First Aid

Bleeding

1. Locate the source of bleeding and apply direct pressure with a gauze pad or clean cloth. Do not remove the dressing once it is on the wound. If necessary, place a new dressing on top of the old one.

2. Keep pressure on until the bleeding is controlled. If the wound is on an arm or leg, elevate the limb so it is above the heart (unless there is a broken bone).

3. Once the bleeding is controlled, bandage firmly but not tightly so that circulation is not impaired.

A TOURNIQUET IS ALMOST NEVER NEEDED AND IS DANGEROUS AS IT MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF THE LIMB. EVEN BLEEDING ARTERIES CAN ALMOST ALWAYS BE CONTROLLED WITH PRESSURE. TOURNIQUETS SHOULD ONLY BE USED AS A LAST RESORT WHEN BLEEDING CANNOT BE STOPPED WITH PRESSURE AND BLOOD LOSS IS EXCESSIVE. IF A TOURNIQUET IS NECESSARY, TIE A CLOTH LOOSLY AROUND THE LIMB AND INSERT A STICK UNDER THE LOOP, THEN TWIST AS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO STOP THE FLOW OF BLOOD TO THE WOUND.

4. Treat for shock. If the victim is cool, clammy, or lethargic, elevate the feet and keep the victim warm. DO NOT ELEVATE THE FEET IF THERE IS A HEAD INJURY.

(For a nosebleed, have the victim sit up and lean slightly forward. Pinch the nostrils just below the bony bridge of the nose. Hold with tight pressure for at least 10 minutes.

Amputation

Control the bleeding, then wrap the amputated part (finger, hand, arm, toe, foot, leg) in gauze or a clean cloth. Put the wrapped part in a waterproof bag or container, then place on a bed of ice. DO NOT PACK THE AMPUTATED PART DIRECTLY IN THE ICE. If the part is still attached, stabilize it without removing it or tearing it off. Immediately transport the part with the victim to a hospital.

Puncture Wounds

Puncture wounds should be covered with a sterile dressing until they can be properly cleaned by a doctor who can also check for internal damage. 

DO NOT REMOVE AN IMPALED OBJECT THAT IS STILL IN THE VICTIM. REMOVAL MAY DO MORE INTERNAL DAMAGE AND CAUSE INCREASED BLEEDING. 

1. Do not touch or put pressure on the object.

2. Stabilize the object by taping bulky bandages, clean cloths, etc. around it. If necessary, cut or break off part of the object so that 3"-4" remains exposed.

3. If possible, avoid moving the victim and wait until help arrives—any movement may damage internal organs or arteries.

4. Treat the victim for shock.

Sucking Chest Wounds

This type of wound makes a sucking sound as the victim tries to breathe and air is sucked in.

1. If there is no neck or back injury the victim should lean or sit up.

2. Cover the wound with material to create an airtight seal (plastic bag, cellophane, aluminum foil, etc.)

3. Tape

Open Wounds

1. Remove any loose dirt or foreign material from the wound.

2. Wash / scrub the area around the wound with soap and water

3. Flush the wound with clean water or antiseptic solution. This can be done by filling a plastic bag with water or solution and then puncturing the

bag; then squeeze the bag to create a stream to flush out the wound. If there is a flap of skin attached, gently press the flap back into place after cleaning the wound.

4. Apply a bandage and tape in place.

5. Monitor the wound for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, pain, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes).

Head, Neck & Back Injuries

Symptoms of head injury include loss of consciousness, incoherence, behavior change, headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, unequal pupil size, loss of balance, paralysis, seizures, blood or clear fluid leaking from the ear, nose, or mouth, and bleeding cuts on the skull or scalp. Symptoms of back or spinal cord injury include loss of feeling or inability to move the hands, arms, legs or feet; tingling or numbness in the hands or feet; or soreness in the spine.

1. ASSUME NECK INJURY—DO NOT MOVE THE VICTIM OR ELEVATE THE HEAD UNLESS IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO AVOID LIFE THREATENING DANGER. Make sure the victim is breathing by pulling the jaw forward without moving the head or neck. Make sure the mouth is clear and the tongue is out of the way, then look, listen, and feel for breath. If the victim is not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (Pinch the nose, cover the victim’s mouth with yours, and give two full breaths. If the victim’s chest does not rise and fall, pull the chin up and try again.)

2. Immobilize the victim’s head and neck without moving it. Place rolled up towels or clothing on either side of the head. Anchor these with heavy objects such as rocks, bags, or socks filled with sand, gravel, or dirt. Place tape across the victim’s forehead and attach the ends to the anchors. Without moving the neck, place a small pad under it. Make a cervical collar out of a rolled up towel or clothing and place it around the front of the neck to further inhibit movement, but make sure it is loose enough to allow free breathing.

3. Place soft pads made from clothing or towels under the small of the back and under the knees. Then stabilize the rest of the body with other soft materials anchored with heavy objects.

Broken Bones

The victim will experience swelling and pain around the injured area and may not be able to move or put weight on a broken limb. The limb may also be deformed or bent in an unusual way.

1. If the bone sticks out through the skin, cover with a sterile bandage or clean cloth.

2. Stabilize the injured limb with a splint made from sticks, a rolled up magazine, rolled up towel, etc.

3. In the case of a broken collar bone, shoulder, elbow, or rib, support the arm on the injured side by placing it in a sling loosely tied to the body to minimize movement.

4. In the case of a broken pelvis, hip, or upper leg, do not splint or move the victim unless it is absolutely necessary.

Burns

1. Roll the victim on the ground or use water or a blanket to smother the flames.

2. Remove hot, burned clothes that come off easily. DO NOT REMOVE CLOTHING STUCK TO THE SKIN OR BURNED SKIN. DO NOT USE ANY SALVES OR OINTMENTS.

3. Elevate the legs and cover loosely with a clean blanket or garment.