Understanding basic first aid is essential for effectively treating common injuries. This guide provides practical steps for addressing various injuries and emphasizes the importance of having a well-stocked first aid kit. Remember, in the case of severe injuries, always seek professional medical help.
Downloadable First Aid Guides
- First Aid/CPR/AED – American Red Cross – Comprehensive Guide for First Aid and CPR. Download | 2017 Version | (Archived Copy) 2017 Version, ~8 MB
- First Aid/CPR/AED – American Red Cross – This participant’s manual includes detailed chapters on various emergencies, including cardiac and breathing emergencies, environmental emergencies, and soft tissue injuries. Download | (Archived Copy) 2015 Version, ~175 pages, ~16 MB
- First Aid/CPR/AED – THPRD – This manual from the American National Red Cross provides comprehensive information on first aid, CPR, and AED usage, along with preparation for emergencies. Download
- First Aid – Boy Scouts of America – This guide covers essential first aid skills and requirements for various ranks within the Boy Scouts. It includes information on injuries, emergency procedures, and resources for further learning. Download
- Psychological First Aid Field Operations Guide – Developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, this guide focuses on psychological first aid, outlining procedures for providing emotional support in crisis situations. Download
Purchasable First Aid Guides
- Emergency First Aid Reference Guide – Red Cross Store – A pocket guide that provides quick reference information for various emergencies, including allergic reactions, burns, and cardiac emergencies. Purchase
First Aid Overview
1. Minor Wounds
For minor cuts and scrapes, follow these steps:
- Stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth.
- Clean the wound with soap and water; avoid hydrogen peroxide.
- Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage.
- Monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus).
2. Burns
Burn treatment varies by severity:
- For minor burns, cool the area under running water for at least 10 minutes.
- Cover blisters with a loose bandage; do not pop them.
- Seek medical help for burns on the face, hands, or larger than 1/4 inch.
3. Sprains and Strains
For wrist and ankle sprains, use the RICE method:
- Rest the injured area.
- Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time.
- Apply compression with an elastic bandage.
- Elevate the injured limb above heart level.
4. Bee and Wasp Stings
To treat stings:
- Remove the stinger with tweezers or scrape it off with a card.
- Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling.
- Monitor for allergic reactions; call 911 if symptoms worsen.
5. Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Recognize and treat heat-related illnesses:
- Move the person to a cooler area and have them lie down.
- Apply cool, damp cloths and provide fluids.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, seek emergency help.
6. First Aid Kit Essentials
Ensure your first aid kit includes the following items:
- Adhesive bandages of various sizes.
- Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape.
- Antiseptic wipes or solution.
- Antibiotic ointment (e.g., Neosporin).
- Tweezers for splinter removal.
- Instant cold packs for swelling.
- Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen).
- Non-latex gloves for protection.
- A thermometer to check for fever.
Conclusion
Being equipped with basic first aid knowledge and supplies can significantly impact the outcome of common injuries. Always remember the importance of seeking professional medical assistance for severe injuries and maintaining a well-stocked first aid kit at home and on the go.
This article is part of the Newsi8 Caveman Reset series—information to increase your odds of survival after a major disaster.
Read More
[1] https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/First_Aid.pdf
[2] https://www.thprd.org/pdfs2/document4085.pdf
[3] https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDFs/Take_a_Class/FA_CPR_AED_PM_sample_chapter.pdf
[4] https://www.redcross.org/store/emergency-first-aid-guide/758276.html
[5] https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/type/PFA/PFA_2ndEditionwithappendices.pdf
[6] https://www.ecsinstitute.org/training-programs/firstaid
[7] https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/first-aid-guidelines
[8] https://www.amazon.com/Urgent-First-Aid-Guide-CPR/dp/162407653X
