Rusnik Campground - First Aid Page

First Aid Forum

First Aid Kit Supplies

Here's a checklist you can use for building your own first aid kit.

Plastic bandages	Transpore tape	Alcohol preps
Adhesive bandages	Micropore tape	Gauze
Extra large plastic bandages	Iodine prep pads	Fingertip bandages
Sterile pads	Antiseptic towelettes	Knuckle bandages
Antiseptic ointment	Ammonia inhalant	Sponge packs
Instant ice packs	Sterile eye wash	Elastic bandages
Eye pads	Safety pins	First aid cream
Bandage scissors	Tweezers	Butterfly bandages
Water tight utility box for contents	Burn gel to treat burns	Burn bandages
Adhesive spots	Extra large strips	Surgical tape
Sponges	Pain reliever

Nosebleed

A nosebleed is sudden bleeding from one or both nostrils, and may result from a variety of events: a punch in the nose, breathing dry air, allergies, or for no apparent reason. To stop the flow of blood from a common nosebleed, use these steps:

1. Sit or stand upright to slow the flow of blood in the veins of the nose. Do not tip your head back.

2. Pinch your nose with your thumb and forefinger for 10 minutes without relieving pressure. Breathe through your mouth during this time.

3. If the bleeding continues despite these efforts, consult your doctor or call 911.

Cuts and Scrapes

Small cuts and scrapes usually don't demand a visit to the emergency room of your local hospital, but proper care is necessary to keep infections or other complications from occurring. When dealing with minor wounds, keep the following guidelines in mind:

1.    Stop the bleeding by applying pressure using a gauze pad or clean cloth. If the bleeding persists after several minutes of applying pressure, get immediate medical attention.

2.    Keep the wound clean by washing the area with mild soap and water and removing any dirt. Dry the area gently with a clean cloth, and cover the wound with a protective bandage. Change the bandage at least once a day. If the wound becomes tender to the touch and red or oozes fluid, see your doctor.

3.    If your cut is more serious and the bleeding does not stop on its own or the cut is large, deep, or rough on the edges, try to stop the bleeding by applying pressure directly to the injury using a sterilized gauze pad or clean cloth. Maintain pressure on the wound until the bleeding stops. Then consult your physician. A tetanus booster may be required if you haven't had one for a while.

Severe Bleeding

To stop serious bleeding, follow these steps:

1.    Lay the affected person down. If possible, the person's head should be slightly lower than the trunk of his or her body or the legs should be elevated. This position increases blood flow to the brain. Elevate the site of bleeding, if possible to reduce the blood flow.

2.    Do not attempt to clean the wound.

3.    Apply steady, firm pressure directly to the wound using a sterile bandage, a clean cloth, or your hand. Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops, then wrap the wound with a tight dressing and secure it with adhesive tape. Most bleeding can be controlled this way. Call for emergency help immediately.

4.    If the bleeding continues and seeps through the bandage, add more absorbent material. Do not remove the first bandage.

5.    If the bleeding does not stop, apply pressure to the major artery that delivers blood to the area of the injury (see Major Arterial Pressure Points).

6.    When the bleeding has stopped, immobilize the injured portion of the body. You can use another part of the body, such as a leg or torso, to immobilize the area. Leave the bandages in place and take the person for immediate medical attention or call for emergency help.

Burns

Burns can be caused by fire, the sun, chemicals, heated objects or fluids, and electricity. They can be minor problems or life-threatening emergencies. Distinguishing a minor burn from a more serious burn involves determining the degree of damage to the tissues of the body. If you are not sure how serious the burn is, seek emergency medical help.

First-degree burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned. The skin is usually red and some swelling and pain may occur. Unless the burn involves large portions of the body, it can be treated at home.

Second-degree burns are those in which the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin is also burned. In these burns, the skin reddens intensely and blisters develop. Severe pain and swelling also occur. If a second-degree burn is no larger than 2 or 3 inches in diameter, it can be treated at home. If the burn covers a larger area, seek medical attention. You may need a tetanus booster.

Third-degree burns are the most serious and involve all layers of skin. Fat, nerves, muscles, and even bones may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear a dry white. If nerve damage is substantial, there may be no pain at all. These burns should receive emergency medical attention.

Follow these steps when treating minor burns at home:

1.If the skin is not broken, run cool water over the burn for several minutes.

2.Cover the burn with a sterile bandage or clean cloth.

3.Take aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve any swelling or pain.

Seek emergency treatment immediately for major burns. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:

1. Remove the person from the source of the burn (fire, electrical current, etc.).

2. If the person is not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation immediately (see Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation).

3. Remove all smoldering clothing to stop further burning.

4. If the person is breathing sufficiently, cover the burned area with a cool, moist, sterile bandage or clean cloth. Do not place any creams, ointments or ice on the burned area or break blisters

Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich Maneuver is the best known method of removing an object from the airway of a person who is choking. You can use it on yourself or someone else. These are the steps:

1. Stand behind the choking person and wrap your arms around his or her waist. Bend the person slightly forward.

2. Make a fist with one hand and place it slightly above the person's navel.

3. Grasp your fist with the other hand and press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust. Repeat this procedure until the object is expelled from the airway.

If you must perform this maneuver on yourself, position your own fist slightly above your navel. Grasp your fist with your other hand and thrust upward into your abdomen until the object is expelled.

Disclaimer: The information above has been provided as reference material only. For emergencies you should contact trained medical personnel.

Rusnik Family Campground
Route 1, Box 5441
Salisbury, Massachusetts
summer: 978.462.9551
winter: 978.465.5295