First Aid Merit Badge

First Aid Merit Badge Requirements

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1. Demonstrate to your counselor that you have current knowledge of all first-aid requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks.
2. Explain how you would obtain emergency medical assistance from:
1. Your home
2. A remote location on a wilderness camping trip
3. An activity on open water
3. Define the term triage. Explain the steps necessary to assess and handle a medical emergency until help arrives
4. Explain the universal precautions as applied to the transmission of infections. Discuss the ways you should protect yourself and the victim while administering first aid.

First Aid Merit Badge Requirements

5. Do the following:
1. Prepare a first-aid kit for your home. Display and discuss its contents with your counselor.
2. With an adult leader. Inspect your troop's first-aid kit. Evaluate it for completeness. Report your findings to your counselor and Scout leader.
6. Describe the early signs and symptoms of each of the following and explain what actions you should take:
• Shock
• Heart attack
• Stroke

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First Aid Merit Badge Requirements

7. Do the following:
1. Describe the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person. Then demonstrate proper CPR technique using a training device approved by your counselor.
2. Explain the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Identify the location of the AED at your school, place of worship, and troop meeting place, if one is present.
8. Do the following:
• Show the steps that need to be taken for someone who has a large open wound or cut that is not bleeding severely.
• Show the steps that need to be taken for someone who has a large open wound or cut that is severely bleeding.
• Tell the dangers in the use of a tourniquet and the conditions under which its use is justified.

First Aid Merit Badge Requirements

10. Explain when a bee sting could be life threatening and what action should be taken for prevention and for first aid.
11. Describe the signs and symptoms and demonstrate the proper procedures for handling and immobilizing suspected closed and open fractures or dislocations�of the:
1. Forearm
2. Wrist
3. Upper leg
4. Lower leg
5. Ankle
12. Describe the signs, symptoms, and possible complications and demonstrate care for someone with a suspected injury to the head, neck, or back.

First Aid Merit Badge Requirements

12. Describe the symptoms, proper first-aid procedures, and possible prevention measures for the following conditions:
1. Anaphylaxis/allergic reactions
2. Bruises
3. Sprains or strains
4. Hypothermia
5. Frostbite
6. Burns - first, second, and third degree
7. Convulsions/seizures
8. Dehydration
9. Muscle cramps
10. Heat exhaustion
11. Heat stroke
12. Abdominal pain
13. Broken, chipped, or loosened tooth

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First Aid Merit Badge Requirements

13. Do the following:
1. Describe the conditions under which an injured person should be moved.
2. If a sick or an injured person must be moved, tell how you would determine the best method. Demonstrate this method.
3. With helpers under your supervision, improvise a stretcher and move a presumably unconscious person.
14. Teach another Scout a first-aid skill selected by your counselor.

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What is First Aid?

First aid is caring for injured or ill persons until they can receive professional medical care. It is an important skill for every Scout. With knowledge of first aid, a Scout can provide immediate care and help to someone who is hurt or becomes ill.

Your Steps at an Emergency

1. Decide to be helpful and prepared before an accident happens.
2. Recognize the emergency.
3. Call EMS if required.
4. Assess the victim. Use the mnemonic ABCDE.
5. Provide care.

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Everyone of any age can render assistance. Your actions in the first few minutes will make a difference.

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Is It Safe?

• Take care of yourself, then your helpers, finally the victim.
• Is the scene safe?
• What caused this?
• Is there anything here that can hurt me?

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Patient Assessment

1. Obtain consent to treat.
2. Establish responsiveness.
3. Begin the life-threat exam - ABCDE.
1. Airway check: Look in the mouth, check the airway for obstructions.
2. Breathing check: Look closely at the chest; listen and feel for signs of respiration.
3. Circulation check: Check for a pulse and for major wounds that are bleeding.
4. Disability decision: If you can’t rule out a spine injury, continue to protect it.
5. Expose injuries: Without moving the patient, open up clothing covering serious injuries so you can fully evaluate and treat them.

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• Start a secondary assessment and treatment plan.

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Call 911 When Appropriate

• Call 911 immediately for a life threatening injury or illness.
• Do not try to transport a critical victim to the emergency room yourself.

