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FIRST AID 

THESE FIRST AID TIPS ARE PROVIDED BY OUR MEMBERS BASED ON THEIR EXPERIENCES ON THE WATER FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.  THESE TIPS ARE NOT BASED ON ACTUAL PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT

FIRST AID BASICS

For certified first aid training, we recommend the AMERICAN RED CROSS.  They offer first aid and CPR classes online and in person to help individuals gain essential lifesaving skills. Please click the clickable link below for further information.

 

 

                                        AMERICAN RED CROSS

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EMERGENCY RESPONSE

DIAL 911 

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FIRST AID CHECKLIST

  • FIRST AID KIT

  • ADHESIVE BANDAGES IN VARIOUS SIZES

  • 3-INCH STERILE PADS

  • 1-3 INCH ROLLED BANDAGES

  • TWEEZERS AND BLUNT SCISSORS

  • COTTON BALLS

  • COTTON APPLICATORS

  • ANTISEPTIC

HEAT STROKE

Heatstroke is a condition caused by the body overheating.  This usually happens because of exposure to the high temperatures or physical activity in high temperatures for too long.  There are a few stages of heat injury, and heatstroke is the most serious.  It can happen if a body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.  Heatstroke is most common in the summer.

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Heatstroke needs emergency care.  If it is not treated, heatstroke can damage the brain, heart kidneys and muscles.  This damage gets worse the longer treatment is delayed, which increases the risk of serious complications or death.

SYMPTOMS

Heat Stroke symptoms include:

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  • High body temperature:  A high core body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is the main sign of heat stroke.

  • Change in mental state or behavior:  Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can result from heatstroke.

  • Change in sweating pattern: In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, skin feels hot and dry to the touch.  However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous activity, sweating may be profuse.

  • Nausea and vomiting: Someone with heatstroke may feel sick to their stomach or vomit.

  • Flushed skin:  Skin may turn red as body temperature increases.

  • Rapid breathing:  Breathing may become rapid or shallow.

  • Racing heart rate: Pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places extreme burden on the heart to help cool the body. 

  • Headache: Heatstroke may cause the head to throb.

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF SYMPTOMS ARE PRESENT

WHAT TO DO

  • Call 911

  • Move the person to a cooler place if possible 

  • Cool the body by wrapping in wet blankets

  • Place ice packs or cold packs if available on wrists, ankles, armpits and on the neck to cool large blood vessels

  • Make sure airway is clear in case of seizure

  • Keep the person lying down

BLEEDING

Control bleeding using the following guidelines

  • Place direct pressure on the wound with sterile dressing or clean cloth.

  • If no broken bones are suspected, elevate the area above heart level.

  • Apply a pressure bandage to hold dressing in place.

  • If blood soaks through, add more pads, but do not remove pads already in place.

  • Help victim rest in comfortable position.

  • Seek medical attention when back to shore.

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