Common Injuries and Illnesses in the Outdoors

1. Lesson 1.A
FIRST AID OF COMMON
EMERGENCIES IN
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

3. The term first aid refers to administration of
care to prevent deterioration of the victim, to aid
recovery, and to preserve life. Generally, first
aid entails some simple but often life-saving
ways that most people can be trained to perform
with minimal equipment. On a technical level, it
is not identified as medical treatment and should
not be compared to what a trained medical
profession might do. First aid, as they say, is a
combination of simple procedures and an
application of some common sense.

5. A. Cuts, scrapes, and punctures
Wounds, cuts, and lacerations can be caused
anywhere from rock climbing, cutting self from a knife,
and stumbling.
cut
scrape
laceration
puncture

6. To treat minor cuts, scrapes, and punctures:
 Clean cuts with soap and water then apply antibiotic cream then cover with sterile
bandage and secure using medical tape.
 If bleeding, apply direct pressure using clean cloth to the injury.
 If wound is on the arm or leg, raise limb above the heart to help slow down bleeding.
 Do not apply tourniquet unless the bleeding is severe and does not stop even with
direct pressure.

7. Emergency personnel must be called immediately if:
 Severe bleeding or bleeding does not stop despite pressure.
 You suspect there is internal bleeding (inflammation and severe pain in the
area).
 There is an abdominal or chest wound.
 Blood spurts out of wound.

8. B. SPRAINS, STRAINS, AND FRACTURES
Sprains are
injuries that involve
the stretching of the
ligaments. This
usually occurs when
a joint is
overextended from
its usual range of
motion.

9. Strain is the
twisting or pulling of
a muscle or tendon.
This usually happens
when a muscle is
stretched and
suddenly contract
such as when one is
running or jumping.

10. Fracture involves the breaking of a bone.

11. CATEGORIES OF
SPRAIN AND STRAIN
ACCORDING TO ITS
SEVERITY

12. GRADE I category is mild that involves
minor tearing of a ligament or muscle.
GRADE II category involves the partial
tearing of the ligament or muscle.
GRADE III category refers to severe injury
that involves the complete tearing of the
ligament or muscle.

13. Grades I and II may be treated with rest, ice pack,
compression, and elevation (RICE). This means having
the victim rest the injured or painful part, then applying
ice pack, compressing or wrapping with bandage or
athletic tape, and finally elevating the injured area
above heart level to minimize swelling.
Grade II injuries, however, may need further
immobilization to hasten the healing process.

15. Applying Compression Using Athletic Tape

16. Applying Compression Using Bandage

17. For fracture, immediately call medical help if the following occurs:
 One suspects injury to the person’s head, neck, or back.
 Bone is sticking out of the skin.
 Bleeding does nor stop after several minutes of firm pressure.
 Blood spurts from the wound.

18. While waiting for medical help, do the following first aid:
 Immobilize the area of injury until help arrives or until the person is brought to the hospital.
 Make sure to clean and dress cuts before splinting.
 If bleeding, apply pressure to wound with clean cloth until bleeding stops. If bone is pushing
through the skin, do not touch.
 Gently tape the dislocated area or fracture to a rolled-up newspaper, ruler, or a rolled piece of
clothing with first aid tape. Avoid moving the injured limb and never force it or even try to twist
it back into place.

19. C. CONCUSSIONS
Concussion is a
traumatic brain injury that
is often caused by a blow or
bump to the head or body.
Cuts and bruises may be
seen on the head or face.
Some lose consciousness or
forget what happened
before the injury; others do
not.

20.  Treat cuts.
 Apply ice or compress if no ice is available.
 Rest until symptoms disappear.
 Watch out for symptoms that need emergency action.

21. Call immediate medical help if the following occurs:
 One vomits repeatedly.
 The pupils become unequal.
 One looks agitated or confused.
 One is unconscious or passed out.
 One feels very drowsy.
 There is pain in the neck after the fall or knocked out.
 There is slurred speech.
 One experiences seizure.

22. D. BLISTER
Blisters are a result
of ill-fitting footwear. It
is especially seen
among hikers and
trekkers. Blisters can be
painful and may cause
discomfort.

23.  Place piece of adhesive over affected area.
 Doughnut-shaped moleskin helps when blisters are at the bottom of foot.
 If blister have popped, wash area with soap and water then put antibiotic cream.
 If it is absolutely necessary, drain a blister with a sterilized needle into the side of the
blister. Apply with antibacterial solution and cover with gauze dressing and tape.

24. E. BURNS OR SCALDS
Burns or
scalds are
injuries on
the skin
caused by
hot liquid or
heat.

25.  If still on fire, stop burning immediately through the “stop, drop, and roll”
method. Then remove the flamed material from the person. However, if the
clothing sticks to the skin, do not pull it out but cut or tear around it.
 Take off constrictive clothing immediately (belts, jewelry, and tight
clothing) as burns can swell quickly.

26.  If first degree burn ( top layer skin affected):
 Put affected area under running water or immerse in cool (not ice) water
until pain subsides. If no running water is available then apply compress.
 Cover with sterile, non-adhesive bandage, or clean cloth.
 Do not apply butter or ointments, which can cause infection.

27.  For second degree burn (affecting top 2 layers of skin):
 Immerse in cool water for 10-15 minutes; apply compress if running water is not
available.
 Do not apply ice, it can lower body temperature and may cause further damage.
 Do not break blister or apply butter or ointment causing infection.
 Protect burn with sterile, nonstick bandage, and secure with gauze or tape.

28.  For second degree burn (affecting top 2 layers of skin):
 To prevent shock, let the person lie flat and elevate feet for about 12
inches high and elevate burn area about heart level (if possible) and
cover the person with coat or blanket.
 Wait for emergency personnel.

29. For burns, immediately call medical help if the following occurs:
 Burns penetrates all layers of skin.
 Skin is charred looking, with white, brown, or black patches.
 Burn blister is larger than two inches or oozes.
 Hands, feet, face, or genitals are burned.
 The person is an infant or a senior.

30. Leelet