Camping in the bush and getting away from it all can provide a wonderful break, however it can bring us into contact with hazards and creepy crawlies not often faced in city living. Being miles from anywhere takes on quite a different meaning when faced with an emergency! So when you're camping or bush walking, far from medical help, being up-to-date with first aid techniques and having a well-stocked first aid kit can be vital.
What should I do?
It is essential that you try to remain calm and think your actions through. This gives everyone, including the patient, confidence in helping to reduce panic.
Before starting treatment it is worthwhile to take a little time to make a diagnosis, giving everyone confidence that the situation is being handled efficiently and effectively.
Once assessed, and with the help of a well-stocked first aid kit, you'll be able to treat the injury until medical assistance is available.
What causes it?
Dehydration happens when body fluid loss, through perspiration, is greater than fluid intake. It's generally due to lengthy exposure to heat and/or humidity. Prolonged dehydration can lead to shock and even death.
What are the symptoms?
How is it treated?
What causes it?
Heat exhaustion occurs after prolonged physical exertion in hot and/or humid weather.
What are the symptoms?
How is it treated?
What is it?
Heat stroke is when the body's temperature regulation centre in the brain ceases to function causing the body's temperature to continually rise. Eventually brain damage and even death can result.
What are the symptoms?
How is it treated?
What is a simple fracture?
A simple fracture doesn't pierce the skin although if not looked after, it can become a compound fracture.
How is a simple fracture treated?
Basic care and treatment relies on immobilisation and splinting of the injury.
Finger - strap broken finger to adjacent finger
Lower arm - splint entire forearm and immobilise in a sling
Upper arm - place arm in a sling and bandage upper arm to chest
Leg -splint leg or strap legs together if patient can be carried
Use your imagination if you need a splint. A straight piece of wood, a rolled up newspaper or magazine, even a rolled up blanket will do! The main aim is to keep the limb as immobile and comfortable as possible. Make sure the splint extends beyond both sides of the fracture and carefully elevate the limb to slow bloodflow to the wound.
What is a compound fracture?
A compound fracture pierces the skin which can result in serious bleeding. Do not apply pressure to a compound fracture to stop the bleeding.
How is a compound fracture treated?
What is a sprain?
A sprain is a tear of the ligaments attached to a joint. It can also include blood vessel, nerve and tendon damage. As ankles are the most common sprains, avoid removing boots until the sprain can be treated.
What are the symptoms?
How are sprains treated?
What do I do first?
Pressure points
If the wound is still bleeding excessively use pressure points - press the artery closest to the wound between your fingers and the bone behind the artery. This may require the heel of your hand. Tourniquet - yes or no? Only use a tourniquet when everything else has failed and the patient's life is at stake as it can result in the patient loosing the limb altogether.
How are burns treated?
The faster a burn is treated the less severe it may be.
When should I get help?
Seek medical help when
What should I put on a burn?
DO NOT put butter or greasy ointments on a burn. They seal heat into the wound and can cause infection.
What symptoms should I look for?
What should I do?
What should I do if there is an allergic reaction?
The greatest risk from insect bites is an allergic reaction. Use antihistamine lotion (or tablets) to treat mild reactions. If you know you require medication for allergic reactions, make sure you carry it with you at all times.
What helps with the itching?
Tea-tree oil and antihistamines help control itching.
How should I remove a bee sting?
A bee sting will usually cause pain, swelling and itching. However, a severe allergic reaction in some people can result in respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. In these cases apply pressure immobilisation and get medical help immediately.
Otherwise:
DO NOT squeeze the area around the sting as this only injects more venom into the person
Where do they hide?
Unfortunately ticks are very difficult to see so each night conduct a thorough self-examination, especially around your groin and armpits. Children are most at risk, and should be double-checked in susceptible areas as well as behind the ears and the back of the neck.
What are the symptoms of tick bite?
These generally develop over several days but allergic reactions can occur rapidly.
General symptoms include
Allergic reactions may include rapid local swelling, wheezing and breathing difficulties and collapse.
How are they removed?
Where are they found?
Leeches are generally found in dank wet areas such as rainforests, creeks or among fallen trees. They can be attached to the underside of rocks, vegetation and logs or around ponds and puddles. They are attracted by body warmth and movement, finding their way into socks and jeans, where they latch onto skin and begin sucking.
How can I get rid of them?
Don't ever pull a leech off your skin as the anticoagulant remains where they were attached and you continue to bleed!
How can I try to avoid them?
In leech infested areas always wear
What should it contain?
Remember to update or replace items before each trip.
Excellent pre-packaged first aid kits are available from St John Ambulance Australia. Prices and types vary from state to state, but expect to pay around $45 for a Hikers Kit and $90 for a Family Kit.
Your local St John Ambulance publishes a number of excellent handbooks. They also conduct first aid courses. The Introductory First Aid course takes eight hours and costs $65. The four-hour CPR course costs $55 and the Remote Area First Aid course costs $185 and takes three days. For more information contact www.stjohn.org.au or call
NSW (02) 9212 1088;
VIC 13 13 94;
QLD 1300 360 455;
SA (08) 8274 0331;
WA (08) 9334 1222;
ACT (02) 6282 2399;
TAS (03) 6223 7177;
NT (08) 279 9111
4WD
