When you take a standard first aid course, you are taught that you can recognize a life-threatening emergency and quickly manage it until professional medical help arrives.
But what if your situation does not follow the steps you learned in your standard first aid class? What if you are unable to take care of a serious injury for hours or days?
Cuts
You can treat some cuts at home, depending upon the injury. Medical attention is needed for larger or more serious cuts that won't stop bleeding.
To prevent infection, it is important to clean and disinfect the wound. Cover the wound with a clean dressing that is changed frequently.
A small amount of antiseptic may be applied to the cut or graze. Pine sap is an ideal choice.
You can stop bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a cloth or gauze. If blood soaks through the cloth, place another one on top and keep applying pressure until bleeding stops.
Scrapes
All of us will be exposed to cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds from time to time. They are often a part of life in the wilderness, but knowing how to treat them correctly can help prevent infection and keep you healthy.
Small cuts and scrapes can be stopped quickly by taking a few actions. To stop blood flow, you could use a gauze or clean cloth to press down on the wound.
A bit of rubbing aloe vera can also be applied to a cut. This will remove any dirt or other particles stuck to the wound.
You can also use rubbing alcohol to clean your skin and kill any bacteria that could be causing infection. Cover the wound with a gauze pad or sterile bandage. You should change the dressing or bandage every other day to prevent infection.
Burns
You will need to seek first aid if you have been injured by a hot object, flame, liquid, or other heat source. First aid involves removing the source of the pain, applying heat to the affected area, and then covering it with a bandage.
You should not use ice to cool it as this could cause more damage to the skin and tissue. It could also cause shock (a sudden drop or rise in body temperature).
Take off any jewelry, belts or tight clothing that may be causing the injury. As needed, administer pain medication to relieve the symptoms of burning.
If the burn is severe or covers most of the body, call 111 immediately to arrange for an ambulance. If it's a minor second degree burn, you may be able to treat it yourself at home following the steps below.
Broken Bones
Bones are living tissue and can become bruised in many ways. They can also become broken if struck with enough force.
Most fractures are treated with a cast or splint to keep the injured bone from moving while it heals. This allows the bone's natural healing process to occur and reduces pain.
Some broken bones require surgery to reduce the break and help it heal. The location of the injury and the severity of your medical history will all play a role in the treatment.
If you suspect that your heart is about to burst, it's crucial that you seek professional medical attention immediately. If you're unable to reach an A&E, call 999 and Triple Zero (000).
FAQ
What are the basic skills for survival in the wild?
It is essential to be able to make a fire, especially if you are living off the ground. It's not just a matter of lighting a match; you must learn how to start a fire using friction and flint. You must also know how to not get burned by the flames.
You need to know how shelter is built from natural materials such leaves, grasses and trees. To stay warm at nights, you will need knowledge about how to best utilize these materials. You will also need to understand how much water you are able to drink to stay alive.
Other Survival Skills
Although they can help you survive, they are not as essential as knowing how to light an open fire. Although you can eat many different types of plants and animals, if your fire is not lit, you will be unable to cook them.
Additionally, you'll need to know the best places and methods to find food. You could become sick or starve if you don't have this knowledge.
What is your best survival tip for the future?
The best way to survive is to stay calm. If you panic you will make mistakes and ultimately die.
What is the most important item for survival?
Food is the most essential thing to survive. Shelter from the elements is also important, but they are less essential than food. You will not live very long if there isn't enough food.
What is the average time it takes to get help after getting lost?
This depends upon several factors.
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Wherever you are
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What terrain are you on?
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No matter whether you have cell reception
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If someone has ever seen you
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Whether you're injured
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Whether you are dehydrated
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Whether you have been drinking water
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How recently have you eaten?
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It does not matter if your clothing is appropriate
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No matter whether you are carrying a compass, a map, or a compass
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How familiar can you be with the area
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How much time has passed since you became lost
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How long did it take you to search for help?
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How long does people take to notice you are gone?
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How fast they decide that you are available for them to search
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How many rescuers attract you?
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How many rescues were you able to receive?
Statistics
- so you can be 100 percent hands-free, and there's less chance you'll put your torch down and lose it. (nymag.com)
- We know you're not always going to be 100% prepared for the situations that befall you, but you can still try and do your best to mitigate the worst circumstances by preparing for a number of contingencies. (hiconsumption.com)
- Not only does it kill up to 99.9% of all waterborne bacteria and parasites, but it will filter up to 1,000 liters of water without the use of chemicals. (hiconsumption.com)
- The Dyrt PRO gives 40% campground discounts across the country (thedyrt.com)
External Links
How To
How to Find Edible Plants and Animals During Emergencies
For emergency situations, edible animals and plants are vital food sources. They are essential for survival because they can provide food and energy to you when you don't have normal food. These can be used to make medicine and cosmetics.
It is important to know the exact location of these plants and their preferred conditions, including climate, soil type, weather, and other factors. This knowledge will help you identify them quickly. Unfortunately, you won't be able to know all the details of every animal and plant species. Fortunately, most animals and plants follow some basic rules.
For example, if you see a plant or animal growing near water, you can assume it likes moist soil. If the leaves are shiny, this means they have been watered recently. If you see ants near a plant, this means the plant is providing nectar for bees. These simple observations can save you valuable time in finding useful plants and animals during emergencies.
You can find books written by botany and zoology experts to help you learn more about edible plants. Talk to rural people and watch documentaries. It's easy to learn about animals and plants by following the steps below.
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Look for plants and animals that grow near water.
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Examine the growth habits for both animals and plants.
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Learn about the natural habitats used by animals and plants. For instance, you might search for areas that have a specific soil type, climate or vegetation.
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Identify the parts of plant and animal that you are able to eat.
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Learn how you can cook both animals and plants.
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Try to eat wild animals and plants so you are familiar with their taste.
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Always be cautious when collecting wild plants or animals. Don't pick endangered species.
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Wild animals and plants must be stored properly. They should be kept away from direct sunlight and kept dry.
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After handling wild animals and plants, be sure to wash your hands.
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Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them.
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Avoid eating raw meat and fish unless you are sure it's safe.