IMPROVISED STRETCHER

MAKING IMPROVISED STRETCHER

USING BLANKLETS AND POLES

IMPRPOVISED STRETCHER USING BLANKLETS AND POLES

USING ROPES

IMPROVISED STRETCHER USING ROPE

 

A PPT ON MAKING IMPROVISED STRETCHERS

Improvised Stretchers

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PRECAUTIONS – GAS LEAK

Safe Handling of LPG

LPG gases are combustible and highly flammable. LPG can burn or explode when it comes in contact with air or a source of ignition. It has the potential to create a disaster. Since LPG is stored under pressure, it can leak from any joint or improperly sealed connection. Awareness or knowledge of safe handling LPG can eliminate the chance of fire or explosion. Following are some useful tips for safe handling of LPG cylinder.

• In the early morning, proper precaution is required to ensure that there no gas buildup in the room, by opening doors and windows prior to turning on the stove.

• LPG containers are not to be placed in close proximity to the stove or any other sources of flame.

• Ensure that the gas tube is not squashed or severely bent.

• Choose an LPG supplier who can provide you with well-maintained LPG cylinders, and after-sales support.

• Replace the LPG cylinder hose on a regular basis, and replace any damaged or worn hose with a new hose.

• Landlords who use agents to manage properties need to ensure that tenants are aware of safe use of LPG and LPG rubber tubes they use have an ISI mark.

• Never check for gas leaks using a lit match. Always use a solution of soapy water and look for bubbles coming from around valves and pipe joints. These bubbles indicate a gas leak.

• After securely connecting a new or refilled cylinder, apply some soapy water to the cylinder connections and turn on the cylinder.

• Any burning objects must be extinguished prior to installation of any equipment to the new LPG cylinder.

• Spare cylinders should not be kept next to cylinder in use.

• Do not store kerosene or other flammable equipments in the kitchen.

• In order to avoid danger, cylinders and its accessories must be used according to the usage instruction.

• Never switch on the electricity or light stove when LPG scents are present.

• Use a child-safe regulator on the LPG cylinder for domestic use.

• Using domestic cylinder for commercial purpose is illegal and if caught legal actions are taken against the consumers under the Essential Commodity Act which is forfeiture of cylinder, penalty and imprisonment up to 3 years.

• It is safer to evacuate everyone from the area.

Leaking of LPG

1. If escaping gas is not on fire, close any valve which will stop or reduce the flow of gas.
2. Turn off or remove any other source of ignition.
3. Ventilate the room by opening doors and windows
4. If you think that there is a danger of a fire, inform your gas supplier or Fire Department and your neighbors immediately.

LPG is on fire

• If you have a fire fighting equipment, make sure that you know how to use it, and that it is maintained regularly. If you can’t put it out, leave it to the fire brigade. It is safer to evacuate everyone from the area.

• A small fire from a container may be smothered by a wet cloth or dry powder extinguisher and then it may be possible to stop the leak and remove the cylinder to a safe location.

• If the gas is escaping in large quantities and has been ignited, immediately apply large quantities of water to all surfaces in the form of a jet, spray or fog.

• If the only valve which can be used to stop the flow of gas is involved in the fire, consider the possibility of effecting the shut-off by approaching the valve behind a water spray. This approach should be made at right angles to the flame and the spray used to reduce the intensity of the flame but not to extinguish it.

• Portable LPG cylinders should be removed to a safe location.

• If you feel the situation is not under control of you, call experts or call Fire Department immediately.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WITH REGARD TO FIRE

Outdoor Fire Safety Rules for Scouts

By Michael Kozlowski, eHow Contributor

A large part of scouting is going on camping trips, and there are few things as pleasant during a camping trip as sitting by a fire, telling stories, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the warmth and glow of the flames. However, to fully enjoy this experience and to ensure that you do not lose control of the fire, you need to observe some basic fire safety rules. By building, tending and extinguishing a fire safely, you can ensure that you are upholding your promise as a scout to treat nature with respect.

Location

Whether in a remote area or within the confines of a scout camp, where fire pits may already be on-site, you need to ensure that the location of the fire is suitable. Remove all burnable debris, twigs and leaves in a 10-foot diameter circle from the spot where you plan to build your fire. This will help to ensure that the fire cannot spread easily. Make certain you do not build the fire in an area with overhanging branches or old stumps nearby. Be sure to have water and a shovel nearby so that you can extinguish the fire quickly if necessary.

Building a Fire

The fire-making process should be supervised by the scout leader. A fire does not have to be large to provide warmth. A good bed of coals and some stones surrounding the fire will produce plenty of heat. Use small twigs and leaves to start the fire and add bigger pieces of wood as the fire grows. Point the largest pieces of wood toward the center of the fire and push them inward as they burn.
Keep any additional wood stacked a safe distance from the fire. Even small gusts of wind can cause a fire to spread. Never run or play around a fire. You must always remember the potential harm that fire can cause and treat it respectfully. Never leave a fire unattended.

