Common Health Conditions
This common non-injury-related health issue at camp can be prevented by using a bottle
Dehydration
This portable medical device that anyone can use and can save a life is located in three locations around camp
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
Preventing sunburn with this common item is really important, even on days that don't seem so sunny
Sunscreen
These two primary items that camp staff should use regularly to prevent the spread of germs are available throughout camp
Hand Sanitizer and Soap
This may be the first sign of a severe allergic reaction
Difficulty breathing or hives
Often caused by prolonged exposure to wet grounds or rainy weather, this condition can affect campers' feet (even the non-sporty ones!)
Athlete's Foot
This would be the right thing to do if you came upon someone who is suffering from shock
Have them lay down and elevate their feet
This is how often campers should be applying sunscreen or insect repellent throughout an average day at camp
Every time they will be going outside, and it should be reapplied after going into the lake or pool because it can wash off (even the "waterproof" kind!)
These common incidents for staff members could be prevented with greater care
Slips, trips, and falls that cause injuries
My camper falls at soccer and complains of a hurt ankle, and assessing this may tell me if they need to go to the Health Center
Can they move or put weight on the injured ankle?
Contrary to popular belief, camp food is not the leading cause of stomach illness - it's most often this condition
Constipation (or viral gastroenteritis)
Applying pressure would actually be a great thing to do if someone were dealing with this emergency
Bleeding
Name one of the three most important things to consider when maintaining hydration (for campers or staff members)
(1) Drinking water regularly, (2) avoiding excessive physical exertion, or (3) staying in the shade when possible
My camper is feeling very unwell...these should be my first steps
Separate the camper from other campers if possible, quickly assess their symptoms, and then seek assistance from the Medical Team or another staff member
These are symptoms that may indicate a case of heat stroke
High body temperature, altered mental state or behavior, alteration in sweating, nausea and vomiting
This type of skin condition can turn an everyday mosquito bite into a very contagious infection that nobody really wants
Impetigo
If you're making S'mores with your campers and someone suffers a minor burn, this would be the best immediate treatment
Cool the burn under cold running water for at least 10 minutes and cover it with a sterile dressing
Avoiding poison ivy exposure will help prevent getting poison ivy...this is the rhyme that can remind us how to steer clear of this common plant
"Leaves of three, let them be!"
Counselors who display this can promote positive mental health and help build resilience among campers
Positive attitude
I can look for this when looking at a camper's wound to tell me that something is infected and should be checked by the Medical Team
Redness, swelling, and pus
This common respiratory condition affects many campers and staff members
Asthma
Responding to a camper who has fallen and is unconscious (but still breathing) might require a staff member to do these steps
Move them into a recovery position, monitor their condition, and immediately get help from another member of the staff (preferably a member of the Medical Team, if possible)
It is on these days of the week that we should make sure to check our campers and ourselves for ticks
All of them (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday!)
Counselors who consistently model these practices will teach campers the importance of personal cleanliness and disease prevention (and they will also be a lot more fun to be around!)
Good hygiene
Besides tasting great with sushi, this definition of what "RICE" stands for can be important when dealing with a sprained ankle
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation