Headquarters, Preparedness and Health and Safety Services: Ted T. Crites, CHES, manager, Technical Development, First Aid, CPR/AED Programs, Research and Product Development; John E. Hendrickson, senior associate, Program Management and Field Support; and Kate Tunney, M.A.Ed., CHES, senior associate, Technical Development, Research and Product Development.
96 fiRST Aid
first-aid resources.
Photo and illustration Credits
AmericanNationalRedCross,courtesy—pages58(both),59(step 3),and94(all)
LisaAmes,UniversityofGeorgia,Bugwood.org,courtesy—page75
ScottBauer,USDAAgriculturalResourceService,Bugwood.org, courtesy—page74(top, center)
RonaldF.Billings,TexasForestService,Bugwood.org,courtesy—cover(spider) andpage74(bottom)
WhitneyCranshaw,ColoradoStateUniversity,Bugwood.org, courtesy—page76(right)
JohnnyN.Dell,retired,Bugwood.org, courtesy—page76(center)
CarlDennis,AuburnUniversity,Bugwood.org,courtesy—page76(left)
©Photos.com—cover(medicine bottles); pages9(top), 22(center, bottom), 37–38(all),53–56(all), 57(bottom),60,63,72–73(all),77,89,and91(right)
U.S.FishandWildlifeService/LutherC.Goldman,courtesy—page79(top)
Wikipedia.org,courtesy—page79(rattlesnake)
Wikipedia.org/JohnWillson,SavannahRiverEcologyLaboratory(SREL),courtesy—page79(cottonmouth moccasin)
Wikipedia.org/EdwardJ.Wozniak,DVM,Ph.D.,courtesy—page79(copperhead)
AllotherphotosandillustrationsnotmentionedabovearethepropertyoforareprotectedbytheBoyScoutsofAmerica.
DanielGiles—page17
JohnMcDearmon—pages16(top illustrations),18,24(illustrations),27–29(illustrations),32–33(all),40–42(all),45,47–48(all),57(illustrations), 71, 82–84(illustrations),and89
BrianPayne—cover(rescue litter);pages28,36,51,and61
RandyPiland—page70(top left)
Merit badge libraryThough intended as an aid to Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and qualified Venturers in meeting merit badge requirements, these pamphlets are of general interest and are made available by many schools and public libraries. The latest revision date of each pamphlet might not correspond with the copyright date shown below, because this list is corrected only once a year, in January. Any number of merit badge pamphlets may be revised throughout the year; others are simply reprinted until a revision becomes necessary.
If a Scout has already started working on a merit badge when a new edition for that pamphlet is introduced, he may continue to use the same merit badge pamphlet to earn the badge and fulfill the requirements therein. In other words, the Scout need not start all over again with the new pamphlet and possibly revised requirements.
American Business 2002American Cultures 2005American Heritage 2005American Labor 2006Animal Science 2006Archaeology 2006Archery 2004Architecture 2008Art 2006Astronomy 2004Athletics 2006Automotive Maintenance 2008Aviation 2006Backpacking 2007Basketry 2003Bird Study 2005Bugling (see Music)Camping 2005Canoeing 2004Chemistry 2004Cinematography 2008Citizenship in the
Community 2005Citizenship in the Nation 2005Citizenship in the World 2005Climbing 2006Coin Collecting 2008Collections 2008Communication 2009Composite Materials 2006Computers 2009Cooking 2007Crime Prevention 2005Cycling 2003Dentistry 2006Disabilities Awareness 2005Dog Care 2003Drafting 2008Electricity 2004Electronics 2004Emergency Preparedness 2008Energy 2005
Photography 2005Pioneering 2006Plant Science 2005Plumbing 2004Pottery 2008Public Health 2005Public Speaking 2002Pulp and Paper 2006Radio 2008Railroading 2003Reading 2003Reptile and
Amphibian Study 2005Rifle Shooting 2001Rowing 2006Safety 2006Salesmanship 2003Scholarship 2004Scuba Diving 2009Sculpture 2007Shotgun Shooting 2005Skating 2005Small-Boat Sailing 2004Snow Sports 2007Soil and Water
Conservation 2004Space Exploration 2004Sports 2006Stamp Collecting 2007Surveying 2004Swimming 2008Textile 2003Theater 2005Traffic Safety 2006Truck Transportation 2005Veterinary Medicine 2005Water Sports 2007Weather 2006Whitewater 2005Wilderness Survival 2007Wood Carving 2006Woodwork 2003
Engineering 2008Entrepreneurship 2006Environmental Science 2006Family Life 2005Farm Mechanics 2008Fingerprinting 2003Fire Safety 2004First Aid 2007Fish and Wildlife
Management 2004Fishing 2009Fly-Fishing 2009Forestry 2005Gardening 2002Genealogy 2005Geology 2005Golf 2002Graphic Arts 2006Hiking 2007Home Repairs 2009Horsemanship 2003Indian Lore 2008Insect Study 2008Journalism 2006Landscape Architecture 2008Law 2003Leatherwork 2002Lifesaving 2008Mammal Study 2003Medicine 2009Metalwork 2007Model Design and Building 2003Motorboating 2008Music and Bugling 2003Nature 2003Nuclear Science 2004Oceanography 2009Orienteering 2003Painting 2008Personal Fitness 2006Personal Management 2003Pets 2003
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