48 WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
THE FOLLOWING FILE IS NOT TERMINATED BUT SOON WILL BE DONE ASAP
IN HYPERTEXT AND WITH PIX WHEN NEED BE SO PLEASE BARE WITH ME
TILL THEN, MUCH INFORMATION CAN BE USED MEANWHILE FOR YOUR
ENJOYMENT OR PLEASURE. MEANWHILE IF YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR ME
SEND THEM UP BY E-MAIL TO: richard@io.org
WHAT ABOUT READY-MADE F-D KITS:
Anyone who goes over half a day from civilisation & a doctor
should whenever possible be armed with an adequate first-aid kit
& a fair working knowledge of how to use it.
This precaution he owes it to himself & to any who accompany him.
No more than a reasonable measure, it can sometime mean the
difference between life & death, also between an easily repaired
disability & one that last a life time.
The ready-packed commercial kit, excellent as they may be for
many purposes, seldom are satisfactory for the individual who
wanders far from beaten trail.
Those kits are made on the assumption that there is a doctor near
by. Best to make one up following the list given.
US ARMY RECOMMENDS THIS FIRST-AID KIT STRESSING ONLY THE STRICT
NECESSARY ITEMS YET READY TO TREAT MAJOR WOUNDS & SHOCKS!
Individual dressings (10cm x 18cm) or sterile gauze strips in
plastic containers air-tight sealed./ Compresses & Bandages
(5cmx5cmx4cm) long.
Bandage gauze compress style (8cm x 5 1/2 meters) / 3 rolls of
bandage gauze (2 1/2cm x 5cm x 5 1/2 meters) / Bandage muslin
compress style (95cm x 95cm x 130cm) / 3 gaze strip with
petroleum jelly /vaseline.
(7 1/2cm x90cm) 100 adhesive strips tape (2 1/2cm x 7 1/2cm) /
300 adhesive strips (2cm x 7 1/2cm) / Eye drops & eye compress.
Ethyl Chloride in spray. / Ammonia solution ampoule (10 units of
1/3cc).
Ammonia is very good against most insect bites as well as chewed
tobacco / Non-ferrous iodine 10% (14 gr.of 148cc) /
A mixture of salt & #bicarbonate# powder & surgical razor blades.
DESERT F-D KIT:
The following items suggested by Dr. Hulsey a medical EXPERT IN
THE DESERT FIELD they MUST be kept in freezer bag.
A small box of foot powder. A snake byte kit. Here are some items
for special cases some need prescription.
SEA SICKNESS: Bonine Nausea & vomits: suppository. Diarrhoea:
Opium dye.
Indigestion: Antacid tablets. Head ache: aspirin even 222.
Painful hurt: narcotic/ Sleeping pills that calm the pain even
shocks.
Insect bytes Poison Ivy etc.: A lotion made of calamine base with
1 % of Phenol 1% of menthol 1% of hydrocortisone. Bee bites use
meat tenderiser especially good for that.
Tampax or Stay free/ Vaseline best: Because you can eat it &
cook with it etc. Garlic extracts capsules (natural food store)
will drive away mosquitoes & theirs cousins.
Salt pills & malaria pills are needed if you go in jungle/ Water
purifying pills. Halazone or equivalent
Suntan lotion & lip cream to avoid cracking. (Vaseline) /Betadine
- Vita-29 * Vitamin C pill. Cortisone in spray via sunburn.
Mosquito & bugs repellent containing at least 40% NN *Diethyl-
Metalo-luamide. Zomax & antibiotic such as Tetrex. / Small pack
of safety pins.
BASIC EMERGENCY FIRST-AID KIT:
1 triangular 40" sterile bandage with 2 safety pins =; direct
application while sterile over wounds covering sterile dressing
or slings padding splint & traction ties tourniquet.
6 assorted gauze roller bandages of different widths in
individual sterile pkg. + 6 gauze compresses 3" square each in
sterile packing = direct application over wounds + direct
pressure to stop bleeding holding compress in place.
1 pkg. small adhesive compresses with plastic tape & plain
sterile pads =: Cover minor wounds tape abrasion to guard against
irritation & infection protect blisters draw cuts together in
field
1 small bar detergent = clean hand before first-aid scrub wounds.
/ 50 or less aspirins 5 grains = counteract pain relieve shock
lower temperature. You may use stronger ones carefully.
12 sleeping pills For: help sleeping while in great pain. 1 small
applicator fresh 2% teinture of iodine = to disinfect small
wounds paint tick bites antiseptic.
2 rolls adhesive tape 2" wide = general taping holding compress
in place emergency repairs.
A set of needles & nylon thread: sewing clothes even skin. / 2 to
4 Elastic bandages 4" wide = applied fully stretched over
compress one or more or these as maybe necessary will usually
control severe bleeding while unlike the dangerous and temporary
tourniquet (garrotte) permitting circulation.
Furthermore these can be used anywhere while tourniquet will
serve only for extremities
Even here applications will many times permit the gradual &
fairly immediate removal of already applied tourniquet.
Good for strapping chest tight to exclude air in puncture wounds
for bandaging of fractures & dislocation for pressure bandages
when applied at half stretch for strains & sprains.
1/4oz. tube of antiseptic-anaesthetic eye ointment = soothing &
treating eye injuries & minor infections deadening pain prior to
removing embedded particle if distance makes this necessary
treatment of pain & irritation of snow blindness.
1 good fever thermometer: average normal temperature 98.6
fluctuation of one degree not usually being regarded as
significant.
1 small excellent scissors pointed. = In addition to regular uses
these can after sterilisation be employed to spread in preference
to slashing the incisions (indicated in snake bite treatment).
Such disruption of the tissue by blunt dissection although
painful will more safely avoid injury to blood vessels tendons &
nerves.
1 sharply pointed tweezers or splinter forceps = removing thorns
& splinters. The latter may also be valuable in spreading open
rather then cutting certain incisions.
2 curved surgeon's needles with ligature & needle holder =
emergency sewing when sterilized as by boiling of wounds not
easily closed by other means.
Cleanse wound first as by flushing liberally with sterile water.
Pick out any debris and even scrub if that seems necessary.
After sewing paint externally with tincture of iodine.
Oil of cloves via tooth-ache but we also have seen a very good
method that is via alcohol through nostril.
The alcohol or cognac etc. is imbedded in cotton wool that you
put in the nostril closing the other one, the patient breathes
the alcohol that penetrates to the nerve behind the nose that
relieves the pain.
Vitamin B. Complex & C in high potency stress doses. =: To
replenish body needs being drained by severe accident or illness
that set up a condition of stress that very quickly depletes the
body of certain vital substances.
Among which are the endocrine that are extremely valuable in the
successful resolution of troubles.
It is then important to maintain an adequate nutrition-
emphasising B complex C & protein & these stress doses can mean
the difference..
If you are going in extreme wilderness on canoe pack horse trip
weeks from the nearest physician get a vial of 20 (1/4 grain) of
morphine sulphate hypo tablets to be procured & used as directed.
These may be invaluable for such use as to counteracting pain as
when a frozen foot has been thawed & treated & for controlling
severe digestive troubles as by breaking up a cycle of vomiting.
Better for administration in extreme shock however maybe a box of
5 automatic injectors of morphine sulphate sterilised & ready for
instant use or a smaller box of 5 collapsible-tube syringe of
morphine-tartrate injected as directed.
Any of these preparations may be taken by placing loosely under
the tongue where not swallowed will be absorbed systematically
into the general circulation the effect of one does last usually
4 hours. Duration & effect depends of course on the individual &
the circumstances.
In any event dosage should be repeated only with the utmost care
and caution and then ordinarily only once to every 4 or 6 hour.
/1 Oz more of Spirulina that we stress as high energy Survival
Food.
ITEMS FOR THE POCKET:
In a small plastic container you can put laxatives aspirins some
Dexedrine sulphate pills. Or some other concentrated stimulant
suggested by your doctor for ex: Spirulina when you or someone
else may need additional sustained energy in a hurry.
Antiseptic for scratches ex: Merthiolate or iodine. REMEMBER
those suggested items go with the other list**
There is also a very good F-D compact booklet from US States
Forest Service from the Supt. of Document US Govt. Printing
Office Wash. 25 DC.
IMPROVISED SPLINT:
Functional splint can be made from a thick live roll of birch
bark peeled from a tree whose circumference is similar to that of
the injured limb.
POISONING & UNIVERSAL ANTIDOTE:
Many children accidentally absorb poison yet few parents know of
this simple universal antidote. You should have it at home.
2 part of wood charcoal pulverised (you can also use burned toast
yet the toast MUST be totally carbonized & pulverised).
Then add 1 part of magnesia milk & 1 part of very strong tea.
If your child has swallowed a toxic product give him as fast as
you can in a little bit of water at least 2 table spoon of this
mixture.
How does it work? If the poison is metallic or alkaline the
tannic acid contained in the tea will neutralise it. If the
poison is acid the magnesia will neutralise it.
The wood charcoal even at very little dose can absorb very strong
quantities of toxic.
When you have given the antidote & call the doctor you have 3
things to do;
1) Discover the nature of the poison keep the bottle or the
box so that the doctor can quickly identify it.
2) Except in case where the child had taken soap or some
alkaline presenting burns around the mouth make him vomit.
To do this; the best procedure is to give him a glass of milk in
which you have mix a full broken egg (no shell). When he has
drunk this mixture trust one finger in his throat.
3) Give him another antidote mixture dose.
4) Act quickly some toxic can bring death in 5 minutes.
Usually the doctor is not equipped to treat poisoning home so
bring the child to the nearest hospital after having used the
Universal Antidote.
TYPES OF POISONINGS:
Liquids or solid taken by the mouth.
Corrosives: Acids & alkalis Non-corrosives & non-caustic.
Narcotics-aspirins-analgesic-sleeping pills-alcohol-gas & vapours
inhaled- Venom and needle drugs- other toxic.
FIRST-AID: GOALS:
1) Diminish poison strength.
2) Eliminate the poison from the organism.
3) Lower the absorption of poison.
GENERAL RULES WHEN TOXIC IS TAKEN BY MOUTH!:
If you don't have the Universal Antidote then give water or milk
to dilute poison & make the victim to vomit.
DON'T MAKE VOMIT IF:
1) Victim is in coma or unconscious.
2) Victim has convulsions.
3) Has swallowed corrosive that burns the mouth or throat:
(cleaning products for toilets ammonia or Javex.
4) Has swallowed oil / by-product ex: kerosene lighter-
fluid, paint-thinner, Drano.
5) Acids: Carbolic sulphuric (batteries) nitric muriatic.
NARCOTICS:
They induce to sleep even to coma & death if overdose. Try to
stimulate the victim not to sleep make him walk shake him up hit
him at the foot's sole make him drink strong coffee. If he stops
breathing give him A/R.
CONVULSIVE:
They provoke convulsions or choking sensations: Strychnine
Belladonna some laxative pills. See General rules!
1) Don't make vomit if: The victim has convulsions or has had
some.
2) Protect him from danger: Fire water objects.
3) Keep him in cool quiet dark place.
4) Don't stimulate him in any way.
5) If his skin is hot & dry: Wash his body with fresh water
& apply cold compress on his forehead.
IRRITANTS:
Causing cramps & stomach pains such as: food berries mushrooms &
medicaments. See general rules.
DELIRIOUS:
They produce excitation delirium unconsciousness ex: Belladonna
chloroform atropine certain cold /remedies. You might have to use
soft restrain on the victim.
ALCOHOL POISONING: See general rules.
Make him vomit if you can awaken the victim. Then make drink lots
of strong coffee or tea.
Call a doctor if: he has a head injury or circumstances warrant
them or if eye/ pupil is of unequal size.
Don't ever brush off the possibility of head injury. Many
(drunkards) put to bed to sleep it off died in their sleep due to
a head injury or heart attack.
GAS INHALATION or VAPOURS:
Natural gas ammoniac gas, gas fumes from cars or diesel (CO2).
1) Bring him immediately to fresh air. If he don't breathe
then Artificial respiration. (A/R)
2) If need be: Call the ambulance or oxygen mask from fire-
fighter.
PREVENTION OF POISONING IS A DUTY:
1) All drug prescriptions MUST be kept out of children's reach.
In a place they cannot reach by climbing. An inoffensive drug or
medicament to an adult can be lethal to a kid.
2) All boxes & bottles of medicaments MUST be well identified.
3) All old medicine or having lost ID MUST be discarded.
4) Many cleaning liquids or powder are deadly. Lock them up.
5) NEVER take medicaments in the dark. See what you take.
6) Before taking or giving the medicament read 3 times. While
taking the container. Once measuring the dose. Finally while
putting the container back.
7) ALL POISONS MUST BE CLEARLY LABELLED & KEPT LOCKED UP.
Separated from the medicaments and out of reach.
8) Wash your hand before touching food.
9) Storing food means keep it as clean as possible the food
which has aged or is unsure MUST be thrown out.
