Monthly Archives: April 2013

No matter the type of disaster, it isn’t just the event itself that can cause an injury. After the unthinkable happens there is always an increased chance of injury, and with medical help often spread thin over the affected area, there’s no worse time to get hurt. In many cases, some of the most dangerous situations may not be obvious. The Center for Disease Control has a great guide to help you stay safe.

Source: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/injury/facts.asp

Spring is full of many things. While the things on most people’s mind are sunshine, flowers, and fun, looming in behind it all for many is the constant threat of allergies. Allergies are triggered by many things, most of which are dense in the air during springtime. Learn more about allergy triggers from WebMD.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/allergy-triggers

Most people enjoy an outdoor camping trip sometime during the summer months with their family. The majority of them will be sure to grab their tent, some clothes, and their basic necessities, such as personal hygiene products. What they sometimes fail to remember, however, are those items that they may need in case of an emergency. Whenever you go out into the wilderness, it is essential to remember your first-aid kit and the necessary supplies that will keep you safe in case of an emergency. You also want to make sure that you know how to navigate through the woods and take care of yourself should you get separated from the group you’re with. It is important to be prepared no matter what situations arise.

Learn to Read a Compass

Before you go on your trip, you need to be sure that you know how to read a compass. There is always the possibility that you could get lost, and a compass would come in handy if that were to happen. You should also try and get a map of the area you will be in, so you can try to navigate your way through the area if it comes to that. Sure, you might have GPS on your phone, but phones easily lose service when out in a wooded area.

Learn to Start a Fire

You need to be sure to  bring your matches along, because once it gets cold at night, you will need a fire to keep you warm. In case you forget the matches, you better be sure you know how to start a fire without them. First, find anything dry that can be used as tinder. Good examples of this are dried moss and shredded plants or leaves. You can also add some pocket lint from your coat pocket. You will then want to gather your firewood. Don’t forget to choose different sizes. You will need little pieces of kindling that are only about as thick as a toothpick, but longer, as well as some about the size of a pencil, and then the larger pieces that should be as thick as your arm. The larger pieces should be put into a teepee shape while the smaller pieces need to be placed underneath them in the middle. The easiest way to start a fire is by taking a pocket knife and striking it against a magnesium strip. Light your tinder on fire using the spark from this and place it on top of the small sticks you have. If you don’t have a strip on hand, find a rock. The best type to use is quartz. There are many methods to use for starting a fire, so find the best one that works for you and be sure you know how to do it when the time comes.

Pack a First-Aid Kit

You will need to be sure that you bring your first-aid kit along when you go on your trip. Whatever type of accident that can happen while out in the wilderness, you will need to be prepared for. Make sure the kit includes gauze, big and small bandages, ibuprofen or aspirin, anti-bacterial cream, a burn-relief pack, scissors, tweezers, and any other possible item that might be necessary if you were to get sick or injured. You may never use any of these items, but you don’t want to be left without if you do end up needing them.

Outdoor First Aid Kits

Keep Bugs Away

Everyone knows that mosquitos and other bugs are seen quite often during the summertime. They are especially active in wooded areas where most people camp. For that reason, every camper needs to be sure to pack insect repellent. This will do a good job of helping to keep the bugs away. You may still get some bites however, and that is why you should also bring along some insect sting-relief pads. You don’t want to spend your entire trip feeling itchy, so the pads will help with that.

Let Someone Know Where You’ll Be

Any time before you head out, you should let someone else know where you will be and when you plan on coming home. If something were to happen that left you stranded in the woods, you will have a greater chance of getting found if someone knows where to look for you. Tell them where you are headed and let them know that you will call them on your way home. If they haven’t heard from you and can not get ahold of you, then they’ll know it’s time to call in some help.

A camping trip can be a great experience for you and your family, but you need to be sure that you are fully prepared for it. Pack the appropriate gear and items, and make sure you have a map of your surroundings. Always let someone else know your whereabouts, and learn how to properly use a compass and start a fire before you go. As long as you remember these things, you will be well prepared for your trip. Now all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the trip, and hope nothing goes wrong that will require you to put this knowledge to use.