Calling for Help in a Boating Emergency

This is a special situation!

• Carry a whistle to attract attention.
• Wave to other boats or shore if in trouble.
• Cell phones may not work in remote areas or on the water – don’t depend on them.

Calling for Help in a Camping Emergency

This is a special situation!

• At campsites check out cell phone coverage as soon as you arrive.
• Always have a plan for how to get to the nearest phone.
• Be able to describe the location and directions to get there.

Triage for Multiple Victims

• You must first decide who needs care the most and who can wait until help arrives or others can help.
• This process of setting priorities is called “Triage”.

Actions for Multiple Victims Situations

• Call 911 immediately.
• Tell dispatcher there are multiple victims.
• Ask any victims who can walk to move to one side.
• These victims do not have immediate life-threatening problems.

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Actions for Multiple‐Victim Situations

• With remaining victims, start checking for normal breathing with unresponsive victims and look for life- threatening injuries.
• Spend 1 minute or less with each victim and do not start giving care until you have checked all victims.
• Give care to top priority victims first.
• Move to less serious victims only when first priority victims are stable.
• When help arrives, quickly tell EMS professionals about victims.

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Actions for Multiple‐Victim Situations

Bloodborne Disease

You don’t want to be contaminated by bacteria or viruses present in blood and other body fluids.

Bloodborne Diseases

Avoid contact with all blood and body fluids.

Use Gloves!!

• Improvise if you do not have medical exam gloves (plastic trash bag, etc.)
• Wash your hands before and after.
• Cover any cuts/scrapes.
• Do not touch your mouth, nose, or eyes when providing first aid.

Barrier Devices

Use a pocket face mask or face shield if available if you have to do CPR.

First Aid Kits and Training

• Your first aid kit should be suited to the expected use and your training level.
• First aid kits need to be convenient to use and in a place where they can be reached easily.

Suggested Group First Aid Kit

Treatment Items

• Band Aids
• Antibiotic Ointment (Neosporin)
• Gauze Pads
• Gloves
• Self-Adhering Bandage
• Elastic Bandage (Ace)
• Triangular Bandages
• Roller Gauze
• Saline or Wound Wash
• Soap & Shampoo
• Small Splints (Finger Splints / Tongue Depressors)
• SAM Splints
• Mouth Barrier Device
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Liquid Bandage (New Skin)
• Moleskin
• Glucose Tablets

• Cold Pack and/or Plastic Bags
• Small side cutters
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Aspirin (for cardiac)
• Non-Adherent Bandage

Comfort Items

• Lip Balm
• Pepto Bismol / Antacid
• Tylenol
• Ibuprofen
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
• Loratadine (Claritin)
• Sun Screen / Moisturizer
• Throat Lozenges
• Cough medicine
• Thermometer
• Hand Sanitizer

Note: Many of the products listed here have generic alternatives.

First Aid Supplies

• There are many first aid supply sources on the web.
• Some items can be purchased cheaply at local stores.
• Making your own first aid kit is usually the best option, commercial kits often are missing basic bandages or have too few of critical items.

Sudden Illness

Shock

What is Shock?

• Not enough blood is getting to the right places around the body.
• Can be caused by all kinds of things…both illness and injury.
• Untreated – it can lead to death.

Symptoms of Shock

Shock, if untreated, can lead to death.

• Dizziness
• Pale, cool, moist skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Nausea/vomiting
• Extreme thirst

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• Rapid, weak pulse
• Decreased blood pressure
• Mental status changes
• Restlessness, anxiety

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First Aid for Shock

• Place the victim in shock position.
• Keep the person warm and comfortable.
• Turn the victim’s head to one side if neck injury is not suspected.

Stroke

• Stroke is a brain injury – blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted.
• Headache, dizzy, unusual behavior, passes out, forgets things, slurred speech, weak on one side.
• Monitor victim and be prepared to give CPR.
• Have victim lie down with head and shoulders slightly raised.

Seizures

• A brain disturbance caused by epilepsy, high fever in young children, certain injuries, electric shock, and other causes.
• Can be scary for helpers.
• Move objects away and let victim have seizure – there is nothing you can do to stop it.
• Put something flat and soft under victim’s head.
• Gently turn victim onto one side to help keep airway clear if vomiting occurs.
• If this is first time, call 911 – otherwise do what victim wants.

