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Emergency Procedures & First Aid Basic Safety Guidelines | Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke | Sunburn | Hypothermia | Frostbite

Basic Safety Guidelines

Emergencies require prompt action and quick judgment. First aid in the first few minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Get professional medical assistance as soon as possible.

Leaders should ensure that group members receive proper instruction in how to take care of themselves and others in emergencies.  To do this, leaders should help them:

• Become familiar with the safety measures outlined in their hand books, including the buddy system and the three basic steps to take if clothing catches fire:

1. Stop. Running only fans the fire.

2. Drop. Lie flat.

3. Roll. Rolling on the ground helps to smother flames. Or cover the burning clothing with a nonflammable material.

• Develop emergency procedures that are written out, reviewed, and practiced.

• Learn, plan, and practice administration of emergency care in simple accidents and life-threatening situations.

• Establish and practice fire evacuation, lost person, and security procedures.

• Assemble a well-stocked first-aid kit that is always accessible.

• Know what to report. Understand the importance of reporting accidents, illnesses, or unusual behavior to adults.

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Heat Exhaustion

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored natural fiber clothing to help keep the body cool in hot weather.

• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

• Wear a lightweight head covering to protect the top of the head and shade the eyes.

• Be familiar with the following signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion:

  • Cool and moist skin

  • Heavy sweating

  • Dilated pupils

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Dizziness

  • Vomiting

  • Body temperature at or near normal

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is very serious and requires immediate medical attention.

• When the temperature is 80°F or above and the activity calls for physical exertion, be alert for the signs of heatstroke:

  • High body temperature

  • Red, hot, dry skin

  • Progressive loss of consciousness

  • Rapid, weak pulse

  • Rapid, shallow breathing

Sunburn

• Anyone can get a sunburn, even on a hazy day.

• Covering arms and legs helps, but burning rays can penetrate light clothing to cause a sun burn.

• When using sunscreens or sun- blocks, be aware of the potential for allergic reactions.

• Sunglasses, especially those that filter ultraviolet light, are recommended.

• Remember that reflection from sand or snow increases the potential for sunburn.

Hypothermia

• Take precautions to prevent hypothermia in cool and cold weather.

• Waterproof clothing should be taken along if there is a potential for precipitation. Wet clothing, especially on a cool, windy day, greatly increases the chance of hypothermia.

• The temperature doesn’t have to be below freezing for this potentially fatal condition to occur. Be familiar with the following signs and symptoms of hypothermia:

  • Shivering (may be absent in later stages)

  • Dizziness

  • Numbness

  • Dilated pupils

  • Apathy

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Decreasing pulse and breathing rate

• Removing any wet clothing and re-warm the body gradually from the inside as well as the outside are important first-aid steps. Seek medical assistance.

Frostbite

• Be aware of the signs of frostbite in freezing temperatures:

  • chalky to grayish yellow skin

  • lack of feeling in the affected area.

  • Warm the frostbitten area gently and don’t rub. Seek medical help. If medical help is readily available or the affected area may refreeze, avoid re-warming it.

Learn More first aid tips at They Mayo Clinic site.

Learn more at The Red Cross.  Find your local chapter on the site.