1. Bronze Group First Aid Awareness

2. Purposes of First Aid Preserve life Prevent further injury Promote recovery

3. Principles of First Aid Stay calm Assess the situation Carry out a primary survey: Dr ABC  D - Danger  R - Response  A - Airways  B – Breathing  C - Circulation Identify the injury or illness

4. Principles of First Aid cont Give easy, appropriate and adequate treatment in a sensible order of priority - Breathing, Bleeding, Burns, Bones Organise removal of casualty to secondary care where appropriate Make and pass on a report

5. Most Common Expedition Injuries Blisters Cuts & abrasions Burns & scalds Sprains

6. Blisters Prevention: Ensure footwear is broken in Wear good walking socks, clean & dry Change into dry socks & different footwear at campsite STOP IMMEDIATELY if you begin to feel discomfort Treatment: If friction but no blister – cover affected & surrounding area with plaster, moleskin or other thin adhesive tape If blister has developed, pad it & apply clean dressing

7. Minor Cuts & Abrasions Treatment Clean with fresh water, ideally running and cold Do not use cotton wool as this can leave traces in the wound Use a plaster or bandage depending on size of wound

8. Treatment of Cuts and Bleeding S – Sit or Lay E – Examine E – Elevate P – Pressure Sit or Lay the casualty down in a position appropriate to the location of the wound and the extent of bleeding. Examine the wound. Look for foreign objects and note how the wound is bleeding Elevate the wound above the level of the heart. Apply pressure over the wound to stem the bleeding. If there is an embedded object apply pressure either side.

9. Treatment of Nosebleeds Sit down with head tipped forward Nip the soft part of the nose. Maintain constant pressure for 10 minutes. Breath through the mouth. Use disposable cloth to mop any blood while the nose is nipped. Try not to breath through nose for an hour or so after the bleed. If bleeding persists call for emergency help.

10. Minor Burns & Scalds Prevention: Always take care when cooking Always place the stove on the ground, never on a picnic table or other elevated surface Ensure the whole group is aware of hot pans and boiling water Avoid spillages Always take burns seriously and report to a supervisor Treatment: Immerse in cold, running water for at least 10 mins Remove any rings from fingers, watches or bracelets from wrists Cover with a sterile, non- fluffy dressing, clear cling film or small plastic bag DO NOT apply creams, lotions or fat to the injury

11. Sunburn Prevention: Cover up Apply water-resistant sun block every few hours Treatment: Treat as a minor burn and inform your supervisor

12. Insect Bites Prevention: Use insect repellent Treatment: Keep clean and treat as minor abrasion Some people suffer a reaction to bites – report this to your supervisor If known to suffer a reaction, keep anti-histamine cream or tablets in your personal first aid kit and use as necessary

13. Sprains Treatment Rest Ice Compression Elevation Stop and rest Apply a damp towel or t-shirt to help reduce swelling Elevate injured limb to reduce swelling If the pain does not ease, treat as a more serious sprain or fracture

14. Fractures Symptoms Pain / Loss of Power / Unnatural movement / Swelling or bruising / Deformity / Tenderness Treatment Keep injury still Call for emergency help if: There is suspected spin, neck or head injuries. There is deformity, irregularity or unnatural movement The casualty is in a lot of pain and you can’t easily get them to hospital Keep casualty warm until medical assistance arrives – do not allow them to eat or drink. Don’t try bandaging the injury – just keep it still.

15. Hypothermia – Cold Exhaustion Call supervisor / Leader Prevention: Warm & windproof Clothes (as appropriate) Sufficient rest & food Keep an eye on each other – Buddy system Symptoms: Feeling cold Less communicative Disorientation Loss of coordination Treatment Get to shelter Remove wet clothes, replace with dry clothes and wrap with sleeping bag / space blanket etc Warm drinks & high energy food

16. Heat Exhaustion Call supervisor / Leader Prevention: Appropriate Clothing Sufficient rest, drink & food Keep an eye on each other – Buddy system Symptoms: Headache & dizziness Confusion Feeling sick (nausea) Sweating & clammy skin Stomach cramps & rapid breathing Treatment Get to cool place – out of the sun Try to cool down, splash water on the skin or apply dampened towel or cloth. Drink water (not too quickly)

17. Dehydration Call supervisor / Leader Prevention: Drink plenty of water through out the day particularly before starting & when reaching camp Keep an eye on each other – Buddy system Symptoms: Tiredness & disorientation Thirsty Very concentrated yellow urine Vomiting Treatment Rest Drink water - small amounts at a time

18. Asthma Attack Call supervisor / Leader Treatment: Keep calm Sit patient upright Help patient use inhaler If attack is severe or lasts a long time call for emergency services Symptoms: Difficulty breathing Wheezy breath Pale & clammy skin Grey / blue lips

19. Allergic Reaction - Anaphylaxis Call supervisor / Leader Symptoms: Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, neck and eyes Difficulty breathing Fast weak pulse Red blotchy rash on the skin Anxiety Response: Call for emergency help Sit or lie the patient down If patient has an EpiPen help them to inject themselves

20. The Recovery Position Why a recovery position? When a casualty is unconscious and lying on their back their airways can be blocked by the tongue or vomit. Placing a casualty in the recovery position protects the airways from both these dangers keeping the airway clear and reducing risk of inhaling vomit What is the recovery position? To keep their airway clear and reduce risk of inhaling vomit

21. The Recovery Position

22. First Aid Kits To keep their airway clear and reduce risk of inhaling vomit

23. All first aid incidents, however small, must be reported to a Leader / Supervisor Minor incidents – this could be when you next see them later in the day Other incidents - contact them immediately particularly if: An incident is serious enough that an individual is unable to continue You have to call 999 / 112 You are in doubt about whether or not you should call them.