Heart Attack

What is a Heart Attack?

• Sudden reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to blockage of an artery.
• Signs and symptoms vary considerably.
• May have no signs or symptoms before collapsing suddenly or victim may have mild symptoms that come and go for hours or days prior to the attack.

Signs and Symptoms

CPR for Adults and Children

CPR Protocols

• The A‐B‐C order for CPR (Airway‐Breathing‐Circulation) has been changed to C‐A‐B (Compressions‐Airway‐ Breathing).
• This is based on medical research that shows CPR is more effective if done first and promptly.
• Volunteers will no longer check for a pulse or Look‐Listen‐Feel for breathing.

New CPR Protocols

1. Are you OK? – Check responsiveness.
2. Unresponsive? Assess breathing by looking at the victim (DO NOT open airway yet by tilting head…DO NOT Look-Listen-Feel).
3. Not breathing? Call 911 and send for AED if available.
4. Start with 30 compressions and then two breaths.
5. Continue with CPR – 30 compressions, then 2 breaths.

CPR Technique

1. Position on their back.
2. If victim appears to be not breathing or is gasping call 911, get AED, and start CPR.
3. Use a barrier device if you have one.

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CPR Technique

30 compressions

CPR Technique

Open the airway

Use the head-tilt-chin-lift technique

Rescue Breathing

Two breaths

Give 30 compressions at a speed of 100 per minute

Then give 2 breaths

Not Sure About Rescue Breathing?

• If you don’t remember how to do breaths then just do continuous chest compressions.
• If you don’t want to do breaths then just do continuous compressions.

Check Airway

• If victim may have been choking, check for object before giving rescue breaths. If you see obstruction, remove it.
• Then continue CPR.

Continue CPR until…

Victim moves.

AED arrives and is ready to use.

Help arrives.

You are too tired to continue.

What happens if I don’t remember?

• If you don’t exactly remember the steps of CPR, do the best you can!
• If you can’t figure out the breaths, then perform continuous chest compressions.
• With a heart in trouble, it is always better to try some kind of CPR than do nothing.
• Always call for help quickly.

Practice

CPR

AED

Automated External Defibrillator

AED

• Portable.
• Pads placed on the victim’s chest.
• Unit analyzes victim’s heart and advises whether to give a shock.
• All AED’s work the same.

Clothing Removal

• It may be necessary to open/remove the shirt to find the nipples.
• It is always necessary to open/remove the shirt to deploy the AED.
• Put arms back at sides for CPR/AED.

How AEDs Work

• Heart’s electrical system keeps chambers of the heart synchronized and working together.
• With heart attack or other heart problems, this rhythmic electrical system may be disrupted.
• Sometimes an AED shock restores regular heart rhythm – this is “defibrillation”.

Using an AED

• Whenever a victim suddenly collapses or is found unresponsive consider possibility of cardiac arrest.
• Send someone to get an AED immediately.
• It is better to have it right away and not need it, than to need it and have to wait for it.

Using an AED

• Turn the AED on and follow the voice prompts.
• Keep CPR going while AED is being set up.

Using an AED

• Check the pictures on the pads.
• Some are interchangeable placement, others are not.

Using an AED

• Follow placement diagram on the pads.

Using an AED

Follow placement diagram on the pads.

If the AED advises shock say: “Everyone Clear!”

and make sure they are at least 6” away.

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Give shock (push button) when AED says so

Start CPR after the shock. Leave AED on and pads attached.

AED Use in Children

• If pediatric pads are available use them on children (not adults).
• If there are no pediatric pads you can use adult pads on children.
• Use pediatric pads on infants (put front and back). Use adult pads on infants if nothing else is available.

AED

Demonstration

Near Drowning

Be Safe – Do It Smart

• Use “safe swim” procedures around any water activity.
• If you are involved with the rescue, use “reach, throw, row, go”.
• Do not attempt a swimming rescue unless you are a trained lifeguard.
• Remember, you can start rescue breathing in the water. Compressions can only be done out of the water.
• Start CPR if victim is not breathing.
• If victim is breathing and their heart is beating, roll on left side and monitor airway. They may vomit!

