Search
Summer first aid

Summer means time spent outdoors enjoying sports and recreational activities.

The Essential guide to travel health : don't let bugs, bites and bowels spoil your trip
Jane Wilson-Howarth.
London : Cadogan Guides, 2009.
Gives helpful advice on all aspects of travelling, from what to expect and pre-trip vaccinations to the hazards of heat and sun in deserts and jungles, and of cold and exposure in mountains and caves, offers the latest information on MaIaria treatments and deep vein thrombosis, assesses the usefulness ofnatural remedies and covers responsible tourism, advises on how to treat bites and stings and deal with accidents, first aid and common ailments
     
American Medical Association handbook of first aid and emergency care
Italo Subbarao, Jim Lyznicki, James J. James, medical editors.
New York : Random House Reference, c2009.
For the general population, this handbook details how to respond to medical problems requiring first aid and emergency care. Subbarao, an emergency medicine physician, et al. (who are associated with the American Medical Association's Center for Public Health Preparedness and Disaster Response) provide information on preventing illness and injury, being prepared for injuries and emergencies, and dealing with illnesses, which are listed alphabetically. These include allergic reactions, fractures, burns, dental, eye, heart, skin, and mental health problems, sports first aid, environmental injuries and illnesses, and disaster preparedness. Coverage encompasses symptoms, risk factors, what to do, signs to watch for, and prevention. Annotation #169;2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
     
Sport first aid
Melinda J. Flegel.
Champaign, IL : Human Kinetics, c2008.
This textbook introduces basic human anatomy, especially as it relates to injuries, and outlines the causes, symptoms, and first aid response to 110 sports injuries and illnesses. Color illustrations depict simple anatomy throughout the book. The fourth edition reflects 2005 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Annotation #169;2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
     
Basic illustrated wilderness first aid
William W. Forgey, illustrations by Lon Levin.
Guilford, Conn. : Falcon Guides, c2008.
  1. Initial survey -- Focused survey -- Shock -- Difficulty breathing -- Heart attack -- Fever/pain/itch -- Wilderness wound care -- Bone and joint injuries (sprains, fractures, and dislocations) -- Head injuries -- Neck and back injury management -- Eye -- Ear -- Nose -- Teeth/mouth -- Abdominal problems -- High-altitude illness -- Cold and heat injuries -- Lightning -- Insects -- Snakebites.
  2. Includes bibliographical references (p. 86) and index.
     
The Outward Bound wilderness first-aid handbook
Jeffrey Isaac.
Guilford, Conn. : Falcon Guides, c2008.
Written by a Wilderness Medical Associates instructor, this practical guide begins with the general principles of wilderness medicine and basic life support for treating life-threatening injuries. Later chapters detail appropriate responses to injuries involving the bones and soft tissue, toxins and allergies, hypothermia, lightning, altitude illness, and common medical problems. The final chapters discuss medicine and medical supplies, wilderness rescue, evacuation, and helicopter safety. FalconGuide is an imprint of Globe Pequot Press. Annotation #169;2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
     

It also means being prepared to manage outdoor emergency situations. 

Consider these tips:

Keep gloves with your first aid materials

Identify outdoor injuries and illnesses and take action

  • Be prepared – have First Aid kit and protective gloves available
  • Act calm and with confidence—be aware of your limitations
  • Identify dangers to you and the victim
  • Survey the victim – check for bleeding and breathing or circulation problems
  • Know when and how to contact emergency personnel

Be able to use appropriate first aid

Practice first aid techniques

Learn to tell the difference between

  • Bone fractures and sprains
  • Types of wounds
  • Heat stroke and heat exhaustion
  • Bites and stings
  • Types of burns


Learn CPR, Heimlich, and other first aid techniques

Teach children to be safe around animals

Practice prevention

  • Teach family members to swim
  • Teach safety around tools
  • Learn how to identify poisonous plants and animals
  • Practice safe behavior around unknown pets and animals
  • Drink lots of water, stay out the sun, and use common sense during hot weather

Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff