Notes on First Aid

by Katie Kimble

Blister Kit:

Try to prevent blisters by placing mole skin over hot spots as soon as they develop.

If a blister does form: make a small puncture to let the liquid out (with a sterile object), clean, and cover with second skin or mole skin with a circle where the blister is.

Cuts (small):

Clean out with alcohol swab, apply antibiotic ointment and band aid (and have some one kiss it to make it better)

Cuts (large):

Wash with water and remove debris in the wound (splinters, dirt). Wash with diluted betadine solution if available. Soak gauze pad with same solution and apply directly to wound. Place additional gauze overtop and secure with tape. If the wound is deep, butterfly bandages can be used to hold it together. If actively bleeding apply direct pressure and elevate above the heart. Remember, whenever interacting with someone else’s blood, wear gloves!

Splinters:

Use tweezers to get splinter out. Clean area and cover if necessary with band-aid

Sprains:

Attempt RICE treatment (Rest Ice Compression Elevation). If no ice, use a damp cotton (the one time it’s good to have cotton backpacking) cloth. Use an ace bandage or Sam Splint to compress and support the injured area.

Burns:

Gently wash with warm water, cover with thin layer of antibiotic ointment and a gauze pad.

Hypothermia:

Try to get warm, give warm (not hot) water and food. Wrap them in emergency space blanket, making sure head and torso are covered.

Signs of hypothermia are loss of fine motor control, incoherence, uncontrollable shivering, IF SHIVERING STOPS, BEWARE OF SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA!

If hypothermia becomes severe, handle the person gently, watching their breathing. Do a cocoon wrap: warm, dry clothing and blanket with emergency blanket on the outside.