1. Skill Section: Wilderness First Aid

2. Skill 6/17: Blisters

3. Learning Intention: To equip you with the knowledge to avoid and treat blisters.

4. Success Criteria: By the end of this session everyone should be able to: Describe what steps to take to avoid and treat blisters when walking. Some of you may be able to: Apply zinc oxide tape to hot-spots.

5. Activities: 1.Brainstorm/Powerpoint: - What causes blisters? - What can you do to avoid them? - How should you treat them? 2. Practical - Zinc Oxide tape - Blister pads

6. What is a blister?

7.  Your body’s way of protecting a sore area from further harm by creating a cushion of fluid

8. What causes blisters?

9.  Friction between your skin and your sock or boot due to… - Poor fit - Poor foot preparation

10. Preparation

11.  Try out your boots (and socks) before a long walk  If boots are loose, tighten laces or wear additional socks  If boots are too tight, get bigger ones  Apply Zinc Oxide tape to known hot-spots beforehand

12. Zinc Oxide tape?

13.  Available from chemists  Should be a roll (or two) in your 1 st Aid Kit  Doesn’t rub off or take skin away (unlike plasters!)  Helps conduct heat away from hot spots

14. On the walk

15.  If your feet start to hurt, STOP and address the problem  Adjust boots/socks  If you do not fix the problem, it will get much worse  Apply tape to hot-spots

16. Treatment

17.  If you do get a blister… - Don’t burst it until you get home - This risks infection & greater damage to skin

18.  If it bursts by itself… - Use antiseptic cream - Apply ZOx tape and/or blister pad - If possible, let it dry out overnight

19. Questions?

20. Videos: Cotswold: Preventing Blisters (4.47) NOLS: Lacing a hiking boot (5.20)