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Victim Survey

For a conscious or an unconscious victim who is breathing and heart is beating.

Assess From Head to Toe

• Start at head.
• Look for signs.
• Feel everything slowly.
• Push on chest, ribs, tummy, hips.
• Compare each side of body to the other (what is normal).

Signs of a Head/Neck/Back Injury

• Inability to move.
• Lack of sensation or tingling in hands.
• Deformed neck or back.
• Breathing problems.
• Headache.
• Signs of blow to head or back.

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Assume a neck injury with any head injuries.

Head/Neck/Back Injuries

• May be life threatening and can cause permanent paralysis.
• Call 911.
• Do not move the victim any more than necessary.
• Keep victim still and support the head and neck to prevent worsening the injury.
• DON’T move head if performing CPR.

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Dealing With Cuts and Bleeding

Bleeding Control

• Best methods are:
• Direct Pressure.
• Pressure Dressing.
• Elevation above the heart will also help slow bleeding.

Direct Pressure

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Apply pressure directly to the wound.

You Should Clean Wounds

• Unless the wound is very large or bleeding seriously, you should clean the wound to help prevent infection.
• Wash your hands first and wear gloves if available.

Infections are Serious

This is an emergency. Seek help immediately!

• Wound area is red, swollen, and warm.
• Red area, streaks, or trails on the skin near the wound.
• There can be pain, pus, and/or fever.

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Scrapes / Abrasions

• Will have dirt ground into the skin, so make sure it is clean.
• You may have to scrub a little.
• Bandage to keep clean and dry.
• Change dressing frequently if wound is seeping moisture.

Nosebleed

• Sit the person down with head held forward.
• Do not let their head tip back – blood will run down throat.
• Pinch the nose firmly just below the bridge.
• After ten minutes, gently release the pressure.
• If there is still bleeding, reapply the pressure for further periods of ten minutes.

Blisters

• Usually form on the foot or hands.
• Common cause is from rubbing inside shoes or gloves.
• If blister is open, treat as a wound – clean with soap and water.
• If blister is small don’t break or lance – clean and bandage to keep it away from pressure/friction.
• Keep off pressure by changing socks/gloves, bandage, or using moleskin.

Bruises

• Caused by force damaging tissue under the skin. Usually will heal themselves.
• The discoloration is caused by blood leaking into tissue.
• You can apply cold pack in first hour.
• Warm packs after a day will help them go away faster.
• If very large or spreading, they are a sign that something serious is going on and medical care is needed.

Puncture Wounds and Lacerations

• If an object is embedded, don’t pull it out. Bandage in place.
• If the object has already been removed wash thoroughly – infection is more likely because germs have been pushed deeper in the body.
• May still need a doctor’s care – you can’t see how deep it went or what is going on inside the body.

Amputation

• Control the bleeding.
• Treat for shock.
• Wrap the part loosely in gauze, put in plastic bag, and lay on bed of ice in another plastic bag (don’t cover with ice).
• Call EMS.

Tourniquets

• A tourniquet is a band type belt or bandage that is wrapped tightly above an amputation or very severe cut to stop bleeding.
• Choose a tourniquet only after direct pressure fails. Use direct pressure first.
• When ambulance is less than 30 minutes away, don’t loosen.
• P a “T” on the forehead with the time you put the tourniquet on.

Bandaging

Bandaging Techniques

• There are different techniques for different types of bandages and locations of the wound.
• Even small wounds need cleaning and bandaging.

Band‐Aids – Use them correctly!

Technique for Roller Bandage

• Use gauze pad if you have one.
• Hold end in place for first turn of bandage.
• Unroll gauze as you bandage (don’t unroll first.)

Technique for Roller Bandage

• Cover the cut with a crisscross pattern (figure 8).
• Make a loop in final turn to tie off.

Technique for Roller Bandage

• Use the ends of the bandage to tie a bow knot over the cut.

Technique for a Triangular Bandage

• Triangular bandages can also be a dressing.
• It is more than just a sling!