You MUST wash fruits or vegetables to get rid of any toxic spray
that could have stayed on.
10) Bacteria poisoned quickly the food not put in fridge &
which contain milk cream eggs meat or fish.
SURVIVAL BOOST AND FOOD:
The best found so far & used in space is without a doubt;
Spirulina: It is a very high protein algae you can find it in
natural food store. Costly a bit yet worth every cent. 2 teaspoon
is all you need for the day.
Yet we suggest you to better the taste with your own cooking
knowledge and ingredients. Straight with water it tastes awful.
RHEUMATISM REMEDY = "BONE OIL":
Taken from Russian Pilgrim P.92
This is a very old remedy yet no one seem to know of it. It could
be very useful for those who suffer from it. Dated 1430 AD.
"The old man started to treat me. He went out to gather in the
fields & around the barns in the yards & garbage dumps a full
bucket of old animal bones birds bones etc. all kind of old
bones.
Then he washed them broke them in small pieces with a stone & put
them all in a big cooking pot that he covered with a top that had
a hole in the middle, then he turned it upside down over a
smaller vase that he had beforehand buried in the soil.
He then carefully smeared a heavy coat of clay the bottom part of
this big cooking pot & then he covered the pot with wood logs
that he sat on fire letting it burn for 24 hours.
While so doing, he was saying to himself "this will make a fine
bone oil tar." The day after, he dug out the vase that was in the
soil this vase had about 1 litre of red thick oil smelling like
fresh meat.
As for the bones that were in the big cooking pot of black &
rotten that they had been they were now as white and transparent
as nacre or pearls.
5 times a day he would massage my legs with his liquid. Believe
it or not after the very first day I could move my toes.
The 3rd day I could move and bend my legs & the 5th day I could
walk with a cane in the yard & in 1 week my legs were back to
normal. PRAISE BE TO GOD!"
One may wonder why doctors don't try this remedy. Well, for one
they don't speak Russian, nor are they incline to try old folks
remedy.
Many of them would rather sell pills then cure the pain. If you
have this rheumatism what have you got to loose but the pain.
Perronaly I NEVER tried it for I don't suffer from it but be sure
that I will do if ever I am in that situation.
One should REMEMBER how penicillin was first discover. The
doctors had noticed that wrapping war wounds with old cheese
cloth would cure their patient faster without the deadly
gangrene. They did not know why this old folk remedy worked but
the results were there.
So with the help of technology they discovered the reason that
was that old cheese cloth that had serve to wrap cheese had
mushroom embedded in it, the first start of penicillin in its raw
state.
I know of one person who tried it, she was suffering greatly from
it, and upon my advice, she gave it a try.
The result was sensational she told me a few years later "away
with the crutches & she even build her own house to boot."
TABLE CONTENT: (CHECK THIS TABLE VIA UNDERNEATH)***
1) Fundamental principals of F/A
2) Necessary equipment & how to use it.
3) Artificial respiration
4) Haemorrhage
5) Poisoning
6) Fainting
7) Wound to head & spine
8) Transport
9) Wounds to bones & articulations
10) Wounds due to heat burn or cold.
11) Other emergencies via: eyes, ears, nose, throat, stomach &
abdomen tooth ache, epilepsy -diabetes.
12) Wounds & infections
13) Child birth
14) Others**
FIRST-AID:
1) Fundamentals: Emergency procedure to save life avoid
other dangers to victims.
Decrease suffering until you get a doctor or to a hospital. To do
so one MUST:
1) Learn to discover the pain's source then:
2) To know what to do or not to do.
3) How to do it.
FIRST-AID FORMATION:
1) To prevent accidents.
2) To do the right move at the right moment in order to: Save
lives. To avoid other injuries.
3) To organize if needed a sure & appropriate way of
transportation.
In order to do this one MUST have cold blood in crisis by:
A) Study the first-aid principles.
B) Knowledge & instructions in how to move a victim of
accident with normal or improvised materials.
C) Constant & repeated exercises.
TAKING CHARGES:
First Job of a rescue team.
1) MAKE SURE that no one else is doing the First-AID.
2) Avoid to panic & have other to help you by giving them
clear & concise orders.
3) Call or have someone call the police ambulance or firemen
advise the doctor or the hospital or both.
4) Keep the crowd away in order to prevent confusion &
aggravation of the wounds & that #secourist# may work well.
PROTECT THE VICTIM:
Quickly determine the possible dangers for the victims and
#secourists# or helpers in:
Checking the surroundings: ex: Electrical wires, slippery grounds
scaffolding etc.
1) It may be necessary to move the victim away to place
guardians who will warn approaching vehicles or to built
temporary shelter.
2) As much as possible keep the victim laid down until an
exam has revealed its case.
DON'T change without good reason the position that the victim has
taken.
3) If the victim vomits put him in half prone position in
order to help liberate its breathing passages.
4) Reassure the victim.
5) If unconscious chptr 6*.
SEMI PRONE POSITION:
1) Cover the victim to keep its body heat protect from cold or
rain etc.
2) In case of violent accidents (cars) think of possible
internal injuries.
3) To determine injuries.
4) Determine the most appropriate method to move the victim
if necessary.
5) Call an ambulance for transport.
EXAMINE THE VICTIM:
Quickly & systematically:
PRIORITIES:
1) Does the victim Breath?
A) Check if bleeding signs.
B) To what point is the victim conscious.
THESE STATES REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION:
2) Proceed to a good exam but don't take off clothes unduly.
A) If you MUST take clothes off, start with the unwounded side.
B) If you MUST cut them off do it along the seam.
C) While examining check for medical card or other signs.
Badges revealing vital information of the victim. (Warning
bracelets etc.).
3) Examine with attention to find the presence of other wounds.
A) If victim is conscious ask him if he suffers & where.
B) If it is at the head see if the ears or nose bleed or runs.
C) Note the size of eye pupil.
D) If it's at the neck or back; pass firmly your hand up & down
along the vertebral column. Without moving the victim. A
sensitive spot may indicate a fracture.
E) A painful respiration or cough can indicate wound's chest.
F) If the victim has lost consciousness proceed as above exam.
G) Ask spectators around to know exactly what as happened.
H) Feel the head for any lumps or swellings.
SHOCKS:
Shocks state results from the weakening activities of the
principals organism's functions. This power break down is due to
a diminished blood flow circulation.
Shocks can be a result of wounds, a violent pain, a sudden
sickness, a bad news or experience.
The gravity of a shock depends of many factors such as the
importance of the wounds the age or general health of the victim.
SUMMARY:
To save life by Immediate attention to:
Haemorrhage/ Respiratory Troubles/ poisoning/ Unconsciousness.
DRESSING:
Wound dressings can be made of many types of tissues avoid wool.
It MUST be clean, thick enough to absorb blood etc. & MUST cover
entirely the wound.
Emergency dressing can be a Tampax & Stay-Free type they are made
to absorb blood & are in clean germ free wrapping.
All you have to do; is to lay it on them over the wound then use
some kinds of tapes or bandages to secure them on & apply a
little pressure on the wound.
Wadding or cotton wool can be used to pad splints to absorb blood
or suppuration or to clean around wound.
But NEVER to put directly on the wound, it would stick & make
cleaning more painful. They can be put between 2 layers of thin
cloth.
Sterile compress can be found in drug stores or made sterile by
the use of a strong heat.
Whenever you use sterile compress NEVER put your fingers on it.
Germs are on your hands, so be careful.
Triangular bandage is usually made of yellow cotton & is washable
so it can be reused. You can improvise one using pillow case
shirt etc.
3 types: Open, large, narrow.
KNOTS: (Flat)
The most useful one is the Flat knot it doesn't slip & is easy to
undo. Take both ends have your left hand go over the right one
then the right one over the left. Knots **
SPLINTS:
They are used to immobilize a wounded limb while transportation
of broken bones badly wounded flesh.
You can use many types even rolled newspaper yet the splint MUST
be as flat as possible light & easy to move around.
A set of splint should be in your house car etc. They can be made
of light wood or cardboard as found in drugstores.
They MUST be long & wide enough & strong to immobilize the
articulation below & above the wound.
Well padded with the help of any tissues to wed the body shape.
Well attached to both ends or wherever needed. Here is a sample
of size ALWAYS in pairs.
SPLINTS SIZE:
3/8" x3 1/2" x 15" (18"& 22" & 33" & 45" & 54") Using those 6
different lengths will cover most crisis.
BREATHING STOPS & SURVIVAL CHANCES CHART:
1 min. 98% survive
5 min 25% survive
10 min. 1% survive
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE UPON ARRIVAL:
Take away the cause or move away the victim from the cause if
need be yet only if you really have to before F/aid.
Open and keep free the air passage by driving back the victim's
head as far as possible.
START ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION IMMEDIATELY:
If air passage is blocked: Check for strange objects in the mouth
& throat & remove them if possible, if not; then turn the victim
on its side. Usually it will permit air to pass around the
object.
Have someone call the ambulance loosen up tight clothes around
waist & neck if need be. Help maintain free air passage.
Keep on doing artificial respiration till it is back to normal;
or that a doctor has come.
The victim MUST stay laid down even when respiration is back to
normal. In a semi-prone position preferably. Keep checking the
victim who can cease to breath again.
Transport the victim to a shelter or hospital in a lay down
position Only. The victim MUST NOT get up nor walk. We assume
here that it happens in "normal" situation.
MOUTH TO MOUTH RESPIRATION & MOUTH TO NOSE: (Babies etc.):
This method can be used to all type respiratory stoppage.
Either: Drowning, strangling suffocation, excess of drugs,
electrocution, heart attack, poisoning by gas, smoke inhalation.
REMEMBER to remove either the cause or the victim quickly. Sooner
you start the best are your chances. Start anywhere on the beach
car bed street boat standing in water etc.
1) Free the respiratory channels. Lift the neck with one
hand with the other hand: Pull the head toward the back.
2) Pinch the nostril to close them keep the respiratory
channels free while maintaining the neck uplifted.
3) Cover entirely the victim's mouth blow into it check to see
if the chest rise showing that air is going in.
If not; there is most likely something that blocks the air flow.
4) Remove your mouth. Loosen the nostrils. Check if air is
coming out of the lungs & if chest is collapsing.
5) Repeat last 3 phases 12 to 15 times/minute. Keep it up
till breathing back to normal or doctor comes.
6) When breathing comes back, MAKE SURE it maintains itself.
Keep the victim laid down in semi-prone position.
FOR CHILDREN & BABIES:
You MUST entirely cover the mouth & nose of the child with your
own mouth.
Blow every 3 second (20 times /min) yet with less pressure &
volume then adults. Small air blow is all that is needed for a
child.
Practice it with your wife or hubby it might be fun but also it
will teach you best in case of crisis.
For a child you can also try first: To hold him temporarily with
its head upside down, holding it by the ankles or over your arm
with its head down while giving him 2 or 3 good slap between its
shoulder blades.
BREATHING PASSAGES MUST BE FREE AT ALL TIMES! If they are blocked
you will note:
1) No air is coming out.
2) Thorax is not rising nor collapsing.
3) That your air blow is meeting resistance.
Consequently you MUST verify the neck & head position and also
the presence of foreign objects in mouth or throat.
HOW TO FREE RESPIRATORY CHANNEL:
METHOD OF THE HEAD THROWN AT BACK:
Put IMMEDIATELY the victim on its back, neck stretched and head
lifted up.
In order to maintain him in this position place a poncho rolled
blanket, a pillow etc. Under the victim's shoulder.
But don't waste time looking for those objects, TIME IS VITAL.
This method is useful in many cases.
UP-LIFTED JAW METHOD: When the other don't work.
Bring the jaw as far back as possible. This position removes the
tongue base from the bottom of the throat thus easing the air
flow to its chest and lungs.
In order to help you do this you can use your thumb or use both
hands.
Jaw up lifted with the thumb is the best method to free the jaw
unless the victim's condition does not permit it.
Place your thumb in the victim's mouth to take a grip of its jaw
& pull toward the back. Don't try to retain the tongue.
JAW UP LIFTED WITH BOTH HANDS:
When the jaws are squeezed tightly together & that it is
impossible to put your thumb into its mouth then grab with your 2
hands the lower jaw (just under the ear-lobe) to firmly bring it
toward the back.
Then in the same movement open the mouth`s victim bringing with
the help of your thumbs the inferior lip toward the shin.
If after having tried those 2 methods to try freeing the
respiratory passage the victim doesn't breath properly;
YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY START THE ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION.
If you are in doubt whereas the patient is breathing or not then
act as if was not breathing. It cannot in no way bring harm to
someone who is already breathing.
Usually when someone breathes we can feel & see movements of his
chest or perceive or hear his expirations by placing his hand or
ear near by his mouth. If the heart of the patient is not beating
do a heart massage.
