101 - First Aid Basics

Learning Objectives

As a result of this experience, each participant should be able to:

• Complete advancement requirements T4acd, S3c.
• Assemble for themselves a personal first aid kit to take on a hike.
• Treat for minor first aid (simple cuts, minor burns, nosebleed, bites and stings).
• Perform abdominal thrusts (formerly, the “Heimlich maneuver”).

Materials Required

• Example first aid kit and personal first aid kit.
• Bandages suitable for simple cuts, burns, etc.

Discovery

Display the first aid kit and example first aid kit. Answer any questions the scouts may have about the first aid kit. Get a feeling for how much each one already knows about first aid.

Teaching-Learning

1. What is in a first aid kit?
   1. Briefly go through the items in your example first aid kit and their uses.
   2. What goes in your personal first aid kit?
      1. Adhesive bandages.
      2. Small role of adhesive tape.
      3. Latex gloves.
      4. Moleskin
2. Simple First Aid (consult current first aid manual).
   1. Simple cuts and scratches.
      1. Clean wound with soap and water.
      2. Allow wound to dry and then apply an adhesive bandage.
   2. Blisters on hand and foot.
      1. Surround the tender spot with a doughnut bandage of moleskin when you notice a hot spot forming on your hand or foot.
      2. If the blister must be broken, sterilize a pin in the flame of a match.
      3. Prick the blister near the edge and press the fluid out.
      4. Keep the wound clean with a sterile bandage and protect it from pressure with a doughnut.
   3. First degree burns.
      1. Treat immediately with cold water. Keep the burn under water until there is little or no pain.
      2. Apply a moist bandage loosely.
      3. Where water is not available apply a clean, dry dressing.
   4. Bites or Stings of insects and ticks
      1. Ticks: cover the tick with a grease. It will back out on its own.
      2. Other Insects: Remove carefully any stinger and relieve the pain with ice water.
   5. Poisonous snakes.
      1. Get medical help immediately. If you know what kind of snake it was, tell the doctor.
      2. Have the victim lie down. Keep him calm and quiet.
      3. Elevate the would above the heart.
      4. Treat the victim for shock.
   6. Nosebleed:
      1. Have the victim sit up and lean forward slightly.
      2. Press the bleeding nostril toward the center.
      3. Apply a cool, wet cloth to the nose and face.
   7. Poisonous Plants:
      1. Know how to identify poisonous plants in the area. Show scouts how to do this on a campout.
      2. Treat the area by rinsing it off with water to remove oils.
      3. Wash clothing that may have the oils of the plant on it.
      4. Calamine lotion may relieve itching.
3. Abdominal Thrusts (formerly, the “Heimlich maneuver”).
   1. Step behind the victim and put your arms around his midsection.
   2. Clasp your hands together with the knuckle of one thumb just above his navel.
   3. With a sharp, inward thrust drive your hands up under the victim’s rib cage.
   4. If the food doesn’t pop loose repeat.
4. Test the scout’s knowledge at this month’s event.

Application

Allow scouts to practice their first aid and talk about preparing their personal first aid kits. Tell them to bring their kits to the next meeting and on the outing for the month.