Natural disasters
Kitchen fire, minor burn
Cool the burn, apply ointment, loosely cover with a sterile dressing.
Car CRASH, Whiplash and head injuries
Keep the person still and calm. Support their head and neck—do not move them unless there's immediate danger. Monitor for signs of concussion (confusion, vomiting, uneven pupils). Call emergency services.
Sprained Ankle – Swelling and Pain)
A sprained ankle is relatively easy to treat in the woods by resting, applying ice, wrapping the ankle, and elevating it.
Nail Puncture – Small Penetration to Skin
A nail puncture is easy to treat by cleaning the wound, applying pressure to stop any bleeding, and covering it with a sterile bandage to prevent infection.
Slipping on a Banana Peel – Mild Bruise or Sprain
A slip from a banana peel typically results in a mild bruise or sprain, easily treated with rest, ice, and elevation to reduce swelling.
Flash flood, deep leg cut
Apply Tourniquet, clean, apply a dressing/Gauze, watch for signs of shock or infection.
Knife Cut
Apply firm pressure with gauze or a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Once bleeding slows, clean the wound gently with water or antiseptic wipe. Cover with a sterile dressing and secure it with a bandage. If the cut is very deep or doesn’t stop bleeding, seek medical help.
Poison Ivy Rash – Itching and Inflammation
Treating a poison ivy rash involves washing the area, applying calamine lotion, and keeping it clean, but it can be difficult to avoid further irritation or spreading.
Minor Cut – From Sharp Tools or Metal Edges
Treating a minor cut involves cleaning the wound, applying antiseptic, and covering it with a bandage, but deeper cuts might require more attention to prevent infection.
Getting Stuck in a Hammock – Mild Strain or Discomfort
Getting stuck in a hammock may cause a mild strain or discomfort from awkward positioning, but it’s easy to treat by gently repositioning the body and resting the muscles.
Tornado Debris, broken arm
Immobilize the arm with a splint or sling, minimize movement, manage pain, and monitor for shock
Electrical Fire – Burns and Smoke Inhalation
Turn off power if safe, then cool burns with clean water. Cover burns with sterile, non-stick dressings. For smoke inhalation, move the person to fresh air and monitor breathing. If unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position.
Blister – Friction or Tight Footwear
Treating a blister is somewhat easy by cleaning it, draining it, and covering it with a bandage, but managing pressure and preventing infection can be tricky on a long hike.
Sprained Wrist – From Lifting or Falling
A sprained wrist can be treated with rest, ice, and compression, but it can be challenging to immobilize effectively in a construction setting where you need mobility.
Slipping While Taking a Selfie – Neck Broken by Tree Branch
If you slip while taking a selfie and break your neck on a tree branch, do not move the victim. Immobilize the neck using available materials, like a jacket, to prevent further injury. Monitor breathing, and if necessary, perform CPR without moving the neck. Keep the person warm to prevent shock and call for immediate medical help, as spinal injuries require urgent attention and evacuation.
Wild Fire, BURNS AND Smoke inhalation
Cover burns with a sterile, non-stick dressing, avoid breaking blisters, treat for shock, and monitor breathing.
Chemical Spill – Eye or Skin Irritation
Flush the affected area with clean water for at least 15 minutes. For eyes, tilt the head so the chemical drains away from the other eye. Remove contaminated clothing and avoid touching the chemical directly. Use gloves from the kit if available.
Tick Bite – Potential Lyme Disease Risk
Removing a tick properly and managing a tick bite can be more difficult, especially if there are concerns about Lyme disease, requiring monitoring and professional care afterward.
Fractured Bone – From Falling or Heavy Impact
A fractured bone requires immediate immobilization, pain management, and professional care, which can be difficult to manage on-site without proper tools and transportation.
Staring at a Bird While Hiking – Stepping on a Snake and Getting Bitten
If you step on a snake and get bitten, stay calm and move away from the snake. Apply a tourniquet above the bite to slow venom spread but avoid tightening it too much. Clean the bite area gently, but do not try to suck out the venom. Keep the limb elevated and still, then call for medical assistance immediately, as a venomous snake bite requires antivenom and prompt treatment.
EARTHQUAKE- IMPALED
Do not remove the object. Use gauze and bandages to stabilize it. Control bleeding around the wound and monitor for shock.
Crowd Stampede – Broken Bones or Crushed Limbs
Do not move the person if there's a suspected spinal or leg injury unless necessary. Immobilize any broken bones with a splint or firm object wrapped in cloth. Treat for shock and keep them still until help arrives.
Cut or Laceration – Deep or Contaminated Wound
A deep or contaminated cut in the woods is very difficult to treat as it requires cleaning, stopping the bleeding, preventing infection, and possibly needing stitches or advanced medical care.
Crushed Limb – From Heavy Machinery or Falling Objects
A crushed limb is a severe injury that requires immediate first aid, such as controlling bleeding and preventing shock, but it’s difficult to treat fully without advanced medical intervention, especially in a remote or active construction site.
Dancing at a Party – Falling into a Hole and Breaking Your Arm and Ribs
If you fall into a hole and break both your arm and ribs, immobilize the arm with any available splint, and wrap the chest tightly with cloth to stabilize the ribs. Apply pressure to any open wounds to control bleeding, and encourage shallow breathing to minimize pain from the rib fractures. Call for emergency medical help right away, as broken ribs can lead to serious complications like punctured lungs.