When 2 persons can be used one does the heart massage while the
other one does the artificial respiration. If alone you have to
do both as we'll see later on.**
MOUTH TO MOUTH RESPIRATION:
1) Victim MUST be on its back, put yourself aside its head.
Slide your hand under his neck so that you can maintain his face
in a vertical position & to keep it inclined as far back as
possible.
2) Use the thumb & index of your other hand to pinch the
nostrils of the victim while exercising a pressure on his
forehead in such a way as to keep his head at the back. To keep
the nose blocked you can press your cheek on his nostrils.
3) Breath deeply & adjust tightly your mouth to his. If it is a
baby, cover up his mouth & nose by sealing your lips against the
skin of his face.
4) Blow strongly in the mouth of the victim so that the chest
rises.
FOR A CHILD DO IT IN SMALL BLOW. If the chest rises it means that
sufficient air is getting in the lungs.
If the chest does not rise correct the situation IMMEDIATELY by
adjusting his jaw and blow even stronger.
While doing this MAKE SURE: That air cannot escape by the side of
your mouth or the victim's nose.
If the chest is still not rising; turn the head on the side free
his respiratory passage by:
Opening his mouth and introducing your fingers down to the tongue
base as deep inside his throat as you can, removing in a sweeping
movement all vomit or any foreign objects unless those firmly
stocked in it.
If it still remains blocked roll the victim on its side then with
the hand-palm strike him strongly between the shoulder blades to
remove whatever his blocking the passage. Then start the
artificial respiration procedure once more.
5) When the victim's chest is rising remove your mouth from
his, then listen close to the noise that the air is making coming
out of his chest. If the breathing exhalation is noisy lift up
higher the jaw of the patient.
6) After each exhalation squeeze the nose & reblow his lungs
while MAKING SURE visually that the chest is expanding &
contracting.
YOUR FIRST 4 BLOWS MUST BE TOTAL & QUICK.
(Except for a kid which requires small ones.) So that you avoid
the lungs to deflate completely.
7) Do this every 5 sec till the victim is conscious. If the
victim does not give signs of life do it for 45 minutes at least!
When you blow deeply quickly & for a long time you may get dizzy
even faint so you MUST after the first 4 quick blows get back to
a normal speed. That way you will be able to do it for a long
time.
MOUTH TO NOSE:
It is done the same as for the mouth. It is used when there is a
mouth fracture or bad wound to the patient or if the jaw is too
tight due to spasms.
PRESSURE ON THE CHEST WITH UP LIFTING OF THE ARMS:
This method is used when the face is too badly injured to do
otherwise. It is not as good as mouth to mouth however!
1) Free the respiratory passage of the victim. Lay him on his
back his face in vertical position & place a blanket etc. Under
the shoulders so that his head is pushed backward.
1b) Put yourself at the height of his head facing the victim's
feet. Put a knee down on the ground the other flat near his head
& neck and shoulder.
In order not to get tired you can alternate your position from
time to time.
2) Grab the patient's hands & hold them on his lower ribs while
projecting yourself forward in order to create a regular &
uniform & regular pressure until you feel a firm resistance. That
way you push the air outside of the lungs.
3) Lift up his arms straight up vertically then bring them
backward to the ground as far as possible. This increases the
lung volume & brings air to the lungs.
4) Replace your hand on his chest & start all over the same
movements: press lift stretch & bring back at the rate of 10 to
12 cycles per minute in a regular & uniform way.
The first 3 movements (press lift & stretch) MUST be done in the
same rhythm BUT: the 4th: (bring back your arms on his chest)
MUST be done as quickly as possible.
5) When the patient seems to breath help him by regulating
your efforts to help him.
Keep up the artificial respiration till he is back to
consciousness or that you are replace by a doctor. Or during at
least 45 minutes if he does not show signs of life.
6) HOW TO GET REPLACE WHEN YOU GET TOO TIRED:
Keep the rhythm move to the side and let him start by taking the
wrist when you are bringing them on the ground.
HEART MASSAGE:
When a person's heart ceases to beat, you MUST MASSAGE IT
DIRECTLY ON THE CHEST.
TIME IS VITAL. Heart failure stops also the breathing process
unless that one came first. Stay calm.
When the heart stops there is no pulsation the victim is limp &
THE PUPILS OF THE EYES ARE WIDE OPEN.
TO CHECK IF PULSATION OR NOT:
Place the tip of your fingers on the victim's neck along the
windpipe.
If you do not feel any pulse do not waste time looking for it.
START IMMEDIATELY the heart massages along with the artificial
respiration.
The same initiative is to be done with a weak pulse or irregular
that is usually a sign before a heart failure. The heart is
located between the sternum & the spinal cord.
The pressure done on the sternum pushes the heart against the
spinal cord to push off the blood & forces it into the arteries
while relaxing the pressure permits the heart to fill itself of
blood.
When you MUST do a heart massage we MUST ALWAYS do the artificial
respiration at the same time.
So it is preferable to be 2 to do the task while one does the
heart massage the other does the artificial respiration.
If you MUST do both operations, do this:
1) You MUST ALWAYS lay the patient on its back, to massage his
heart to allow the blood to flow to reach his brain. A solid
surface is needed so use the floor because a bed or sofa is too
soft.
In order to help the return of the blood toward the heart lift up
the feet 6" while keeping the body horizontally.
2) Place yourself on one side near the body then place the palm
of your hand on the inferior part of the sternum but NOT in the
soft tissues of the abdomen which are at the sternum's base or
thorax cage.
3) Stretch and lift your fingers in such a way as to make a
pressure on the sternum without oppressing the ribs.
Put your other hand over the first one except if it's a child. If
it's a child use only the tips of your fingers of one hand.
BASIC PROCEDURE:
Your hands being in the right position, bring back your shoulders
directly over the sternum of the person.
Keep your arms straight & press downward with enough strength to
lower the sternum about 1 1/2 to 2" maximum.
Too strong a pressure could result in breaking the ribs. So when
it is a baby or child use only your finger tips.
Relax the pressure immediately all the while keeping the palm of
your hand on the sternum, which will take back its normal
position between each compression.
METHOD WHILE USING 2 RESCUERS:*
One does the artificial respiration, the other the massage. This
massage MUST be done to the rhythm of 1 compression per sec. (60
per min.) This rhythm is possible because he doesn't have to do
the artificial respiration.
These compressions MUST be without cease, uninterrupted, softly &
regularly.
In order to keep the rhythm of 60 per min. The rescuer MUST count
at high voice (no yell): one-1000, one-2,000, one-3,000, one-
4,000, one-5,000.
Each time you say the word "one" you MUST compress the heart. &
when you say the word "1,000" you relax the compression.
You restart the same cycle all over from:one-1000 to one-5,000
without fail during all the heart massage procedure.
Simultaneously, the other rescuer in charge of the artificial
respiration, blows quickly into the patient's mouth every 5
compressions. (Proportion 5 to 1).
When his helper says 5,000. It will be his moment to blow into
the mouth of the patient.
WARNING UTMOST IMPORTANT:
WE MUST NEVER STOP THE COMPRESSION MOVEMENT OF THE HEART WHILE
THE OTHER IS DOING THE ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION PROCEDURE.
IT'S AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT POINT OTHERWISE IT WOULD RESULT IN A
COMPLETE FALL OF THE ARTERIAL PRESSURE THUS DEATH.
2 rescuers do a better job if they place themselves separately
each on his own side of the patient.
It is then easier to replace one another when they get too tired,
& without interrupting sensibly the rhythm of 5 to 1.
THIS CHANGE IS DONE SO:
The one in charge or artificial respiration (A/R) (pressure on
the chest with lifting up the arms) takes place on the side of
the person, IMMEDIATELY after having inflated the lungs.
Then he brings back his hands over the hands of his companion,
who keeps on massaging the heart.
The change of hands will be done on the count of :one-2,000 or
one-3,000 in the compression procedure.
It is at that time that they both switch jobs. The next
inspiration MUST be done on the count of : one-5,000.
PROCEEDING MEASURES WITH 1 RESCUER:
If only 1 man, he MUST alternate both jobs, at the rhythm of 15
/2 (15 heart compressions to 2 quick & complete lungs inflation.)
In order to compensate for the time he uses for A/R he MUST being
alone use a rhythm of 80 compressions/ minute.
In order to do so: Count at high voice: One & 2 & 3 & 4 & 5 / 1 &
2 & 3 & 4 & 10 / One & 2 & 3 & 4 & 15.
When you say "15" you MUST give 2 quick & deep blows (within 5 to
6 sec.)
(WITHOUT PERMITTING A COMPLETE EXHALATION BETWEEN EACH
INHALATION) ARTERIAL)
Then you start over the process of counting all along while doing
the massage.
It is a MUST to persist in doing both methods even if you get
tired or dizzy, until help comes along, trough a doctor or
professional help for at least for 45 min. even if the patient
doesn't give signs of life. *p.32 my s/book.**
HEIMLICH HUG METHOD: (Hug me Baby!)
CAN BE ALSO BE USED FOR DROWNING TO RID LUNGS OF WATER.
A person whose throat is jammed by food can't breath, nor talk &
can become livid & collapse.
In such case he has but 4 MINUTES TO LIVE UNLESS SAVED BY THE
HEIMLICH HUG METHOD.
When the patient is standing or sitting.
1) Stand behind him and grab him around with your arms.
2) Place your fist against his stomach (abdomen) JUST a bit
higher then his navel, & under thorax cage, then with the other
hand grab firmly your fist.
3) In a sudden gesture, strongly & in an upward fashion push in
your fist in the stomach's victim. A strong air blow will then
expel the food out of his respiratory passage (throat).
4) Start over many times if need be.
WHEN THE PERSON LAYS ON HIS BACK ON THE FLOOR:
1) Kneel down over the person, your knees on each side of
his hips.
2) Superpose your 2 hands over his stomach, just above his navel.
3) In a strong & upward & quick movement, push with the palm
of your hand on the abdomen's victim.
4) Start over many times if needed.
5) If a person is down facing the floor, turn him over.
HAEMORRHAGE:
A: ARTERIAL
B: FROM THE VEIN. Both different.
UNLESS TREATED QUICKLY, THE VICTIM WILL DIE QUICKLY.
2 TYPES OF HAEMORRHAGE: INTERNAL & EXTERNAL.
The external one is highly visible. The internal one is either
VISIBLE:
Blood comes out by natural opening, either nose, mouth, rectum or
coming either from the lungs, stomach or intestine.
Or it is INVISIBLE:
Flowing inward in natural body cavity such as the brain, thorax
or abdomen.
ARTERIAL:
The blood comes out nice clean red, it comes out in spurt like
water fountain, every time the heart pulses.
FROM VEIN:
Blood is not as clear & clean, it comes out like a water leak,
because the heart pulse is not received.*
Unfortunately there is little you can do for the internal one;
unless you are a doctor or near a hospital, & to move fast to
bring the patient to it. So we will see what to do for external.
EXTERNAL HAEMORRHAGE:
1) You MUST stop the haemorrhage quickly & with efficiency.
2) Prevent infection.
GENERAL RULES CONCERNING EXTERNAL HAEMORRHAGE:
1) Exert a direct pressure on the wound using a cloth as
clean as possible. (To avoid infection)
2) Maintain this pressure, if necessary with a compressive
dressing, which liberates your hand to do other wounds?
3) If bleeding persist: DON'T remove the first dressing nor
bandage, but add another one with a tighter bandage. (Not too
tight!)
4) One can reinforce the pressure by pressing your palm on
the dressing.
5) Keep the patient calm, laid down if possible, & the
wounded limb at rest as much as possible.
6) You can up lift the wounded limb, but only if practical.
7) Moisten the lips of the patient if he is thirsty.
INTERNAL HAEMORRHAGE SYMPTOMS:
HIDDEN: Think of this possibility according with the accident
details & with the presence of symptoms such as:
1) Victim comes suddenly very pale, is dizzy & can quickly
lose consciousness.
Or paleness spread slowly & is followed by dizziness, sighs &
yawns. Breathing can afterward become quick & difficult.
2) Intense thirst & lack of air followed by agitation & anguish.
3) Gradual lost of consciousness.
VISIBLE: On top of the above symptoms, blood can flow by natural
opening.
FIRST AID IN CASE OF INTERNAL HAEMORRHAGE:
1) Transport the victim quickly to nearest hospital. Fix a
note to the victim's cloths telling the possibility of internal
Haemorrhage.
2) Keep the patient in semi-prone position.
3) Cover him lightly with a blanket etc.
4) Reassure the victim.
5) Verify all evolution of symptoms such as difficulties to
breath, choking, vomits.
NOSE:
1) Keep victim sitting or half-prone position.
2) Press firmly on the bleeding nose side for 10 minutes.
3) Loosen necktie if needed.
4) You can apply cold compress on the nose.
5) Tell the patient not to blow his nose which would remove
the blood cloth, not to swallow his saliva but to spit.
EAR:
Bleeding can indicate a fracture at the base of skull.
