First Aid
The universal First Aid symbol
First Aid is the immediate assistance that is given to a person that is suffering from an illness or injury with the intention of alleviating the suffering, or preventing the condition from worsening until medical professionals arrive. Knowing First Aid is essential for any Scout to Be Prepared for any emergency. There are several online resources scouts can use to learn First Aid. In addition there are First Aid certification courses that anyone can take to become confident in administering First Aid in any situation. Here is a list of situations that scouts should be ready and able to render First Aid. Click on the topics to learn more.
Cuts and bruises: These include small cuts to large lacerations that are still bleeding. How do you stop the bleeding? What if there is a foreign object in the wound? How do you clean and bandage the area? What do tetanus shots protect against?
Heat exhaustion and fainting: Can you tell if someone is about to faint? How do you prevent heat exhaustion? What do you do when someone faints? What are the "ABC"s of First Aid?
Burns: What are the degrees of burns? How to you treat simple burns? What about chemical burns? How to handle major burns (greater than 1st degree)?
Choking: What is the universal sign of choking? How do you perform the Heimlich maneuver? Can you perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself? What about if it was a child or infant?
Animal Bites: How to you treat a dog bite? Are there any venomous animals in Trinidad? What is rabies?
Strain/Sprain: What is the difference between a strain and a sprain? What does the RICE acronym stand for? How can you use your scout scarf to wrap a wrist or ankle sprain?
Fractures and Dislocations: How can you identify a fracture? How do you treat a fracture or dislocation? How can you make a splint with household items or items while on a hiking or camping trip? What is shock and how do you treat for it?
Seizures: What causes seizures? What are some signs that someone is having a seizure? What should you do when someone is having a seizure? Should you call an ambulance?
Allergic reactions (Anaphylaxis): What are some common allergies? What are some signs of anaphylaxis? How do treat an allergic reaction?
Heart Failure/ Cardiac Arrest What are some signs of a heart attack? Demonstrate how to perform CPR - cardiopulmonary resuscitation, for infants and adults. What is an AED?
First Aid Kits
A First Aid Kit holds supplies that are used to render First Aid. Scouts are encouraged to purchase or compile their own kit, and become familiar with the functions and use of each item. First Aid Kits should be inspected regularly, and any outdated items should be replaced. The following items are usually found in First Aid Kits.
- Bandages
- Sterile dressings
- Safety pins
- Gloves
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Hand santizer or wet wipes
- Antiseptic cream
A First Aid Kit should be available in any place where people gather, and should be easily identifiable and accessible.
Discussion Questions
- Describe how you would respond to each of the situations listed above
- What items do you have in your first aid kit and what are their uses?
- How do you make a sling with your scout scarf?
- How would you create a makeshift stretcher with (a)Household items (b)On a hiking/camping trip?
- How would you call for help?
