During a medical emergency, your survival is going to hinge on your knowledge and skills. Having survival first aid skills under your belt is critical so you can be prepared when facing a disaster or other emergency. First responders won’t always be readily available during a time of crisis, such as after an earthquake, fire, hurricane or flood.
The same holds true if you happen to be somewhere in the wilderness hiking, boating or camping and experience a medical emergency. Many problems can be encountered outdoors such as; insect stings, snake bites, cuts, burns, infections, sprains, fractures, sunburn, heatstroke and dehydration. Help and hospitals could be very far away and you’ll be left on your own, likely without much time on your side. This will be the time to put your survival first aid knowledge and skills to work…
Knowing HOW TO:
** Clean and dress wounds
** Make slings and splints
** Stop bleeding
** Perform:
* cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
* the Heimlich maneuver
** Recognize:
* allergic reactions
* early dehydration
** Treat:
* head injuries
* cuts and scrapes
* burns and blisters
* sprains and fractures
* heat exhaustion
* hypothermia
* shock and trauma
** Use everything in your first aid kit
You can buy a ready-made first aid kit, but a better option is to put together your own. That way, you can include all necessary items you’ll need that many ready-made kits omit. Basic items should include; antiseptic wipes, bandages, gauze dressings, adhesive strips, nitrile gloves, antibiotic ointment, skin rash cream, sunscreen, povidone-iodine, aspirin/painkillers, thermometer, scissors, tweezers, safety pins, and distilled water for eye wash and cleaning wounds.
It’s an excellent idea to keep some 550 paracord in a first aid medical kit. I believe it’s an often overlooked piece of vital gear in any survival situation. There are so many uses for it, even in medical emergencies. In a pinch, paracord can be used as a tourniquet and the inner strands can stitch up open wounds. Paracord can also be used to help fashion a sling, splint or stretcher. The possibilities shouldn’t be underestimated.
I found an excellent video that discusses emergency first aid skills for the wilderness and how to administer treatment in certain situations. Check out this informative video >>> Emergency First Aid Skills