1) Don't block the ear, but cover it with a dressing dry
and lightly bandaged.
2) Bring the victim to hospital, laid down & the head
inclined on the bleeding side.
SKULL INJURIES: These wounds often bleed abundantly.
1) Give only a light pressure bandage, sufficient to stop the
bleeding.
An excessive pressure could aggravate the trauma to the brain if
any or to the head.
2) Don't clean the wound.
VARICOSE VEIN RUPTURE:
Bleeding can be sudden & plentiful yet easy to stop.
1) Have the patient laid down immediately, take off all garters.
2) Lift up the leg as much as possible.
3) Put a dressing on the wound & strongly bandage.
HAND/ PALM:
1) If the wound doesn't have any foreign object, put a
compress rolled on the palm, & bend the fingers upon the
compress.
2) Bandage the hand to maintain the hand closed.
NECK & THROAT:
The possible danger here comes from the possible rupture of the
main artery (carotid) or the jugular vein or both.
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO ACT FAST FOR THE BLOOD FLOW IS QUICK &
PLENTIFUL. DEATH CAN COME IN A FEW MINUTES.
1) Immediately apply a pressure on the broken vein. A
compress of any sort (clean) will help maintain the compression.
2) Maintain the compression till the patient gets surgical
help. DON'T use a circular dressing compress.
EYE, EAR, CHEEK, FOREHEAD:
Place the centre of a bandage over the dressing, cross the ends
at the back of the head & make a knot over the dressing if
possible.
GROIN:
The great femoral artery can be in danger.
1) Apply a direct pressure.
2) Bend the victim's knee on his chest. A rolled compress &
placed on the groin can increase the compression.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
1) It is ESSENTIAL to know that small wounds will stop bleeding
by themselves, without treatments. Nature sees to it.
2) Bleeding will ALWAYS be mastered if a compression is
sufficiently applied on the wound. We insist on direct pressure
to save time when there is bleeding.
3) Blood coagulates itself or forms a blood cloth in 3 to 7
minutes usually. Direct pressure speeds up the coagulation
process.
ONCE BLOOD CLOTH HAS TAKEN PLACE, NEVER REMOVE IT.
4) Blood vessels retract & contract when they are injured
thus reducing their size, which helps coagulation.
5) Prevent infection is a goal of first-aid. So as much as
possible, cover a wound with a clean or sterile dressing. Yet in
some cases a bare hand on an open wound is necessary in order to
save life.
HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS:
Sudden & sharp pain to the chest, coming down to the neck or the
arms or no pain. A choking sensation, anguish & imminent death.
Lips can become shade of blue & skin gets a purple tint. Or: The
face can become pale. Victim can be conscious or looses
consciousness.
FIRST-AID TO HELP THE RESPIRATION:
1) Place the victim in the most comfortable position, on its
back if possible, with head sideways.
2) Loosen all tight clothes. (Necktie, belt)
3) Medical help is ESSENTIAL Send patient to hospital.
4) Help the patient to take his medicaments (pills) if he
has specific one for his condition or case, to take.
5) If the victim doesn't breath or with difficulties, or if
the heart stops, start A/R & Heart Massage.
APOPLEXY'S; CEREBRAL CONGESTION:
Results from rupturing blood vessels or blood cloth in brain.
SYMPTOMS:
1) Consciousness or unconsciousness.
2) Breathing is loud, snoring type.
3) Face is usually congested.
4) Eye pupils usually unequal size.
5) Victim can have difficulty to speak.
6) It can have a possible weakness, or a paralysed body limb/
part.
7) A lesser attack can result in a very big headache, an ashen
face or skin colour rather then congested (red) &
progressive paralysis.
FIRST-AID:
1) If victim is unconscious, apply the general rules (A/R &
H/M).
2) Rise the shoulders & head of the victim to diminish the
congestion, if victim is conscious & breaths easily.
3) Encourage the victim to keep calm.
4) DON'T GIVE ANY LIQUID.
HEAD WOUNDS & CUTS: THEY BLEED A LOT.
CEREBRAL COMMOTION:
A shock on the brain that can cause headache confusion, lost of
memory or fainting. The commotion degree depends of the violence
of the shock direct or indirectly done.
BRUISE:
Blood flowing inside the skin often causes a lump, skull fracture
is also possible.
FRACTURE:
A) Skull can be caved in under the Cut or Bruise.
B) A fracture can extend in the nose or ear, causing a great
danger for infection in the brain. (Meningitis)
FIRST-AID: Keep free respiratory channels avoid suffocating.
Assuring constant surveillance of the patient.
GENERAL RULES:
1) In case of haemorrhage, or difficult breathing do as needed.
2) If victim unconscious or hardly conscious, place him in
semi-prone position.
Head wounds are usually with spinal cord wound. You MUST then
keep the head, neck & back well in line.
3) In case of unconsciousness do the general rules.*
COMPLICATIONS TO HEAD WOUNDS:
Often persons having suffered from a head injury who made them
dizzy or even faint, will promptly recover & insist to go on.
It is impossible to immediately discover after a head injury if a
blood cloth has formed itself inside the skull cap between the
brain & the skull.
This blood cloth can exercise pressure on the brain & cause
death, if not removed. An artery who bleeds will cause symptoms
to appear in a few hours but a broken vein will bleed more slowly
& the symptoms can only appear after a few days on the accident.
If only but a few victims of head injuries develop a blood cloth
inside the brain or skull, those who suffer from it can die the
next night in jail or in a hotel room, even in their own bed.
Head injury victim MUST be kept under constant surveillance for
24 hours. Even if the victim refuses.
It is ESSENTIAL that a responsible person keep him under
surveillance and observation for this period.
A confusion and state of unconsciousness deeper & deeper are
EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS & the victim MUST be brought to hospital
IMMEDIATELY.
SPINAL CORD INJURIES:
The spinal cord is a sheath for the marrow & the nerves who start
from it. It is made of a great number of bones called vertebra,
between each vertebra there are strong disks who act as shock
absorbers while runs, walks etc.
If the marrow is cut or torn one NEVER recovers from it, cause
the marrow transmit the sensibility messages & muscles movement
directions.
A fracture or blow to 1 or many vertebrae can compress or damage
the marrow.
Sudden harsh moves while transport especially if the body is bent
forward, can cut the spinal cord left undamaged by the accident.
So: We MUST prevent any subsequent damages to the marrow.
GENERAL RULES:
1) Warn the victim not to move.
2) Minister all first aid which might be URGENT.
3) The person who complains of pains at the neck or back, of
weakness, paralysis, lack of sensitivity to arms or legs MUST be
treated & transported with all precautions that are required by a
fracture or luxation of spinal cord.
WOUNDS & INFECTIONS / TYPES OF WOUNDS:*
SUPERFICIAL:
Scratches, Burns by Cold.
PERFORATION:
By knife, nail or bullet, arrow, spear.
CRUSHING:
Wounds in depth with little exterior signs showing.
INCISION:
Clean tear caused by sharp surface or glass or blade.
LACERATION:
Slashed or chewed wound by barbed wire or explosion.
COMPLICATED:
When it covers a hidden lesion.
SCARS:
Are results of cuts, they will be lessen if the lips of the wound
are put close to one another, if the wounded part is put to rest
& if the wound is clean of infection and foreign objects.
GENERAL RULES VIA WOUNDS: *
1) Lay the patient down, make him rest to slow the pulse speed
& reduce the arterial pressure.
2) Rise the wounded part (when possible) higher then heart
level to reduce the blood flow, thus permitting fast blood cloth.
3) If possible the rescuer MUST washes his hands.
4) The skin around the wound can be washed with water and
soap starting from the wound toward exterior. If sufficient
sterilize water then wash also the wound.
5) While doing the first-aid, you MUST NOT cough nor
sneeze directly over the wound to avoid infection.
6) Rescuer MUST NOT touch the wound with his fingers nor
touch the dressing surface covering the wound.
7) Antiseptics is useless in first aid & can damage tissues
8) Dressing MUST cover largely the wound itself.
9) You MUST apply a direct & firm pressure on the wound
with a clean dressing.
If blood still flows add another one on top of the first, don't
remove the first one.
10) Fix solidly the dressing. It MUST NOT slip, nor block
circulation.
11) If you can, without getting your fingers in the wound, then
remove delicately the foreign objects sticking out. Use
tweezers if you can and it is needed.
12) The rescuer MUST NOT remove objects strongly attached to
the body wound, ex: knife, arrow, ski pole etc.
Otherwise the wound would reopen, other tissues could be damaged,
haemorrhage could aggravate. Those patients need special
transport & treatment.
13) The rescuer MUST REMEMBER that first aid MUST NOT delay
medical help.
INFECTION IS ALWAYS VERY SERIOUS, EVEN DEADLY:
In all cases REMEMBER the possibility of "Tetanus" that is an
infection resulting from diverse type of wounds. Wounds MUST be
clean without delay & treated by a doctor.
14) Rescuer MUST organise the transportation of the patient.
FIRST AID FOR SPECIFIC WOUNDS:
ABDOMINAL WOUNDS TRANSVERSAL:
(From side to side)
Put the victim on its back, raise up the shoulders, bend his
knees toward his chest. It helps closing wound's lips.
LONGITUDINAL: (Up to Down)
Keep the patient down flat as to keep the wound's lips well
together.
DISEMBOWELLED:
(Ripped Up) (Intestine coming out)
1) Don't put it back in place. (Surgeon's job)
2) Cover with clean clothes, warm & damp.
3) If it's possible, dampen the dressing with a salted
solution 1 tsp. per 2 cups of warm water.
4) Give nothing to drink yet you can moisten the mouth.
INFECTED WOUND:
The wound is red, puffed up, painful & shoot waves of pains. The
victim feels sick, feverish. It needs URGENT medical help. If you
cannot get this aid then:
1) Immobilise the wounded part, to give as much rest as possible.
2) Have the patient stay in bed, for any physical activity
helps the infection to spread.
3) If practical have the sick part elevated.
4) You can apply during 1/2 hour every 2 hour. Hot & damp
compress. Those compress are soaked in a solution of 1 tbs. of
salt in a pint of water. Don't burn the patient by using too hot
water
APPENDIX:
Often occurs suddenly & can be deadly. Beware! In case of
indigestion troubles, vomits, constipation Diarrhoea, you MUST
worry of a little fever, and of sudden sharp pain to the right
of the stomach, between the navel and the hip bone.
You MUST get him to the doctor or operate if needed be. While
waiting for the doctor, you MUST put ice.
NEVER HOT! NEVER any purgative such as bicarbonate. No food and
no drink.
EPILEPSY:
Suddenly the patient gets in a fit, yells, does weird gestures,
foam can even come out of his mouth, fall on the floor.
Help him by getting people away, as well as any objects that he
might hurt himself with, stop anyone to give to drink, to throw
him water, or to try to immobilise him, or to put anything in his
mouth.
Let him be, don't touch him, it will not last long nor will it be
harmful to him unless sharp objects are too close by.
Once the seizure has stop, comfort him, & bring him back home.
There are some pills that he may have to help him along.
INDIGESTION:
If you feel you have not digested, use bicarbonate or put your
fingers in your mouth to induce vomits. It will bring you back to
normal & next time: Don't eat as a "pig"!
BANDAGES: (SPECIAL)**
Use SARAN WRAP: Very light, water proof, stays tight, no slip,
expandable, small to store. Best all around bandages, many usages
even for food and leak proof.
CHEST LUNG PERFORATION & DRESSING = SARAN WRAP:
The army puts it around the perforation, directly on the skin &
all around the body to seal off the air & infection to come in.
This air tight measure helps the victim & seals the wound.
HOME STERILIZE FAST:
Put any clothe or dressing & put them in your microwave oven for
3 minutes. Germs are all killed. Put directly on the wound, once
cooled, then saran wrap it.
NO MORE COLD FEET EVER:*
Newspaper in shoes will keep your feet warm because they absorb
humidity. Take a newspaper sheet, fold it 3 or 4 times till it
slides in easily, tear off the excess in length. Change daily.
HEAT LOSS/ SHIVERING COLD:
You loose 1/3 of the heat by the head. So if you cover your head
you'll keep warm. Wear that in mind.
SNAKE BITE: PREVENTION:
Usually snakes go for dark places, as holes in rocks, swamps,
wood under-covers, wood piles, wild berry-bushes, swamped
prairies, saw-dust piles, burrows (animal holes), abandoned
houses, shacks or hay-barn.
It is prudent in those regions to wear good shoes, socks and long
sleeves shirts with gloves.
When you get up ALWAYS check your shoes by dumping them first
before putting them on. Don't check with your hands you might get
bitten.
SNAKES & FACTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT ADDER:
We don't ALWAYS hear the noise of rattle snake. Snakes attack
especially whatever moves.
The snake attack field is about 2/3 of his length forward & 1/3
in height. If you are in safe place out of his reach, it is
better to back off to even safer place.
