FIRST AID & HEALTHShock | Breathing | Bleeding | Fractures | Dislocation | Sprains | Concussions | Heat Exhaustion | Sun Stroke | Cramps | Burns | Snow Blindness | Frostbite | Blisters | Headaches | Snakebites | Bee Stings | Hypothermia | Hyperthermia
Disease, infection and often, insect bites can be avoided when maintaining a proper diet. It is important to bathe daily but if this is not possible be sure to wash your hands frequently. Soap can be made using ashes and animal fat or by boiling the inner bark of a pine tree. Construct a toothbrush by mashing the end of a green twig. When setting out for your journey remember to pack a wide range of clothing and extra footwear. FIRST AID If an accident occurs in the wilderness it will be your responsibility to deal with the situation. The specific sequence of actions when dealing with this situation is:
Shock is a depression of all of the body processes and may follow any injury regardless of how minor. Factors such as hemorrhage, cold and pain will intensify shock. When experiencing shock the patient will feel weak and may faint. The skin becomes cold and clammy and the pulse, weak and rapid. Shock can be more serious than the injury itself. Use the following method to prevent and control shock:
If breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Place the patient on his/her back and follow these steps:
Repeat these steps approximately 12 to 15 times per minute. If treating
a child, cover the nose and mouth with you mouth. Use smaller puffs of air
and repeat this method 20 to 25 times per minute.
To control bleeding, elevate the wounded area
above the heart and apply pressure using either gauze, clean cloth, dried
seaweed or sphagnum moss. Use pressure at the pulse point between the
injured area and the heart if bleeding fails to stop. If bleeding still
persists, use a tourniquet between the injury and the heart. This method
should only be used in extreme situations. After bleeding has been
controlled, wash the wounded area with disinfectant and apply a dressing
and bandages.
A fracture is classified as either a simple (closed) or compound (open). Signs that a fracture is present include:
Treatment is as follows:
Dislocation happens when the ligaments near a
joint tear, allowing the movement of the bone from its socket. It is
unwise to treat a dislocation unless you are a trained professional as
permanent damage may occur. The affected extremity should be supported
using a sling or other device and pain controlled with aspirin or other
suitable drugs. Treat sprains by applying cold to the area for the
first 24 hours then once the swelling has subsided, let the sprain sit for
a day. Apply heat the following day to aid in the healing process. The
sprain should be splinted and rendered immobile until the pain has
completely disappeared. Concussions or other head injuries are often
accompanied by a leakage of watery blood from the nose or ears. Other
symptoms may include convulsions, an unresponsiveness of the pupils or
headache and vomiting. Keep the injured party warm, dispense a pain killer
regularly and allow time for the body to rest and repair. Heat exhaustion is not uncommon when water is not
sufficient. The body becomes dehydrated and salt-depleted, resulting in
nausea, faintness, a weak, rapid pulse and/or cold and clammy skin.
Treatment includes plenty of rest, liquid and salt tablets. Sunstroke may occur when the body is exposed to
excessive sun. The body becomes overheated and provides too much blood to
the circulatory system resulting in a flushed, hot face, rapid pulse,
headache and/or dizziness. Treat sunstroke by resting in a cool area and
applying and consuming cold liquid. Prevent sunstroke by wearing proper
headgear. Muscle cramps occur when the muscle accumulates
excessive lactid acid or a loss of salt through perspiration. Treatment
includes resting, deep breathing and stretching. Restore the salt balance
immediately. Burns are most commonly followed by shock. Administer
a pain reliever immediately, apply gauze covered in Vaseline to the
affected area and bandage. The patient should consume more water than
usual. Symptoms of snowblindness include scratchy or
burning eyes, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, headache, halos
around light and temporary loss of vision. Bandage the victim's eyes and
use cold compresses and a painkiller to control the pain. Vision will
generally be restored after 18 hours without the help of a doctor. Always
wear snow goggles or sunglasses in snowy areas to prevent snowblindness. Frostbite occurs when the tissue of an area, most
commonly the toes, fingers or face, is frozen either from direct exposure
to the elements or high wind. First degree frostbite turns the area cold,
white and numb. When heated the area becomes red and can be compared to a
first degree burn. A blister will form after warming with second degree
frostbite. Dark skin, gangrene, and a loss of some skin and tissues is
common in third degree. Fourth degree frostbite causes irreparable damage.
The affected area will remain cold and lifeless and generally a part of
the area is lost. With adequate clothing frostbite can easily be avoided.
Superficial frostbite may be treated by cupping one's hands and blowing on
the affected area, warming from another warm hand or, with fingers,
placing them in your armpits. For more severe cases, medical aid should be
sought. Blisters are the painful, and common, result of
ill-fitting footwear. At the first sign of discomfort, remove boots and
socks and place a piece of adhesive tape over the affected area. If it is
absolutely necessary, open a blister by first washing the area thoroughly
then inserting a sterilized needle into the side of the blister. Apply
disinfectant and a bandage. Headaches are often experienced in the mountains
due to inadequate eye protection, tension in the neck, constipation or
"water intoxication", a swelling of the brain tissue which happens when
the hiker has sweated excessively over a period of days and consumed large
quantities of water without taking salt tablets. Aspirin may be used to
alleviate the pain but one should find the source of headache to prevent
further discomfort. Snake bites are not overly common in British Columbia. One species of venomous snake, a rattlesnake is found in the dry belt of the southern interior. If you come across a snake slowly ease back. A snake bite rarely causes death; victims may be left untreated for up to eight hours. After an attack occurs:
Bee stings are common and harmless unless you are allergic. Remove the stinger then apply disinfectant and clod water to reduce the swelling. A change of diet, dirty cooking utensils or the consumption of tainted
water may result in diarrhea which in turn will cause a loss of nutrients
and precious body fluids. Take extra care in cleanliness and boil water
for an additional three to five minutes to avoid diarrhea. When the temperature of your body falls to a level at which your vital organs can no longer function you are experiencing hypothermia or exposure sickness. Hypothermia will develop rapidly and is caused by cold, wet and/or windy weather that chills the body at a speed faster than it can produce heat. A lack of energy-producing food and proper clothing will heighten the speed at which hypothermia will affect you. Always remember to bring extra clothing. It is important to hike at the speed of the slowest member of your party. Take frequent breaks and keep a close watch for members experiencing signs of fatigue. Exposure sickness generally occurs in temperatures of less than 10 C (50 F). Symptoms are easily recognizable:
Treatment must be quick and efficient: 1. Move the victim to a sheltered area, out of the elements.
Hyperthermia is a result of the body being overheated due to increased air temperature, solar or reflected radiation, poorly ventilated clothing, a low fitness level or excess bulk. Symptoms include: To avoid hyperthermia, avoid strenuous activity on hot days, wear loose clothing and a hat, drink plenty of fluids and take salt tablets.
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When journeying into the wilderness it is important to
carry a complete first aid kit and book. It is also wise to take a first
aid course. A good diet, cleanliness and appropriate clothing will lower
the risk of harmful situations.
2.
Splint the joints above and below the fracture. 
