FIRST AID FOR THE OUTDOORS
by Cathann A. Kress, Ph.D.
Violence Prevention Specialist
Iowa State University Extension, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The most common outdoor injuries are:

  1. Sunburns
  2. Snakebites
  3. Joint Sprains
  4. Blisters

If you said "D" you're correct! Blisters and minor burns are the most common outdoor injury and can be easily treated by cooling the skin and avoiding additional rubbing or heat. Pack some adhesive bandages to cushion any minor injuries such as blisters.

COMMON SENSE TIPS

  1. Don't drink water out of ponds, rivers or creeks.
  2. Don't put your hands or feet where you can't see.
  3. Don't move someone who is severely injured.
  4. Don't dive into water if you can't see the bottom.
  5. Don't eat fruits or mushrooms you can't identify.
  6. Don't stay outdoors in severe weather.

BUGS

Ticks
Tick bites are becoming a big concern because of diseases that these little bugs carry. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever and tick paralysis. To avoid a tick bite:
  1. Wear bug repellant that contains DEET.
  2. Wear loose fitting pants when in the woods.
  3. Check yourself carefully for ticks after being in the woods. Look especially in the scalp, around the eyes, armpits, groin and back.
  4. Be sure to remove the ENTIRE tick. It's not always helpful to touch a tick with a hot match or alcohol. Sometimes coating them with Vaseline works as they eventually will let go to breathe.
    The best method is to use is a tweezers and grab the tick right at the skin level. Remove by pulling straight up and make sure you got the entire tick.
  5. Throw the tick in the fire or smash between two rocks. Do not squeeze with your fingers as you risk infecting yourself.
Bees, Wasps, and Things That Go Buzzzzz...
  1. Don't wear perfumes or scented lotions or powders. If you act like a flower many insects will think you are one.
  2. If stung, remove stinger as soon as possible. DO NOT SQUEEZE the stinger. Lightly scrape it away to avoid squeezing the venom sac and injecting more venom into yourself.
  3. Apply ice.

BEAT THE HEAT

Heat Cramps
As you sweat, you lose salt. If you lose too much salt you may start to feel nauseated, your muscles may twitch or you may get severe cramps in your legs, stomach, or back. RELAX. Stretch the muscles gently, rest in a cool place, and drink plenty of water along with a small amount of salt or a sports drink with salt added.

Heat Exhaustion

This is simply shock caused by working in the heat or a heat related injury, rather than a general injury.  The person may look pale, feel dizzy or nauseated, have a headache or feel light-headed.  Have the person lie down and elevate the feet.  Provide lots and lots and lots of water.



Heat Stroke (Sunstroke)

This is a complete breakdown of the body's heat control process.  The person not only feels hot but the body temperature will rise just as if the person had a very high fever.  The person may become confused and pass out.  THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.  Immediately get the person into shade or into water if possible.  Wet the person's clothes and fan them to help them cool off.  Get the person to a hospital as soon as possible.



SEVERE WEATHER


Tornado Safety

The best thing to do if you're outdoors and you know a tornado or high winds are coming is to GET INDOORS.  If indoor shelter is not available, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine or culvert.  Shield your head.  Do not attempt to outrun the storm.



Lightning/Thunder
In order to prevent injury, it's helpful to know how far away the lightning is -- to estimate count the time between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder.  Five seconds of time equals one mile of distance.


If you are outdoors during an electrical storm, stay away from:


    

  1. Fences, power lines, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails, and any other metal.

  2. Isolated tall trees, small sheds, or other natural lightning rods.

  3. Metal objects you might have with you such as bicycles, lawn tools, golf
clubs, tents, etc.
    




If you're outside during a storm and can't get indoors:

    

  1. Stay out of any tents, their metal rods will attract lightning.

  2. Seek refuge in dense woods or in low areas away from tall trees.  Be alert for flash floods.

  3. If your hair starts to stand on end, act quickly because lightning is about to strike.

  4. Do not lie down--drop to your knees and bend forward with hands on your knees (you want as little of your body as possible touching the ground).





SERIOUS TALK ABOUT SERIOUS INJURIES


If someone is seriously injured, there are two main concerns:

    

  1. Stop any bleeding

  2. Treat for shock



Stopping the Bleeding

The single best method for stopping bleeding is through direct pressure.  You may have to apply pressure for 5-15 minutes or even longer.  Apply the pressure as long as it takes for help to arrive.  DO NOT APPLY A TOURNIQUET.  Most of us don't know enough about tourniquets to do a good job and there are too many risks for the individual if we do a bad job.



How to Stop Shock
At the same time that you are stopping bleeding, you can also treat for shock.  Even if there is no bleeding, but someone is seriously injured, you should treat for shock.  Shock is simply when not enough oxygen gets to the head.  It is important to do the following:

    

  1. Lay the person down.  If they're already down on the ground, move them
as little as possible.

  2. Elevate the feet above the head.

  3. Unless it's hot, cover the person to keep them warm.





For more information about First Aid and the Outdoors, check at your library or with The Red Cross, and remember to always be careful!	


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