Snakes swim very good, their bite is as dangerous on land or in
water. Sea snakes are have the worst poison.
SNAKE BITE KIT:
Taking up only slightly more space than one of the larger shotgun
shells one of the efficient little snake bites kit that can be
tucked into a pocket should ALWAYS be on the person in bad snake
country.
Especially handy are the Cutter Compak Suction Snake Bite Kit.
Each containing:
3 suction cups a sharp blade antiseptic lymph constrictor & a
calmly presented completeness of plainly illustrated directions.
SYMPTOMS:
The skin around the byte gets discoloured, becomes purple, a
swelling appears, pain is almost immediate & increases in
intensity.
SEARING = WRONG:
Searing is likewise ineffectual just as imprudent slashing that
is most definitely unwarranted.
F-AID:
1) You MUST act immediately. Make the victim to lay-down,
keep him quiet. The wounded parts lower then the rest of the
body as much as possible.
2) Attach a bandage slightly constringent (a little tight)
such as handkerchief a necktie a belt etc. around the wounded
limb at about 2 inches above the byte.
So as to slow down the venous blood flow but not the arterial
circulation.
We MUST feel the heart pulse under the byte.
You MUST RELEASE this "constringent" bandage every 1/2 hour
during 30 seconds.
The constriction MUST be maintained till you obtain the anti-
venom serum.
If after 3 hours, the victim doesn't show any symptoms, you can
take off the bandage.
3) Don't give any liquid.
4) Practice A/R if need be.
5) If possible, kill the snake & keep it for identifications.
6) Bring the victim to hospital as quick as possible.
INSECTS BYTES AND STINGS:
Mosquitoes, bees, black flies, spiders. The "Latrodecte" or black
widow spider is the only poisonous spider in Canada. Its sting
can inject venom and transmit other germs bringing other
diseases.
PREVENTION:
Apply a commercial insecticide on the skin wear good clothes &
shoes. Smear with chewed tobacco works.
FIRST-AID:
1) Remove the dart if still in the flesh & if you can.
2) Put ice on bite and in the victim's mouth.
3) Apply on bitten zone a lotion type "calamine" or Ammonia.
4) As for bee's stings you may try vinegar to kill the heat.
5) If you think it is a black-widow bite do as for snakes.
POISON IVY:
This plant irritates the skin, from its sap so if you break any
parts of the plant.
It will free the sap which if in contact with the skin either
directly or not will give you much to scratch.
This sap can stick to clothes, shoes, tools, food baskets, etc.
even to the hands who touch you who were in contact with the
plant.
So if you have had contact with this plant or know someone who
has had contacts, better be very careful.
REMEDY:
Botanists know well this plant and ALWAYS have in their bag some
#bicarbonate de soude# cow-brand* as well as a piece of "Castile
soap" which produce an abundant foam that neutralises the
poison effect.
The first thing to do when you realize it could be a Poison Ivy
case, by feeling some pricking that turns into burning sensation.
Don't scratch, but foam yourself crazy with the "castile soap"
foam then finish with #soda a pate#. Alcohol solutions, & lead
acetate give very good results.*
You MUST MAKE SURE not to spread the sap, but only dab to stoop
up with a cloth or cotton wool in order to take off the liquid.
If you can use rubber gloves to avoid getting sap on you, Get to
the doctor as fast as you can, if you have no antidote such as
the one above
NEAR THE POISON IVY IS THE ANTIDOTE PLANT. It grows in the same
area within a few feet of one another so check it out.
FAINTING PARTIAL: (Stupor)
The victim can say words, sounds or incoherent answers. Eye
pupils react to light.
COMPLETE: (coma)
Victim doesn't react even to pain. Eye's pupils don't react to
the light. Fainting can start by stupor then lead to coma to end
by death.
Or it can pass from coma through different phases till a complete
rehabilitation. Most of time you can't discover the cause of
fainting, they are too many different types.
This victim is in mortal danger either because of what caused it
or the exposition to other dangers.
You MUST verify: If he breath & if the heart is beating and act
accordingly as see above.*
DIZZY RULES:
All accident's victim who seems stunned, dizzy, lost or confused
etc. MUST be treated this way:
GENERAL RULES:
1) Check immediately if the respiratory channels are free. &
Remove all foreign objects & even artificial teeth.
2) Maintain the respiratory channels free by laying down the
victim on its side (semi-prone way) but help in a way as to keep
the head, neck & spinal cord in line. (Spinal cord could be
wounded) so be careful.
3) Relax quickly all too tightly fitted clothes etc. which
would hinder normal breathing.
4) In presence of convulsions; prevent the victim to get
hurt but without restraining his movements.
5) Don't give liquids to a person who has fainted or that is
just coming out of fainting
6) Take necessary measures to bring victim to hospital.
7) Once first-aid done, try to discover the cause of fainting.
Check if any haemorrhage, breath alteration, poisoning clues.
Check to what point the victim is unconscious.
If people around ask them questions like: Did he hurt his head?
Did he try to rise & walk immediately after the accident? Was he
under doctor's care? Etc.
8) Check if victim has any Medical card which might help you.
9) Using all your senses examine the victim.
SIGNS TO HELP YOU:
A) Eye pupils: contracted, dilated or unequal size (asymmetric).
B) Bleeding or fluid coming from ears, nose, mouth or other
natural holes.
C) Tongue or lips: bleeding or bitten, different colour.
D) Colour of skin. (Not the race dummy!)
E) Abnormal position of the neck or head.
F) Breath smell: alcohol, drugs, poison.
G) Respiration rhythm.
10) Victims of head injuries resulting in fainting MUST be
kept under medical care for 24 hours is ESSENTIAL!
11) Dead drunk MUST stay under care to avoid any possibility of
any head injuries or doubts are removed.
12) Fainting of people in health often occurs in Heat time
or after too long a session standing up.
Sitting a person & placing his head between his knees can
sometimes help. He will come back to his senses in a few minutes.
If it persists then apply the general rules.
TRANSPORTATION OF THE VICTIMS:
GOALS:
Prevent additional wounds or complications. Choose the best
method according to circumstances.
Prevent victim of ANY useless jolts during preparation or
transport. Shocks can aggravate the patient`s condition.
BEFORE MOVING THE VICTIM:
1) Take the situation well in hand, be the leader.
2) Consider the following points when you can transport the
victim without danger:
A) Best method according with the type of wound.
B) Material around which can be used, manufactured or
improvised.
C) Help coming from people around which you could use.
D) Weight of the person
E) Ways: Roads, air, water, Weather condition?
F) Preparative to receive the victim: home or hospital. Give
warnings.
TRANSPORT OF A VICTIM WITH PROBABLE SPINAL CORD FRACTURE:
A) If not necessary to move victim then, DON'T move him. Stay
with him & send for help, doctor, ambulance.
B) If you MUST move him, & he is conscious proceed as
such;
1) The rescuer in charge choose a minimum of 4 assistants.
2) He puts on charge an assistant to do the head traction &
another one the feet traction.
3) He places the assistants as in photo **
NOTE:
TRACTION MUST BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES DURING HANDLING!
TRANSPORT ON THE STRETCHER:
1) You need at least 5 persons, one who commands & 2 to do
the traction of the feet & head.
2) The chief chooses 2 or 3 persons who place the same knee
on the ground, & on the unhurted side of the victim.
3) The chief kneels on the opposite side & tells his
assistants to slide their hands under the body's victim neck,
chest, hips & ankles.
4) The chief ties himself by a hand-grip with the centre
assistant, this MUST be told ahead.
5) At the chief signal, the assistants rise the victim &
put him over their knees, while staying with their knee bent.
6) The chief let's go with his hands then place the
stretcher under the victim.
7) Then the chief ties his hands once again with his centre
assistant & gives the signal to lower the victim on the
stretcher. Once the victim is well tied up then release the
traction, not before.
STRETCHER:
Best method if you have one near by, to carry the victim when
seriously wounded & conscious or not.
PREPARATION:
When you use a "normal" stretcher, verify if the cross-bar is
straight & in their right position.
Try it yourself to see if it can support your weight. You MUST
cover the canvas with a carpet or blankets or overcoat. The
victim MUST be well protected over as well as under him. (Heat
loss) etc.
SEMI-PRONE POSITION RECOMMENDED WHEN UNCONSCIOUS:
It maintains the respiratory channels free. If the victim is to
be put into this position on stretcher. You MUST get help from
others in case there would be a spinal cord injury and improvised
stretcher.
Other METHODS:
HUMAN CRUTCH:
When victim is Conscious & with a light wound to an inferior
limb.
1) Place yourself on the wounded side. Put your arm around the
victim's waist & grab his clothes on the intact side.
2) Place the victim's arm around your neck & from your free
hand hold his hand tightly.
3) Tell the victim to lean on you as he would on a crutch.
4) Start together on the same foot, begin with the wounded side.
SEAT USING 2 or 3 or 4 HANDS:
Can only be used if there are 2 rescuers, if the distance to do
is small & the victim is conscious.
2 HANDS SEAT: WAY TO DO SO:
1) The 2 rescuers bent a knee on each side of the victim,
then each one passes an arm around the back & grab his clothes
on each side.
2) Then passing each on their free arm under the victim's
thighs they grab one another by a "hook hold" or "wrist
hold"* If the victim can do it, she passes his arms
around their neck.
3) Giving a signal the 2 rescuers get up together.
3 HANDS SEAT: USED WHEN 1 WOUNDED LEG MUST BE UPHELD.
1) The rescuers bend 1 knee on each victim's side.
2) If it's the left leg wounded, the rescuer on the left side,
keeps his left hand free. The second rescuer places his left
wrist & each one grabs the free wrist of the other.
3) The victim places his arms around the rescuers' neck then
lift himself a bit, so that the 3 hand seat can slide under him.
4) The left rescuer holding the wounded leg with his free
hand, both lift together with a signal.
4 HANDS SEAT: USED FOR A HEAVY PERSON WHO CAN USE HIS ARMS.
1) The 2 rescuers bend a knee on each victim side & each one
grabs his own left wrist.
2) Each rescuer then grabs the other one free wrist.
3) Victim place arms around rescuer's neck & lift himself up
a bit to permit this seat to slide under him.
4) Using a signal the rescuers lift together.
TRANSPORT USING A CHAIR:
Used by 2 rescuers when: Transporting Victim Conscious & in
stairs & narrow passages.
1) Placing behind the chair, one rescuer leans it while
holding the chair back on his thigh, getting one of his foot
aback.
2) The second rescuer turning his back to the chair, between
the victim's legs, leans & spreads the same leg towards the
back of the chair.
3) The second rescuer, his back & elbows straight up grabs
the legs of the chair over the victim's legs.*
4) At a given signal they lift the chair & move out.
TO DRAG A VICTIM:
Used in narrow space where you can't get up.
Or when victim unconscious in a fire & the rescuer and the victim
heads are low to the ground where air is less suffocating.
1)Victim being on his back, tie his wrists. pix*
2) Overlap the victim, place your head between his tied up
wrist, using your neck, lift up a bit victim head and shoulders.
3) If an obstacle or stair stops you, reverse your position &
drag the victim while you draw backward & while supporting the
head & shoulders of the victim.
HANGOVER GONE FOREVER:
If you take the precaution of drinking 3 glasses of water before
you go to bed you will NEVER suffer from hangover any more.
The alcohol absorbs the water of your body, thus you become
dehydrated so by over supplying your body with water you will
compensate this lost. (It works I tried it many a time.)
"Hic,hic!"
FRACTURES:
A broken bone due to accident less often from overwork or bone
disease itself. All fractures will cause a light internal
bleeding since the tissues are damaged.
SIMPLE OR CLOSED FRACTURES:
One where no open wounds show the broken bone point, & no danger
of contamination from outside.
COMPLICATED OR OPEN FRACTURE:
Where a wound shows the place where the bone is broken. Then
there is a great danger for infection to the bone with grave
consequences. This wound MUST be bandaged.
The rescuer who suspects a fracture MUST try to get details on
the cause from witnesses or the victim if it is possible.
SYMPTOMS:
Swelling, localised pain, unable to stir the wounded part,
sensibility to the touch of the wounded part. Deformation or
abnormal position, wounds.
Grievous fractures can at times present very little signs or
symptoms.
A fracture can cause very little pain as long as the victim stays
immobile.
If you suspect a fracture of the foot or leg don't make the
victim walk to MAKE SURE, you could cause aggravation.
We have seen people able to walk with fractured legs while others
could not move yet without any fracture. When in doubt, treat it
as if there was fracture.
FIRST-AID GOALS:
1) Prevent a simple fracture to become worst as a complicated
one by a handling without precaution of the victim or by the
pressure of a splint on a broken bone piece or fragment.
2) Stop or prevent infection of a complicated fracture.
3) Treat the other causes of the accident ex: shock,
haemorrhage.
4) Prevent that slashed bones cause other internal injuries.
5) Move the victim from the scene using the best method.