This cycle in First Aid Mart took we take a walk on the wild side, as we talk about pet first aid awareness month. Other topics include staying safe in the sun and how to treat someone in shock. As always, the topics are both informative and entertaining!

• Spring is here, and that means it’s time for fun in the sun! Be careful though. Make sure to take precautions to protect your skin.
• As the snow melts and spring showers start, the risk of mud and landslides increases. Don’t be caught unprepared if you live in a danger area.
• Don’t underestimate the damage that shock can do; it can be a life-threatening condition. Learn to spot the signs and symptoms, and how to properly treat them.
• Cuts and lacerations may be common, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t serious. Depending on the severity, on the spot first aid may be more than just a good idea-- it could save a life.
• Pets are a joy, and it’s no wonder that they often become just as valued as members of the family. That bond also bears a responsibility though, and all pet owners should take advantage of “Pet First Aid Awareness Month,” to brush up on their animal first aid.
• To wrap things up we took a closer look at why pet first aid is such a good idea. The last thing any pet owner would want is to be caught in a crisis and unable to help their companion.

For pet owners everywhere, it isn’t unusual to think of your furry, feathery, or scaly friend as part of the family. Although dogs claim ownership of the title “man’s best friend,” pets of all types can lodge themselves in their owners hearts. With the strong bonds that can form between owners and pets, it’s no surprise that people will go to great lengths to keep them fit and healthy. The right food, a comfortable living space, regular trips to the vet, and a whole lot of love usually do the trick.

However, just like humans, there are times when pets require first aid. Although taking them to a trained professional is preferable, just like their owners there are times where it isn’t possible, or they require some care on the spot. Because of this, it’s important for all pet owners to know some basic first aid skills to treat their specific pet. To encourage this learning, April has been designated as “Pet First Aid Awareness Month.” Just a few hours spent educating yourself can make a big difference when your pet needs you the most. Our pets aren’t able to help themselves, so it’s up to us to make sure we do everything we can to keep them healthy.

Most people understand the value of learning basic first aid skills in case of an emergency, but fewer people realize that it is not just humans that can sometimes need our help in a crisis. April is animal first aid awareness month, so whether you’re a proud pet owner, or simply an individual who loves animals, this is the month to brush up on your animal first aid skills. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this article by the Catoosa Times.

Source: http://catoosatimes.com/news/april-is-pet-first-aid-awareness-month/article_05962fcc-a39f-11e2-93e2-001a4bcf887a.html

Prepare: Pet Emergency & First Aid

They are some of the most common injuries, but if not treated promptly and correctly, serious cuts and lacerations can become medical emergencies very quickly. No matter how severe, it is imperative that a cut or laceration receive immediate first aid (even if it’s while en route to, or waiting for, professional medical assistance). To learn the skills necessary to treat these injuries, check out this article on WedMD.

Source: http://firstaid.webmd.com/cuts-or-lacerations-treatment

Any individual who has suffered an injury, or simply experienced an extremely traumatic event, may suffer from shock. Although it can often be overshadowed by the event or injury that caused it, it is an important first aid skill to be able to quickly spot the symptoms of this life-threatening condition and treat them. This guide from wikiHow walks you through the signs, symptoms, and treatments.

Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Shock

As the saying goes, April brings showers... however, those spring rains can bring more than just May flowers. Depending on the amount of rainfall you get this spring and where you live, you could be in a danger zone for a mud or landslide. While it’s unlikely that the unthinkable will happen to you, it pays to be prepared. For a guide on how to do just that, check out this article from the Center of Disease Control.

Source: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/landslides.asp

With winter all but gone, it can be tempting to try and soak up every ray of sun that comes your way. While there’s nothing wrong with catching up on your sunshine, if you’re over-eager you might cut the corners when it comes to proper protection. The risk isn’t worth it, and the editors of Consumer Guide have 10 ways to protect yourself on Discovery Health.

Source: http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/sun-care/10-ways-to-protect-skin-from-sun-damage1.htm