Wound Care
Treatment for simple cuts and scrapes (4a)
Clean the qwound, apply pressure if needed, use antibiotic ointment, and cover with a sterile bandage
Bite of a warm-blooded animal (6a)
Wash the wound thoroughly, control bleeding, and seek medical attention due to the risk of disease.
Frostbite and sunburn (4a)
For frostbite: Warm the area slowly with body heat or warm water (not hot). For sunburn: Cool the skin, apply aloe, and protect the skin from further sun exposure.
Shock and hyperventilation (6b) (6a)
For shock, keep the person lying down, elevate the legs, keep them warm, and reassure them. For hyperventilation, have the person breathe slowly into a paper bag or cupped hands, calm them down, and encourage slow, controlled breathing.
Importance of the buddy system (5a)
Always hike or camp with at least one other person so someone can get help if needed.
Treatment for blisters on the hand and foot (4a)
Clean the area, drain if necessary, protect with a bandage or moleskin, and avoid popping.
Puncture wounds from a splinter, nail, or fishhook(6a)
Remove the object if easy, clean thoroughly, bandage, and seek medical help.
Heat exhaustion (6a)
Move to shade, cool the person, give fluids, and rest.
Serious bleeding (6b)
Apply direct pressure, elevate if possible, use pressure points or a tourniquet only if trained.
Prevent or reduce injuries and exposure on a hike or campout (4c) (6c)
While on a campout or hike, you can prevent or reduce injuries and exposure by wearing proper clothing and sturdy footwear, staying hydrated, using sunscreen and insect repellent, watching for hazards like poisonous plants, avoiding overexertion, and practicing good campsite safety.
Treatments for bites or stings of insects and ticks (4a)
Remove stinger if present, wash with soap and water, apply ice, and watch for allergic reaction.
Venomous snakebite (4a)
Keep victim calm, immobilize the bitten area below heart level, and get to medical help immediately.
Signals of a heart attack and steps in CPR (7c)
Signals of a heart attack include persistent uncomfortable pressure in the center of the chest, unusual sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, and a feeling of weakness. Call 911 immediately and be ready to do CPR if breathing or pulse stops.
Choking (4a)
If the victim is unconscious or unable to breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver.
What to do in case of accidents requiring emergency response (6d)
Check for scene safety, call for help, and do not move the victim unless necessary.
Minor burns/scalds and serious (partial thickness / second-degree) burns (4a)(6a)
For minor (first-degree) burns or scalds, cool with water and cover loosely. For serious burns that are partial-thickness or second-degree (blistered and very painful), cool if possible, cover loosely with a sterile nonstick dressing or clean cloth, do not pop blisters, and seek medical help.
Nosebleed (4a)
Sit upright, lean slightly forward, pinch soft part of nose for 10 minutes.
Hypothermia (6b)
Warm the person gradually, give warm fluids, prevent further heat loss.
Ingested poisoning (6b)
Call poison control, do not induce vomiting unless instructed, save container.
Information to provide to a responder (6d)
Give the exact location, number of victims, type of injuries, and what help is needed.
Object in the eye (6a)
Remove the object by flushing with clean water; do not rub the eye.
Poisonous or hazardous plants and treatment for exposure (4b)
Common plants in Delaware include poison ivy (leaves of three, let it be) and poison sumac. Identify them, avoid touching, and if exposed, wash skin immediately with soap and water, use calamine lotion or cool compresses for rash.
Dehydration (6a)
Give fluids slowly, rest in shade, replace electrolytes if possible.
Stroke and heatstroke (6a) (6b)
Stroke - Recognize facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty — call emergency services immediately.
Heatstroke: rapid cooling (ice packs, wet sheets); call emergency services immediately.
How to respond to a vehicular accident (6e)
Ensure the scene is safe, check for breathing and responsiveness, and call for help.