GENERAL RULES:
1) During all the operation, the greatest precautions MUST be
taken to prevent complication and give pain relief.
2) Immobilise the fracture & the articulations above and below
the fracture with a splint or with the body or victim's limbs.
3) Splint at the place where the victim lies.
4) ALWAYS splint the fracture in the most comfortable position
for the victim.
5) An appropriate mean of transport will prevent aggravation.
6) Note: Ask the victim if you can help & respect his decision.
FREQUENT FRACTURES:
Lower jaw fractures are frequents, the shin can appear
dislocated. Usually there is blood in the mouth, & jaw moving is
painful.
1) Transport the victim in semi-prone position or sitting to
nearest hospital, doctor or dentist.
2) Verify if respiratory channels are free, &maintain them
free. Bandages are not necessary, the victim will protect
himself.
RIBS FRACTURES:
A blow, a fall, a strong pressure even a sneezing can cause a
fracture of one or many ribs.
The respiration is done with pain, more pronounced with deep
breathing or coughing.
1) Bandages are not necessary because the victim will by
itself take the position to breath with lesser pain.
2) Advise the victim to see his doctor.
3) Place the victim on his wounded side, in semi-prone
position. The good lung will then be up-lifted, will work with
double strength & the wounded part will be immobilised.
4) This position prevents all internal bleeding to
penetrate in the lung unaffected.
COMPLICATIONS OF RIB FRACTURES:
Perforation of the lung. A sharp fragment of the broken rib can
penetrate the lung. There can be signs or symptoms of internal
haemorrhage and coughing can bring out some blood.
COMPLICATED FRACTURES OF THE RIBS:
Grave complication because the infection can swarm the wound &
spread to all the chest.
FIRST-AID: Apply a clean bandage & observe
general rules above.
BREATHING WOUND IN THE CHEST:
It is the gravest complication of the complicated fractures. A
most frequent wound in war time & in peace time due to careless
use & handling of firearms.
The fractured ribs have penetrated in the chest & each
respiration brings air in and out. The shock state is
considerable. The lungs are wounded & often the heart also. It
can cause death in a few minutes.
1) CLOSE THE WOUND BY ANY MEANS.
Using a piece of plastic, an adhesive dressing, even your hand.
(Note about Saran Wrap) **
2) Put the victim on his wounded side in semi- prone position.
3) Give him all the possible comfort.
4) Bring him to nearest hospital on a stretcher & ambulance.
COLLAR BONE:
Frequents & caused by a fall on the hand stretched out or a fall
on the shoulder end.
Since the collar bone does the tension to maintain shoulders
straight, this fracture will lower the shoulder front-ward on the
wounded side.
The pain is not very strong & the victim can usually support his
forearm on his chest with the help of his other hand.
1) Use a St. John arm sling on the wounded arm.
2) A wide bandage put over the wounded side elbow, and
going around the body and knotted at the front on the
opposite side will immobilise the shoulder.
SHOULDER BLADES: Same F/Aid as Collar-Bone
UPPER ARM OR HUMERUS:*
1) Place the arm in a small arm-sling. This permits the elbow
to move freely and to apply a natural pressure on the broken
bone.
2) Place a good padding if necessary between the elbow & the
chest to assure a proper alignment.
3) Put a Grand sling on the elbow as indicated for collar-bone
fracture. The body is used as a great splint.
FOREARM - HAND - WRIST:
1) Apply softly 2 splint well padded & long enough to bypass
the elbow and wrist articulation.
2) Wrap narrow bandages to insure a good immobilisation, yet
letting free the finger tips to verify the circulation if the
thumb is not wounded, keep it off the bandage.
3) Slide the arm in a Grand arm-sling.
4) The chest can often be used as a grand splint.
5) In emergency, Rolled newspaper or magazine do an excellent
job as splints to immobilise a broken arm.
PELVIS OR P'ELVIS:
Frequent fracture due to accidents & jumping. Signs & symptoms:
1) The victim can't stand up nor walk, nor dance.
2) Laid on his back, he is unable to rise his legs while
keeping his knees straight.
3) He can have blood coming from his rectum or in his urine.
FIRST-AID:
1) You MUST move him with greatest care to avoid aggravation.
2) Lay the victim comfortably on his back.
3) Immobilise the legs by tying his feet & ankles using a
bandage in shape of "8" & with a large bandage around his knees.
If long splints are available, immobilise the whole body from
under the arm pit down to the feet.
4) Bring to hospital, use ambulance or stretcher "rigid, hard."
5) Tell the doctor if presence of blood in urine or rectum.
6) Tell the victim not to piss.
HIP (THIGH BONE OR FEMUR): Longest human bone.
Except for elder people, it needs a very strong blow to break it.
An internal haemorrhage usually goes with a broken Femur.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:
1) Limb can't be moved without pain.
2) The leg can have a tendency to roll on the outside, the
foot turned on the side.
3) The leg can appear shorter.
FIST-AID: If easy to get medical help etc. proceed simply by:
1) Lift up the victim with precaution so as not to stir
the broken limb.
2) Put him on a "rigid" stretcher for transport.
TRACTION: (FRACTURE WITH SPASMS) *
1) If you can determine the time factor to be in the first 5
minutes of the accident, then you can do the traction as pix*
If the time factor is from 4 to 15 min after the accident ask the
victim if you can do the traction, tell him why but his decision
is without appeal
If after 20 min. You MUST NOT do the traction. If the bone is
pricking trough the skin, you MUST NOT in any case do the
traction.
2) If the victim MUST be transported far or trough rough road:
A) Stretch the unwounded leg along with the sick one.
B) Once the injured legs is split, tie it with the good one.
DISLOCATION & SPRAINS & LIGAMENTS RUPTURE:
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:
1) Strong pain in the articulation at the time of the
accident.
2) A limb is deformed in case of sprains.
3) Swelling which manifest itself quickly.
4) Pain increase while moving the articulation.
FIRST-AID:
Give same care as broken bone because it is difficult to
differentiate the nature of the dislocation. The luxation or
dislocation is displacement of bone's articulation.
SPRAIN:
Strong elongation & often rupture of muscles & tendons often
called contracture or athlete cramps.
SYMPTOMS:
Pain, swelling & cramps where the sprain is done.
FIRST-AID:
1) Put in comfortable place, & apply COLD compress.
2) A grave sprain needs medical care.
WOUNDS DUE TO HEAT:
(Burns, sun, chemicals, electrical, radiation)
Goals: Prevent infection, relieve pain, reestablish fluid lost.
Rules to follow for burns caused by heat or electricity:
1) MAKE SURE that the cause of the burn is stopped. POWER OFF!
2) Cover the wound with a sterile dressing. (In case of
electrical burn, do it at the start &end contact point.)
3) Don't take off burned clothes unless real hot or still
burning.
4) Give fluids to drink if medical aid is delayed.
5) DON'T remove blister nor prick them.
6) Don't apply oily, greasy substances or cotton wool on burns.
7) Apply A/R if needed.
8) Transport to hospital.
RULES TO FOLLOW FOR CHEMICAL BURNS:
1) Wash without delay with much water to dilute & make
disappear the chemical product.
2) Take off the clothes which have this chemical product.
3) Give F/Aid as for other burns.
4) If chemical product is in powder, remove the excess
quickly before washing.
BURNS TO EYES:
BY HEAT: Treat it as skin burns.
BY CHEMICAL:
1) Wash immediately the eye with a lot of water.
2) Apply a loose dressing.
3) Bring him to doctor quickly.
SUNBURNS:
If light burn: Use softening lotion or burn ointment found in
most drug store.
SUNBURNS TIP: * PUT IN DESERT FILE**
People from the desert told me: Take a tomato, mash it & apply it
on your sunburn to kill the heat & heal you.
BURN PREVENTION:
1) Don't smoke in bed, the ashes that fall could be yours.
2) MAKE SURE all cigarettes, & matches are"out"
3) Put off grease, oil or wax fire with chemical product or
salt or by smothering them. Water makes it worst by spreading it.
4) Extinguish quickly the burning clothes, by using any means
at hand, water, soft drink, your clothes, on the victim to
smother the flame, roll him in a blanket or carpet or on floor.
FIRE RESCUE:
1) While tempting to save a person in a building in fire do this:
A) Keep the doors closed. Don't open a door that is hot to the
touch, if you do you will find it in flame for there is a fire
raging on behind. So find another mean to reach the victim.
B) Cover your mouth & nose with a wet cloth to freshen the
air that you breath. Stay close to windows where air is
cooler.
C) Crawl near the floor where air is purer& cooler.
D) In the impossibility to get out, when the only issue is a
window, refrain from panic & don't jump, wait for help & make a
rope using sheets, then slide down.
If you have to jump then you can diminish the height by letting
yourself hung down at the end of your hands before jumping.
E) Try to persuade the caged persons not to jump. Organised
rescue can take time.
Throw a rope to the window or lean a ladder to it. Tell the
victim to tie a rope or blankets to a heavy piece, ex: bed, room,
heater, door knob.
SICKNESS DUE TO HEAT:
INSULATION:
Due to over exposition to sun (beach sun burns)!
HEAT STROKE:
Due to a long period in a very hot place or sun.
SYMPTOMS:
Agitation going to convulsion even to coma. Nausea Headache,
vomits, face congestion (red), skin very hot and dry.
1) Cool the victim as quickly as possible.
2) Transport him to a cool place & take off his clothes if
need be.
3) Water down his body with fresh water or put him in cool bath.
4) With a fan make air to circulate around the victim.
5) Don't give any stimulants
6) Lift head if face is congested.
EXHAUSTION BY HEAT:
Is result of excessive lost of body fluid & salt, during an
exposition to a very humid or hot temperature. Cramps can appear
in those conditions in the stomach & limb muscle.
SYMPTOMS:
Exhaustion, dizziness, staggering, loss of consciousness, nausea,
vomits or both, skin cold & damp, excessive transpiration
especially of the face and forehead, paleness, victim can
complain of being COLD.
1) Transport the victim in a cool place, preferably well
ventilated as well.
2) Lay him down, (head down if he is pale.)
3) Keep him a little warm if he complains of being cold.
4) Replace the liquid loss by making drink gulps of salted
water (2 tsp. of salt per quart of water)
5) Bring him to hospital.
COLD INJURY:
When working in cold, note that you MUST drink also just as
normal even though you may not feel the need, dehydration occurs
just as much in the cold as in the hot place.
Cold can cause chilblain up to complete body freezing. Chilblain
is a light frost byte, on small surface.
SYMPTOMS:
Pain or pricking followed by insensibility. The skin gets whiter
with a waxy appearance.
1) Outside: Warm up the frozen part with your body heat.
2) For the ears, nose, cheeks: Use your hand in or out of glove.
3) Warm up the fingers by placing them in pocket or under
armpit.
4) With frozen toes or heel: Put yourself in a shelter, take
off your shoes & sock & warm them up with your body heat. Once
they are unfrozen, put on dry socks then back in your shoes.
5) When the thawing starts, you feel a burning sensation, the
skin becomes red, painful & sensitive. Blister can appear, but
don't break them.
NOTE ABOUT COLD PREVENTION:
Eskimos & science has taught us that we loose 35 % of the heat by
the head uncovered, so cover up & you'll feel a lot warmer
quicker.
FROST BITE: (SEVERE)
SYMPTOMS:
Skin gets waxy white, flesh hardens don't ply to touch.
Articulations are all tense & tighten up.
FIRST-AID:
1) Bring the victim to nearest shelter.
2) Warm his limbs with your hands or warm blankets.
3) Give him hot drinks to warm him.
4) Don't place hot sources near his body, having loss his
sensitivity he may get burn.
5) Don't bend or stretch frozen limbs till they are
unfrozen.
6) As soon as unfrozen, encourage the victim to move his
toes & fingers to activate circulation & warmth.
7) To protect blisters cover them lightly with dry Dressing
GENERALIZED FROSTBITE:
The whole body exposed a long time to deep cold can bring death,
if not treated quickly.
SYMPTOMS:
1) Vision becomes blurry & mirages appear.
2) Victim feel frozen & exhausted.
3) Can fall for his desire to sleep, then fall into coma, then
death will follow.
FIRST-AID:
1) Make the victim walk, keep him awake until you have reach
a shelter.
2) If you can make him drink hot drinks.
3) In the shelter roll him up in hot blankets or keep him
in a hot room.
4) Frozen limbs MUST be treated as above.
5) If respiration ceases give A/R
6) URGENT to get medical aid
WARNINGS:
1) Don't rub frozen parts because rubbing can wound the skin &
frozen tissue.
2) Don't apply snow, for snow is colder then the frozen
tissue.
3) Don't apply any form of direct heat. Except body heat.
4) Don't bend nor stretch frozen limbs, because frozen
tissue will easily tear when frozen.
5) Because of danger for infection, don't break blisters.
PREVENTION:
Factors predisposing to frostbite are: old frostbite, illness,
hunger, old age, thirst, exhaustion, bad state of health. Avoid
to wear gloves, socks, boots too tight.