Technique for a Self‐Adherent Dressing

• Use a gauze pad underneath to cover the wound.

Bandage a cut on a forearm.

Practice

Bandage

Fractures and Joint Injuries

Fractures

• Bone may be completely broken or only cracked.
• Close fracture – skin is not broken – use pain and movement to detect this.
• Open fracture – open wound at the fracture site, but the wound could be separate from the fracture, too.
• Bleeding can be severe (inside) with fractures of large bones.

First Aid for Fracture

• With open fracture, cover wound with dressing and apply gentle pressure around the site if needed to control bleeding.
• If help may be delayed or if victim is to be transported, immobilize with a splint.

Splinting

Splint the extremity if:

• The victim is at risk for moving injured area (unless help is coming soon).
• Before transporting victim to healthcare provider.

It prevents further injury, reduces pain, and minimizes bleeding and swelling.

Types of Splints

Rigid Splints – made from a board, plastic, rolled newspaper, or thick cardboard.

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Soft Splints – made from a pillow, folded blanket, towel, or a triangular bandage.

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Anatomic Splints – bandage an injured leg to the uninjured leg, taping fingers together.

Guidelines for Splinting

• Put a dressing on any open wound before splinting area.
• Put padding between splint and skin.
• Put splints on both sides of a fractured bone if possible.
• Apply cold packet to injury around splint.
• With splinted extremity, check the fingers or toes to make sure circulation is not cut off.

Securing Splints

• Use bandages, strips of cloth, tape, or straps around splint and extremity.
• Use knots that can be untied.
• Do not secure with tape directly on skin or if it will cut off circulation.

Arm Sling

• Sling keeps arm from moving.
• A good sling keeps the hand higher than the elbow.
• Tie the knot on the side of the neck for comfort.

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Arm Splint and Arm Sling

Practice

First Aid for Sprains

• Immobilize area in position found.
• Put ice or cold pack on area.
• Wrap joint with compression bandage.
• Use soft splint to immobilize and support joint.
• Seek medical attention if appropriate.

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Wrapping a Sprain with an Elastic Bandage

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Elastic bandage will work at any joint on the limbs.

Elastic bandage for sprained wrist

Practice

Abdominal Injuries

• Includes open and closed wounds.
• Commonly result from a blow or a fall.
• May involve internal and/or external bleeding.
• Victim needs immediate medical care even if no significant injuries can be seen.
• Internal organs may have ruptured and there may be serious internal bleeding.
• A closed abdominal injury can be life threatening.

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Check for Closed Abdominal Injury

• Severe pain, tenderness.
• Bruising.
• Swollen or rigid abdomen.

First Aid for Closed Abdominal Injury

• Position victim on back and loosen clothing.
• Call 911.
• Treat for shock and monitor breathing.
• Allow the victim to bend knees slightly if this eases pain.

Open Abdominal Wounds

• May involve significant bleeding.
• Organs may be protruding from wound.

First Aid for Open Abdominal Wounds

• Cover wound with moist, sterile dressing or dry, non-adherent dressing.
• Cover dressing with large occlusive dressing or plastic wrap taped in place.
• Lay victim on back.
• Loosen any tight clothing.
• If organs are protruding through the wound opening, do not push them back in.
• Call 911 and treat for shock.
• Allow victim to bend knees slightly if this eases pain.

Eye Injuries

Blow to the Eye

• If the eye is bleeding or leaking fluid, call 911 or get victim to emergency room immediately.
• If not, put cold pack over eye for 15 minutes to ease pain and reduce swelling, but do not put pressure on eye.
• Have victim lie still and also cover the uninjured eye.
• Seek medical attention if pain persists or vision is affected.
• If the victim is wearing contact lenses, DO NOT remove them.

Dirt or Small Particles in Eye

• Do not rub eye.
• Gently pull upper eyelid out and down over lower eyelid – this sometimes works to remove particle.
• Gently flush eye with water from medicine dropper or glass – don’t allow water to run into other eye.
• If the particle is visible, carefully try to remove it with a clean cloth or gauze pad.
• If victim has any vision problems or pain, cover eye with a sterile dressing and seek medical attention.

