First-Aid Part 1

         In order for injured people to come through a survival situation alive, the correct first-aid must be given. However, before first-aid is applied you must first have the appropriate materials, and know how to asses the situation. In this three part blog series for first-aid, I will teach you the importance of a first-aid kit; along with how to treat for: shock, severe bleeding, broken limbs, animal bits, blisters, burns, and many more life saving tips and tricks. But first, lets start with the basics.

1 First-Aid Kit

         Your first-aid kit should contain specially selected items to ensure you can handle most medical emergencies, yet stay lite enough to carry and transport. Of course, anyone with an extreme medical problem or injury needs to be taken to a doctor, or hospital, as soon as possible. The point of a first-aid kit is to bring temporary relief. For example, materials to fix a broken leg won't be found in an average first-aid kit, but there should be items to sustain them until a permanent fix is found.

         A first-aid kit should always be accessible wherever you are. A first aid kit should be placed in your day pack, camp backpack, boats, and cars. The following items are the basic necessities that every first aid kit should have: adhesive bandages, gauze dressing and bandage, safety pins, painkillers, scissors, medical tape, large bandage or cloth, antiseptics, foot felt (moleskin), and it all should be in a tight, waterproof container. A helpful tip is to make your own first aid kit and dich premade kits. Many pre made kits are cheap and expire quickly. By making your own, this will insure you know what's in your kit and you know exactly how to use it.

2 Assisting Victims

         When approaching the scene of an accident, take time to stand back and assess the situation. Regardless of the accidents size or number of people involved. The important thing is to stay calm and act confident. Then assess the situation and severity; do they need immediate medical attention, and most importantly, what can you do to help? The best way to gather this information is to calmly talk to the victim. Information like: name, allergies, pain levels/locations, and movability are all important and good starting points. Make sure not to touch or move the victims until you have discovered what's wrong, unless there is a greater danger, for you could permanently paralyze them. When the problem is found and a reasonable solution is formed, with victim's consent, process and fix the problem. While you work, explain what you're doing to help your patient and yourself stay calm. Remember to work efficiency because, depending on severity, people could die.

         These are just a few beginner tactics to help you during your next emergency. Whether its a small cut, or a deep gash, the same rules apply. Knowing exactly what's in your first aid kit and how to asses your victims is crucial and vitally important. It might sound silly, but this could be the difference between life and death. Stay tuned for part two and remember to always be prepared.

Thank you, and please leave a comment, suggestion, or question down below.