Remove all gloves or socks that are damp or wet. Maintain good
circulation by moving your hands and toes, stamping your feet,
lifting & lowering your arms while slapping your body.
NOTE:
Avoid cold feet by using sole newspaper, or hay. It absorbs
humidity, thus keeps feet warmmm!
FROSTBITE ADDED NOTES:*
Throughout the convalescence, wherever it takes places, give the
patient the best available food, maximum comfort & total rest.
Healing may be somewhat accelerated by a high protein diet
supplemented by multi-vitamin capsules.*
As treatment progress be sure to warn well in advance about the
dramatic appearance that his injured part is soon to have.
Even a well balanced and experienced northerner can loose his
moral fast unless he is prepared to accept philosophically the
blisters, discoloration and grisly necrosis of his fingers or
toes.
Furthermore, many an inexperienced doctor has been argued into
needless & tragic amputation of basically sound tissue as a
result of the hysterical pleadings of an unreasonable frostbite
patient.
Surgery is now considered as a last resort to be used only if
uncontrollable infection is present & then to be done only in a
hospital. Even minor surgery is to be avoided both on the field &
in hospital.
Most tissue which you feel should be removed will probably remove
itself much more effectively.
Then even the best surgeon can do it & with a saving of more
tissue, that may seem at all possible at the time when surgery
appeared to be necessary & unavoidable.
The worst looking hands or feet, if treated properly & patiently
will shed their shrivelled black shells painlessly like a glove
suddenly & unexpectedly, revealing a healthy, pink skin
underneath. Patience pays.
GANGRENE FOLK REMEDY:
As for gangrene, backwoods medicine Eskimos had this trick; they
would cover the wound with earth & clay mixed with a lot of
worms who would suck the "pus" off leaving a clean pink flesh
wound. You may have to resort to this method.
I don't know how or if it works, or how they had worms in winter,
but what have you got to loose to try if in desperate situation.
Blood suckers may do the trick as well, I am telling you this as
food for thought. There is also a folk medicine that gave
results, this is a long process however.
The person has to put raw graded potatoes all around the gangrene
part, then wrap it with a clean bandage, this is done many times
a day & for weeks until the wound is healed. You need a lot of
potatoes but the result is what counts.
Grated raw potato over the gangrene part repeated over and over
every hour for many weeks, will get rid of it and you will not
have to cut off toes or foot or hands.
Put this grated raw potato all around the limb and wrap the whole
thing with clean cloth or clean paper towel type.
FIRST-AID TREATMENT FOR FROZEN BODY SPECIAL NOTE:
It has been known for a long time that when Eskimos find one
person suffering from deep freezing they would get him naked
under furs or blankets & between 2 of their wives also naked.
A sort of human sandwich if you want, Their heat body would be
best to thaw quickly & safely the victim. No dirty mind story
rather true story of many polar explorers. (Not pole-her story!)
PREVENTION OF FROSTBITE ADD ON:
Overall physical well-being, good clothing&intelligent
operations in the field are by far the best insurance against
frostbite.
When you are exhausted, hungry, sick, injured or hypoxic your
chances of frostbite are increased.
SOME COLD TIPS: PSYCHOLOGY FILE:
An unhealthy proportion of accidents occurs because deep down
underneath, someone wants them to happen. A mishap may be a face-
saving excuses for some failure.
Very often it is deliberately willed because the individual
believes he should be punished
Now & then an accident offers the simplest excuse to escape
responsibility. Some use a misadventure as the easiest way to
attract attention.
But once someone definitely realizes that he cannot afford an
accident, the percentage line up heavily against the probability
of one overtaking him.
If you want to survive you most likely will. If not; then you
wont!
This is why it has been seen that people will deliberately
destroy good equipment whereas other will improvise to survive
and help others.
EMERGENCY CHILDBIRTH:
In the impossibility to transport a woman in labour in a hospital
or satisfactory place, call immediately a doctor & ask a woman to
help you.
Let the woman on her back, if you MUST move her then carry her.
Put her outside people's view.
Since cleanliness is ESSENTIAL; wash very very well your hands if
you can, use also a hand or finger brush if you can.
The important point is the manipulation of the baby. Hold him UP
at the moment when he starts to birth.
Clean his face with a clean cloth so that you clean his mouth &
nose & permit him /her to breath.
Most babies cry at birth and start to breath. But they all have
in the mouth & nose some liquids that MUST come off.
Lift up the new born by the feet; place your left hand index
between his ankles, having your thumb around one ankle & your
other 3 fingers around the other ankle.
With the right hand, support the shoulders, neck & head of the
baby.
THE BODY OF A NEW BORN IS VERY SLIPPERY & YOU MUST USE YOUR 2
HANDS, TO DO A SAFE JOB.
Wrap the new-born in what is at hand, blankets, coat etc. then
lay him down on his side, on the mother's abdomen facing her
feet.
YOU MUST TAKE CARE NOT TO PULL ON THE UMBILICAL CORD, which still
ties the mother to the child.
Touch it as little as possible. The cordon & the placenta (what
follows) are usually #expulsed# from the mother's womb about 20
minutes after the child birth.
Don't let it fall in a dirty place but wrap it with the new born,
it is not very clean but it is safe.
DON'T CUT THE UMBILICAL CORD, because you could give infection to
the new born, with contaminated blades or the child could bleed
to death if the umbilical cord is not well tied up.
There is no reason for alarm if after a few hours, the placenta
is still not #expulsed#. (OUT)
You can then transport the mother and the child on the condition
that the baby is solidly wrapped on the mother's abdomen.
During the first hour after child-birth, haemorrhage danger is
ALWAYS present.
The quantity of blood coming along with a childbirth ALWAYS
scares the inexperienced persons, but it is normal.
So relax. The haemorrhage happens when the uterus's muscles don't
contract.
The baby's weight upon the mother's abdomen favours this
contraction that can also be helped by light massage.
At the touch just under the navel, the uterus MUST give the
impression of a firm organ. Check often with the hand, if it
stays firm.
Check the baby often, to see if he breathes. It may be needed to
lift him up many times to make him cry & help him to disengage
his nose & mouth & respiratory channels. Keep him warm.
The rescuer MUST reassure the mother while reducing his
intervention to a minimum in the natural process of child-birth.
He verifies if the baby breathes & manipulates him as little as
possible.
You MUST be as clean as possible, according to circumstance when
you assist a mother in child-birth.
If you MUST cut the umbilical cord, use sterile blade. Cut it
about 3 inches, after the baby, using this extra length to make a
good knot. Otherwise he could bleed to death.
WARNING:
ALWAYS wait till the umbilical cord has turned into a white
colour before cutting.
NEVER CUT BEFORE 3 TO 5 MINUTES OF CHILD BIRTH.
EYES & FOREIGN OBJECTS:
The most often foreign objects getting in the eyes are: Dust or
sand particles, ashes, glass or metal pieces, contact lens. They
can be on the surface or stuck in the eye.
SYMPTOMS:
1) Pricking sensation increased by eye movement.
2) Tears 3) Excessive sensitivity to the light.
First-AID:
1) Prevent the victim to rub his eyes.
2) Wash your hands carefully before examining the sick eye.
3) Don't use rigid instruments (tooth picks, match etc.)
while trying to remove the foreign object.
4) To remove an object on the surface, drown the eye with a
count- drops or a water flask filled with salted water.
5)Don't try to remove yourself an imbedded object in the eye.
6) Contact lens: Tell the victim to remove it herself.
7) If eye pupil is wounded, apply a light sterile dressing
on it.
8) Bring the victim to hospital without delay.
9) It is best to cover both eyes, in order to reduce friction
by the "normal eye movement.
FLASHES:
Dazzling or blindness due to sun.
SYMPTOMS:
1) Burning sensation even to intense pain.
2) Reddening of the eyes
3) Swelling
4) Photophobia (fear of light)
5) Symptoms can delay their appearance &occur suddenly in
the middle of a deep sleep.
PREVENTION: Avoid dazzling by wearing good sunglasses.
FIRST- AID:
1) Keep the victim in a dark place.
2) Apply a loose bandage on both eyes.
3) Bring to hospital.
4) Do not use eye drops.
5) Bath with wet cloth.
6) Do not expose to bright light.
7) Improvement should be noted in 24 hours.
8) But don't allow victim to expose to bright light soon
after or blindness may reoccur.
EYE PROBLEMS:
Try to see the object by holding a mirror close. Try to remove
gently object with tip of moistened handkerchief, have someone
else do it if possible.
Do not try to remove any object that is firmly embedded in eye.
Blinking may remove small surface object.
Blowing the nose very hard may help. Flush with clean water from
side toward nose. If nothing helps, lightly bandage both eyes of
victim, go for help.
If you are the victim rest several hours, then check sight. If
troubles persist & you MUST have help, keep injured eye bandaged,
go for help.
GLASSES LOSS, BROKEN, BLURRY VISION; TIP:
Pinhole in paper, held close to the eyes will make it possible to
read map etc.
Hopefully if you loose your glasses you will have read this tip
beforehand and also carry an extra pair of glasses.
CARE OF THE EYES:
Nature has provided your eyes with a most effective germ killer,
your tears. A tear will kill most bacteria & is a defence for
your eyes.
Despite this natural protection your eyes may suffer from glare
or from entry of a particle of dust or sand.
To protect your eyes from glare, tie a bootlace, or a thin strip
of bark or some dark-coloured material, or fire-wood soot across
your face just BELOW your eyes.
This will break the glare from the ground & give you almost
immediate relief for eyes. If a particle of dust or sand enters
the eyes don't rub the particular affected.
Rub the opposite eye, it will stimulate the flow of tears & this
will help wash out the irritating matter. Or try cupping water in
your hands & immerse your sore eye in the cupped water, it's
generally effective.
EAR ACHE:
1) Put a bag of ice or hot water bottle on the ear to ease the
pain.
2) Permanent ear-ache result probably from an infection
and requires medical aid.
FOREIGN OBJECTS IN EAR:
Beans, peas, seed, insects. Etc.
1) Don't put any instrument in the ear.
2) Drown the insect by filling the ear with hot water or oil.
(Not too hot) 3) Bring to hospital.
NOSE & FOREIGN OBJECTS:
1) Don't blow your nose strongly.
2) Bring to hospital.
THROAT:
Objects such as: Piece of food, fish-bone, false-teeth.
SYMPTOMS:
Difficulty to: Swallow, vomits, suffocation signs.
1) Remove the object if possible & visible.
2) Do the Artificial Respiration if breathing stops.
3) If impossible to remove the object call ambulance.
4) You can also try strong slap between the shoulder blades.
5) If need be you can try the "Heimlich-Hug" *
STOMACH & ABDOMEN:
(From swallowing loose change, needles etc.)
FIRST- AID: Don't give any laxatives.
ABDOMINAL PAINS:
1) Send to hospital, case could be serious.
2) Don't give any laxative.
3) Don't give any food.
TOOT ACHE:Prevention: Brush teeth, See dentist regularly.
1) If tooth is rotten, clean cavity with tooth- pick rolled in
cotton wool, then fill the cavity with a piece of cotton wool
dipped in Clove essence.
2) If its not rotten put on what best relief (hot or cold).
3) Send to dentist.
4) Have him breath alcohol by the nostril opposite to the
tooth ache.
5) Alcohol on cotton and sniffed through the nose relieves it.
DIABETES:
Those who need help usually suffer from excess insulin in their
blood. Most diabetes patients carry medical ID card. Also often
carry sugar or candies to correct them.
SYMPTOMS:
1) Fainting or weakening.
2) Transpiration.
3) Short & weak breathing.
FIRST- AID:
If victim conscious, have him take sugar, candies.
ANIMAL BITES:
It can cause tetanus & rabies. Human bites can cause a persisting
infection.
1) Treat the bite as normal wound.
2) If you doubt rabies, try to identify the animal & call the
police. Don't kill the animal but give it for observation.
LEECHES OFF:
TO TAKE THEM OFF, powder it with salt, or rub it with dry sand.
Or use the burning end of a cigarette close to it, they will let
go without problems.
CONTUSIONS: (Not Confusion?)
The skin is not broken, but the tissues can be wounded & damaged
veins can cause swelling; put cold compress or ice on the
swelling to reduce it diminish bleeding & relieve the pain.
THE GRAND ARM SLING (g/a/s): *
Place an end of the triangular bandage around the victim's neck
letting it pass over the shoulder on the wounded side while the
other end fall on the chest. Slide then tip of the bandage under
& lower then the elbow of the wounded arm.
The bandage base MUST just reach the finger tips. The tip of the
bandage is brought back & attached to the other end on top of the
shoulder using a flat knot.
This knot is to be located in the hollow of the collar-bone on
the side of the wound.
During all that time, the elbow of the wounded arm is maintained
at right angle & the arm is supported either by the victim
herself or by an assistant. We use this g/a/s/ for elbow or
forearm wounds.