Burns

The type of burn is not based on the cause of it. Scalding, for example, can cause all three burns, depending on how hot the liquid is and how long it stays in contact with the skin.

How Bad Is the Burn?

• First-degree burns affect the epidermis and are considered mild compared to other burns.
• Red, non-blistered skin.
• Second-degree burns (partial thickness burns) affect the epidermis and the dermis (lower layer of skin). They cause pain, redness, swelling, and blistering.
• Blisters and some thickening of the skin.
• Third-degree burns (full thickness burns) go through the dermis and affect deeper tissues.
• Widespread thickness with a white, leathery appearance.

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First‐Degree Burns

• Symptoms:
• Redness.
• Minor inflammation, or swelling.
• Pain.
• Dry, peeling skin occurs as the burn heals.

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• Treatment:
• Soak the wound in cool water for five minutes or longer.
• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.
• Apply lidocaine (an anesthetic) with Aloe Vera to soothe the skin.
• Use an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the affected area.
• Make sure you don’t use ice, as this may make the damage worse.

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Sunburn is Usually a Type of�First Degree Burn

• Severe sunburn can be a significant first aid situation.
• Sunburn is preventable with protective ointments, clothing, or staying out of the sun.
• Long term effects of sunburn has been linked to skin cancers.

Second‐Degree Burns

• Symptoms:
• Causes the skin to blister and become extremely red and sore.
• Some blisters pop open, giving the burn a wet or weeping appearance.

• Treatment:
• Run the skin under cool water for 15 minutes or longer.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
• Apply antibiotic cream to blisters.
• Seek emergency medical treatment if the burn affects a widespread area, such as any of the following: Face, hands, buttocks, groin, feet.

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Third‐Degree Burns

• Symptoms:
• Waxy and white color.
• Char.
• Dark brown color.
• Raised and leathery texture.
• Blisters that do not develop.
• May have signs and symptoms of shock.

• Treatment:
• Never attempt to self-treat a third-degree burn.
• Call 911 immediately.
• While you’re waiting for medical treatment, raise the injury above the heart.
• Make sure no clothing is stuck to the burn.

Chemical and Electrical Burns

• Call 911! Chemical and electrical burns warrant immediate medical attention because they can affect the inside of the body, even if skin damage is minor.
• For chemical burns use gentle flushing until help arrives.

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Electrical Burn

Chemical Burn

Bee and Wasp Stings

• Insect stings can cause life- threatening allergic reactions in sensitive victims.
• Pain, burning, or itching at sting site.
• Redness, swelling.
• Remove stinger if still in skin.

First Aid for Bee and Wasp Stings

• Remove stinger from skin by scraping it away gently with a credit card or edge.
• Wash area with soap and water.
• Put ice pack on sting site.
• Watch victim for any signs or symptoms of allergic reactions.
• If symptoms occur, call 911 and treat for shock.

Symptoms of Allergic Reactions

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing.
• Tightness in throat or chest.
• Swelling of the face and neck, puffy eyes.

First Aid for Anaphylaxis �(Severe Allergic Reactions)

• Call 911.
• Lay person flat – do not allow them to stand or walk.
• If unconscious, place in recovery position.
• If breathing is difficult allow them to sit up.
• Give adrenaline autoinjector (EpiPen).
• Monitor the victim’s breathing and be prepared to give CPR.

First Aid for Anaphylaxis �(Severe Allergic Reactions)

• Emergency Epinephrine Kit (EpiPen)
• May be carried by people with severe allergies.
• Help the victim open and use the kit as needed.

Dental Emergencies

Dental Emergencies

• Chipped or broken tooth.
• See a dentist.
• Bring pieces with you if possible.

Knocked out Tooth

• Have victim sit with head tilted forward to let blood drain.
• Fold gauze and place it over tooth socket.
• Have victim gently bite down for pressure for 20-30 minutes.
• Save the tooth – it may be re-implanted.
• Put tooth in a container of milk, the victim’s saliva, or cool water.
• Get victim and tooth to a dentist as quickly as possible.

