Byline: Aaron Derr
Imagine this scenario: Everyone is enjoying the day at Scout camp when suddenly you hear one of your buddies cry out in pain. You and a friend rush over to find a Scout crumpled on the ground clutching his ankle, complaining of pain in his collarbone and bleeding lightly from a cut on his head.Turns out he took a spill while goofing around near a fallen tree.
Your buddy needs your help. Would you know what to do?
You’ll be better prepared for such a scenario if you can practice in advance. Consider organizing a drill complete with victims, helpful Scouts and a medical expert nearby.
First, select a handful of Scouts to play “victims.” Have some adults whisper different symptoms to each of the victims.
Let’s say one is feeling dizzy and weak while sweating profusely.
Another has a hand injury.
And one took a spill and hurt his ankle, shoulder and head.
The rest of the troop should come up with a diagnosis and treatment, using real medical supplies such as gauze and bandages. In some situations, you might have to get creative, for instance, using a neckerchief as an arm sling.
Invite a local emergency medical technician to supervise the event and offer any suggestions.
Scouts whose troops choose next month’s suggested program theme, First Aid, will learn the skills needed to help an injured person. In the process they’ll gain confidence knowing they are prepared to act in case of emergency.
Find complete program details in “Troop Program Features” Vol. II (BSA Supply No. 33111, 1-800-323-0732, www.boyslife.org/links/scoutstuff). Learn more about First Aid in the merit badge pamphlets “First Aid” (No. 33301B), “Emergency Preparedness” (No. 33368B) and “Lifesaving” (No. 33297B).
Be Still!
It’s best to keep a seriously injured person still until an emergency crew arrives with the proper equipment to move him. If the victim is in danger and must be moved, move him only as far as necessary. Do not allow a person to walk with an injury to his foot, ankle, leg, back or hip.
WHAT TO DO
Here are six common injuries (some severe, some not so much) and the best way to treat them.
* Broken Finger
The Scoop: There are two kinds of fractures. A closed, or simple, fracture is when the skin is not broken. A compound, or open, fracture is when there is a wound through the skin at the point of the broken bone.
The Treatment: If you are treating a compound fracture, control the bleeding by applying a clean dressing. Do not try to “fix” the bone or clean out the wound. The bandage should be snug but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. Loosen the wrap if the victim notices numbness or tingling.
* Collarbone Injury
The Scoop: Did you know that your collarbone won’t completely harden until you’re 20 years old? Collarbone fractures are common for those who participate in strenuous physical activity, such as biking or other sports.
The Treatment: Do not move the injured area to test for pain. Instead, have the victim point to where it hurts. Look for swelling, bruising and an abnormal shape at the spot. Immobilize the fracture with an arm sling. Keep the victim as still as possible.
* Heat Exhaustion
The Scoop: When your body gets overheated and can’t coot itself off, you can suffer from heat exhaustion. Look for pale skin, heavy sweating, dizziness and nausea, headaches, muscle cramps and tiredness.
The Treatment: If you can’t get the victim into an air-conditioned room, have him lie down in a cool spot and raise his feet. Keep him cool with wet cloths. Have him sip water.
* Hypothermia
The Scoop: “Hypo” = “lack of.” “Thermia” = “heat.” Guess what hypothermia means? It doesn’t have to be freezing to get hypothermia. An unexpected rainstorm combined with clothing that doesn’t dry quickly can lead to hypothermia even if the temperature is only fairly cool.
The Treatment: Get the victim warm and dry to prevent further heat loss. If you can’t get him inside, zip him inside a sleeping bag and cover his head with a warm hat or hood. Give him warm drinks and hot soup if available.
* Sprained Ankle
The Scoop: It’s easy to twist your ankle when walking on uneven ground or carrying a backpack. Twist it hard enough and you’ll strain the ligaments and muscles. Some ankle sprains cause only mild discomfort; others can cause you to be temporarily disabled.
The Treatment: if the victim is in serious pain, keep him still. Don’t take off his shoe–it’ll support the injury. Reinforce the ankle by wrapping it with the shoe on. Help him walk, or have a friend help you carry him, so he can get medical attention.
* Head InjuryThe Scoop: Injuries to the head, neck and back are very dangerous. They can be made worse if the victim tries to move or is further jolted.
The Treatment: Do not twist or bend the person’s head, neck or back. Control bleeding and apply dressing as needed. Get medical help.
No Matter What …
When a person is injured, his body might have trouble circulating blood to all of its parts. This is called shock.
Every accident victim should be treated for shock. Have the victim lie down and slightly raise his feet. Keep him warm, make sure he can breathe and give him water.
COPYRIGHT 2006 Boy Scouts of America, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group