THE SMALL ARM-SLING:*
Place the wide bandage under the wrist of the injured arm in such
way that one of his side is at the base of the little finger.
Pass one of the bandage's ends around the victim's neck & let it
fall on the shoulder of the wounded side.
Pass the other end over the wrist of the injured arm & attach the
two ends using a flat knot* since the use of flat knot ALWAYS
goes with slings.
This knot is placed in the hollow of the neck over the collar-
bone on the wounded side. This sling is used for wounds of the
upper arm.
ST. JOHN SLING: *
Place the wounded forearm in diagonal over the chest, the fingers
pointing toward the other shoulder.
Put over the arm a triangular bandage where the tip will be at
the elbow & one hand will go over the intact shoulder. The
superior side of the bandage MUST be parallel to the forearm.
Slide the bandage base well over the forearm. Bring back the tip
bottom end backward & tie the 2 tips in the hollow of the neck
just over the collar-bone of the healthy side.
MAKE SURE that a well shape pocket supports the arm comfortably.
Roll up the bandage tip around the elbow & pin it at the back of
the arm.
WARNING!:
Since the bent elbow could hinder the blood circulation of the
forearm, the pulse of this side MUST be frequently verify.
Too thick clothing at the elbow is usually the cause for bad
blood circulation.
TRIANGULAR BANDAGE NOTE:*
This bandage is useless if not applied very strongly.
If you wet it before use, it will shrink a bit while drying thus
exercise this way an equal pressure.
IMPROVISED SLINGS:
You can use the side of coat or a shirt with or without safety
pins, a necktie, or using the uninjured one to support the sick
one.
SHOULDER SLING:
Hold up the arm on the wounded side with a small sling. Put a
triangular bandage open on the dressing, the tip under the knot's
sling.
Make a narrow crease at the base of the bandage & cross them in
their ends around the upper part of the arm, then knot them on
the exterior side. Bring back the tip over the shoulders knot &
tie it strongly.
HEAD DRESSING:
Place a narrow hem at the base of the triangular bandage, place
the centre of the base on the forehead just over the eyebrows,
the bandage covering the head, the tip end toward the neck.
Pass the ends around the head above the ears & cross them on the
nape of the neck maintaining the tip end underneath.
Bring back the crossed ends towards the forehead, knotting them
on the forehead above the bandage base. Pull the end well ahead &
pin it to the bandage.
EYE, EAR, CHEEK, FOREHEAD:
Put the centre of a narrow bandage over the dressing & roll it
around the head, knotting the ends, if possible over the dressing
CHEST OR BACK:
Put the tip of the bandage over one shoulder, letting fall the
bandage over the chest.
Bring back the ends around the body, & knot them so that the knot
is under the shoulder where the point is located.
Now it remains a long end that you bring back toward the shoulder
that you attach at the tip of the bandage. Use the same procedure
for a back dressing.
ELBOW:
Usually it is not necessary to use a triangular bandage that is
open to maintain a dressing on the elbow. Bring back the 2 ends
together to reduce them by half
Bend lightly the elbow, apply the dressing & put the bandage
folded end toward the exterior of the arm over the elbow.
Turn the ends around the forearm, crossing them in the elbow
crease, then bring them back behind the arm, above the elbow.
Knot the ends, fold the end over the knot & pin it.
HAND:
Make a narrow fold at the base of the open bandage. Put the hand
on the bandage, wound on top, fingers toward the point & the
wrist at the centre of the base. Bring back the end over the hand
up to the forearm.
Fold the sides on one side or the other of the hand & arm. Cross
the ends & turn them around the wrist; knot the ends. Bring back
the end over the knot & pin it.
HIP:
Put a narrow bandage around the waist, knotting the ends on the
wounded side. Slide the tip of open triangular bandage under this
knot, letting the bandage fall back on the hip.
Fold narrowly the base & bring back the ends around the thigh, so
that you knot them on the exterior side. Slide the tip point of
the bandage over the knot of the belt & pin it.
KNEE:
Put the open triangular bandage on the knee, the point toward the
upper of the thigh. Fold slightly the base & turn the ends around
the leg below the knee.
Cross the ends behind the knee & bring them back over the thigh &
below the knee, knot them, bring back the point over the knot &
pin.
FOOT:
Place the foot on the open bandage, the toes toward the point &
the heel at about 3 inches from the base.
Bring back the point over the foot up to the leg. Fold the
bandage sides on each side of the foot.
Cross the ends on the foot, turn them around the ankle over the
base of the bandage of the heel. Knot them at the front of the
leg over the ankle & pint it.
FOOT TROUBLE PREVENTION:
Nothing can spoil more surely an outdoor trip then trouble with
the feet.
This usually dilemma can often be relieved on the trail by the
prompt use of the small ready-made gauze dressing centred on bits
of adhesive tape.
If you feel a spot starting to become tender, stop & cover it
with as many Band-Aids, as may be needed.
One is usually sufficient, but you will tell best after you start
walking again.
Frequently, the danger & annoyance of blistering can thus be
avoided. Even after these vesicles have appeared a properly
applied dry dressing will many times prevent further friction, &
left on will allow the spot to harden.
It is A MISTAKE to cover a blistered heel with an adhesive tape,
as many do, for healthful air is thus excluded and the area
beneath is kept moist and soft without any chance to toughen.
If there are already breaks in the skin an infection has all the
more opportunity to develop as we have seen happen on more than
one occasion.
CARE OF THE FEET:
It is VITALLY IMPORTANT to take proper care of your feet on a
walking trip.
A small blister can rub away & become a raw spot & you will be
immobilised & your progress be painful & slow.
If the feet show signs of being tender, the skin can be toughened
up by urinating on the feet.
When blisters threaten or develop, sticking Band-Aids will
prevent their further development, & offer immediate relief.
BEST TREATMENT FOR A BLISTER:
When is has already formed is to thread a piece of clean cotton
through the blistered skin, cutting off the thread 1/4" on either
side of its point of entry.
This will drain the fluid from the blister but prevent the air
from entering. Cover the blister with clean bandage.
INGROWING TOENAILS:
Are another cause of foot trouble.
IMMEDIATE RELIEF CAN BE OBTAINED by scraping the top of the
toenail either with a file, rasp, the sharp edge of a knife or
even a piece of broken glass.
The top of the nail should be scraped until it is sufficiently
thin to be easily depressed with the tip of your finger.
CORNS:
Of course, can be pared down, but a reputable make of corn Band-
Aids & avoiding tight-fitting shoes, is the best way to keep free
from these troubles and all kinds of others as well.
TWISTED ANKLES:
Are common ailments in rocky country.
If the twist is not too severe, the best thing is to keep on the
move, gradually getting the ankle into working order through
exercise.
If the twist is severe, sufficient to make the walker completely
immobile.
Alternate bathing with very hot water & cold water will stimulate
the blood flow & give the patient some relief.
After this treatment, apply a tight bandage & the patient should
be able to limp along.
When walking along river courses, it's not advisable to remove
your boots. It is slippery and bare foot will make you fall. Best
keep wet then broken or twisted ankle or foot.
FISH-HOOK IN SKIN:
HOW TO REMOVE IT?: The classical method is to thrust deeper the
hook until the hook-head bypass the skin, then to cut it or saw
it.
But I believe in a less painful & easier way to proceed. You
weigh upon the hook firmly. The hook-end that has already made
its way will do the reverse trip without hooking again.
To help its evacuation, we use a fish-line passed in the hook
curve, that way we can pull uniformly. If you are alone tie the
fish-line to something in order to do the pulling-job
DIGESTIVE UPSETS:
Ask your doctor about a prescription of Paregoric* tablets for
possible use in quieting the system after a severe digestive
upset.
Once the body has had the time to expel the causes. Infectious
food carried maladies thrive only in crowded area, not in bush.
So if you stop at any doubtful or overly busy eating places It
would be wise neither to drink water there nor to order cold nor
raw food.
It would be best also to eat only meat that is well done all the
way through.
Ground meat can be especially dangerous.
Safest choice are bottle drinks, black tea made on the spot with
boiling water
FOOD POISONING:
In severe food poisoning verging on collapse, one treatment is to
wash out the stomach with a weak solution of sodium bicarbonate,
1/4 teaspoon to a glass of cool water. Drink 2 glasses of this
right one on top of each other.
This may be vomited or it may pass right through. Sometimes
nothing else is necessary, except perhaps a restricted diet of
weak tea & dry toast for the next day.
If troubles continue, it will be necessary to retard the
intensity of the bowel movement, so as to permit the building up
of a concentration of medication.
You do this with *Paregoric carried in your kit easily in form of
tiny 10 minim tablets, of which a vial of 24 uses very little
space.
An adult may take 2 or 3 tabs every 4 to 6 hours, for as long as
the need continues.
If there was a moderate reoccurrence of diarrhoea after a 4 hours
period, one or 2 tab might do.
Your Doctor may suggest to include 2 or 3 dz. 1/2gr. tablets of
Sulfathadine or Sulfaguanidine.
You could take 4 tabs of either. The desired effect is of course,
only symptomatic, for Paregoric combats not the cause, but the
digestive irritability.
Vomiting at the onset might pose a problem. The individual might
be able to hold down the initial dose of paregoric long enough
for sufficient to be absorbed to check the vomiting
Otherwise the cycle could be broken by holding under the tongue
until absorbed a 1/4gr. Morphine Sulphate hypo-tablet.
The trouble itself could then be attacked by one of the largely
non-soluble *Sulfas.
Incidentally, the formerly widely recommended purge of Calomel or
some similar purgative is no longer approved, for taking a
cathartic would be therefore be sort of like whipping a jaded
horse.
If the trouble continues, you might reasonably assume:
1) Either the medication is not hitting.
2) It hasn't reached the area affected.
3) There is not sufficient concentration.
Normally, 2 more tabs could then be repeated in 4 to 6 hours. If
these still don't act, 2 more could be repeated in another 4 to 6
hours.
In the bush you might give 3 or 4 tries then go to something else
such as penicillin if available.
Once cured it is often well to stay on light ration such as weak
tea & toast for a day, while replenishing in repeated small
amounts of slightly salted water the often critically depleted
fluid level of the body, dehydration & salt depletion being major
dangers in such upset.
PENICILLIN:
Penicillin can now be taken orally & be just as effective if not
more so than shots administrated intramuscularly, which is why
your doctor may suggest you taking along a supply of oral
penicillin, perhaps in combination with one or more of the safer
*Sulfa drugs.
Because of their qualities of absorption some of these penicillin
compounds should as directed be taken before meals.
A bottle of 50 tablets occupies very little room. The standard
tablet contains about 250,000 units of penicillin, the average
dose for infection with fever then being one tablet, 4 to 6 hours
apart, 3 or 4 times a day.
In case of pneumonia to give an example; a usual treatment would
be 1 tablet 3 or 4 times a day as directed.
This is to be continued until there was a definite response- a
clinical improvement that is.
Particularly the all important one signified by the dropping of
fever. This a reason why a good thermometer belongs in a F/Aid
kit.
As soon as the temperature remains normal for 12 hours the dosage
might be halved for 2 days.
A reason for not stopping it immediately is that when the
infection is not adequately treated but only suppressed, it may
flare up again.
If some infections were likely as a result perhaps of a bad cut,
a sound preventive step might be to go on 1/2 dosage for 3 days.
A more serious situation as in the instance of a compound
fracture would call for a full dosage.
Penicillin is known to have some effect in combating Tetanus.
It might be preventively used therefore, if there seems to be
even a remote possibility of tetanus as from gunshot wound or
from a deep puncture wound contaminated by soil, clothing etc.
It is not advisable to take antibiotics for long periods. A week
is long enough.
If there is no response by then, the particular antibiotic is
probably doing no good & may as well be quit anyway.
BLEEDING AND CONTROL:
The commonest outdoor injuries are cuts followed by sprains &
strains, bruises and then fractures. Hands & fingers are hurt
most often, then feet and toes then legs next.
One of 4 injuries reported is caused by hand tools such as axes &
knives. These later are the most immediately serious whenever
accompanied by heavy bleeding, for this MUST BE STOP AT THE
EARLIEST POSSIBLE SECOND.
Even when a severe artery is no larger than the graphite of a
pencil, an individual can last no more than a few minutes at most
if its bleeding is not stopped.
Pressing a clean & preferably sterile dressing over the wound
will usually control the bleeding if sufficient pressure is
applied.
This usually can be done, especially with the assistance if
necessary of elastic bandages used as previously described. **
If you don't have any then press firmly & strongly against the
nearest pressure point. **
The blood supply to an entire arm can be shut off by pressing
just behind the ridge to be felt on the inner side of the armpit
beneath the raised arm.
THE LARGE FEMORAL ARTERY OF THE LEG CAN BE CONTROLLED BY:
Gripping the leg near the body & drawing the fingers about half
way down the inner surface where they will | | |