Cold Emergencies

Frost Nip

• Frost nip is an earlier and milder case of frostbite. Usually the ears, cheeks, nose, fingers and toes are affected.
• Skin white or numb.
• Don’t rub – hold against a warm body part.
• Change clothing and/or environment.
• Frost nip is a warning that you are not keeping warm enough!

Frost Bite

• Mild Frostbite:
• Skin looks waxy and white, gray, yellow, or bluish.
• Area is numb or feels tingly or aching
• Severe Frostbite:
• Area feels hard.
• May become painless
• After warming, area becomes swollen and may blister.

First Aid for Frostbite

• Move victim to warm environment.
• Hold frostbitten area in hands to warm – do not rub.
• Remove any tight clothing or jewelry around area.
• Put dry gauze or fluffy cloth between frostbitten fingers or toes.
• Do not use heat lamp, campfire, or heating pad to rewarm.
• Seek medical attention immediately.

Hypothermia

• Occurs when body cannot make heat as fast as it loses it.
• Internal body temperature drops below 95^oF.
• Can occur whenever and wherever a person feels cold, including indoors in poorly heated areas.

First Aid for Hypothermia

• Move victim to shelter.
• Remove wet clothing and wrap victim in warm covers.
• Apply direct body heat.
• Re-warm neck, chest, abdomen, and groin first.
• Give warm, sweet drinks if conscious.
• Monitor breathing, administer CPR.
• Get medical help.

Dehydration

• When the body puts out more liquid than it is taking in.
• Ways we lose fluids:
• Sweating.
• Urination.
• Vomiting.
• Signs of dehydration:
• Thirst.
• Yellow or dark urine.
• Dry mouth.
• Lightheadedness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dry skin.
• Cease sweating.

• Treatment:
• Drink fluids (water, Gatorade).
• Avoid physical activity.
• Get inside air conditioned or cool area.

Heat Cramps

• Activity in a hot environment may cause painful cramps in lower legs or stomach muscles.
• May occur along with heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
• Signs include muscle pain, cramping spasms, heavy sweating.

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First Aid for Heat Cramps

• Have person stop activity and sit quietly in a cool place.
• Give water or a sports drink.
• Massage the cramped muscles.

Heat Emergencies

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

• Heavy sweating
• Thirst
• Fatigue
• Heat cramps
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

First Aid for Heat Exhaustion

• Move victim from heat to rest in a cool place.
• Loosen or remove unnecessary clothing.
• Give water or a sports drink.
• Raise feet 8-12 inches.
• Put cool, wet cloths on forehead and body – spray skin with water.
• Seek medical care if victim’s condition worsens or does not improve within 30 minutes.

Heatstroke

First Aid for Heatstroke

• Call 911
• Move victim to cool place.
• Remove outer clothing.
• Cool victim quickly.
• Apply cold compresses or spray skin with water.
• Put ice bags or cold packs beside neck, armpits, and groin.

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Moving Injured Persons

When to Move an Injured Person

• Typically, don't move an injured person.
• You can do more damage moving them, so in most cases wait for the paramedics.
• You may have to move the victim if:
• They are in immediate danger, such as near a fire, rising water, or with severe weather approaching.
• When help is not on the way, and the patient cannot be treated for their problem at their present location.
• Before deciding whether to transport, a patient must be stabilized as much as possible.
• This means assuring open airways, controlling bleeding, splinting orthopedic injuries, treating hypothermia, and more.

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Shoulder Drag

• Support the head.
• Use for short distances.

Ankle Drag

Use for short distances.

Blanket Drag

• Support victim’s head.
• Use for longer distances.

Packstrap Carry

For victim who cannot be dragged safely.

Fireman’s Carry

Note: Wrist lock.

Piggyback Carry

For a lighter victim.

One Person Walking Assist

Responsive victim who can walk with help.

Two Person Walking Assist

Responsive victim who can walk with help.

Two-Handed Seat Carry

Use with two rescuers.

Improvised Stretcher

1. To move a victim onto a stretcher, position the stretcher next to the victim.
2. The victim should be on their back with their arms at their side.
3. Support the head in alignment with the spine throughout.
4. Place the victims arms across their chest.
5. Logroll the patient on their side. Slide the stretcher underneath.
6. Roll the patient back onto the stretcher.

Moving Victims

Practice