Extinguishing the Fire

Use plenty of water to douse the fire. Use a shovel to stir the coals so that you can be certain there are no remaining embers. Mix in dirt with the water and stir the embers some more. Repeat this process until you can safely touch the remnants of the fire with your bare hands. Be sure to clean the area around the campfire and leave the site ready for others to enjoy. Scouts should always remember that the goal is to leave a natural area as if you had never been there.

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THROWING A LIFELINE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THROWING A LIFELINE

Be able to throw a life line with reasonable accuracy.

 

 

All Scout camp and other Scout “swimming holes”, should, like public

swimming pools, be equipped with a life line and lifebuoy, hanging on the pegs

of a conveniently placed post; and Scout

Be Prepared

-ness should includethe ability to throw these.

Life lines usually are of half-inch hemp or manila rope, the length depending

upon the distance concerned.

The Test

 

.-For this test a rope between 30 and 50 feet in length should beused; and the thrower should place the bowline loop within grasping reach of

the “person in difficulty” four times out of five; any kink spoiling a throw.

The line always should be pliable and free of kinks. To assure this, and

whether kept coiled on a peg or otherwise, the line should regularly be taken

down and thrown a few times, then carefully re-coiled.

Life lines at public swimming pools sometimes have a weighted end, for

throwing. These, however, can be dangerous in the hands of an inexpert rescuer.

It is safer to make a bowline in one end of the line, with the advantage

that this loop can be grasped readily by the person being rescued, and probably

drawn over his head and shoulder, which makes his rescue sure.

Coiling a Life Line

 

.-It is most important that a life line be properlycoiled. To do this (having first made a bowline), hold the bowline in the left

hand, as the first coil. Now, with a twisting overhand movement (to equalize

kink tendency when thrown), add turn against turn until completed.

Now turn the coil completely around, so that the bowline is in the right

hand, and divide it, holding two thirds in the right hand, the balance in the

left, the end securely gripped, or better yet, tied to a post or tree.







 

Throwing

 

.-With a single, long under-arm swing (no whirling about thehead), heave the coil, aiming at a point directly beyond the person in difficulty-

unless there is a current to allow for-at the same time opening the left hand

to allow that portion of the line to run free. (For a left-handed Scout the procedure

would be reversed.)

After Use

 

.-Dry line before re-coiling.

New Rope

 

.-A new rope will require stretching. This may be done by tyingit at a “reaching” height between two suitably spaced trees, then hanging on

it. As it stretches it is tightened, until the stretch limit has been reached.

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ANIMAL BITES

Animal bites

 

Overview

• Domestic pets cause more bites
  • Dogs more likely to bite, cats more infectious
    • Risk of rabies with non-immunized pets / stray / wild animals
      • Raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats too carry rabies

   Symptoms

• Skin break 
  • Bruise / puncture
    • Cuts
      • Bleeding
        • Swelling and redness of the area
          • Oozing of fluid

   Treatment

• Calm the affected person
  • Wash hands before attending to wound
    • Wash wound with soap & running water
      • Apply antibiotic ointment 
        • Dress using sterile bandage
          • After first aid, medical treatment must be sought quickly
            • Suturing may be required
              • Tetanus booster / antibiotics required
                • Treatment depends on type / location of wound

   Prevention

• Avoid keeping wild animals as pets 
  • Choose a pet that is friendly to children
    • Train the pet to obey commands
      • Vaccinate your pet
        • When children are around, pets supervision is required
        • Avoid leaving infants alone with pets

Read more: Animal bites – First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide http://www.medindia.net/patients/Firstaid-animalbites.htm#ixzz1AKkajKzc

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INSECT BITES AND STINGS

Overview

• Insect bites are, mostly, not severe 
  • Sometimes they cause a severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis
    • Anaphylaxis is life-threatening if not treated on time
      • Sting of bees, wasps, hornets / bite of fire ants, painful 
        • Bites of insects, like mosquitoes, cause itching
          • The bite of a black widow spider can be fatal, if left untreated

   Causes Examples of biting insects

• Mosquitoes
  • Fleas
    • Mites
      • Spiders

Examples of stinging insect

• Bees
  • Wasps
    • Hornets

    Symptoms

• Localized Pain
  • Swelling
    • Redness
      • Itching
        • Numbness
          • Burning
            • Tingling sensation
              • Breathlessness
                • Weakness

   Treatment

• Remove the stinger using a straight- edged object
  • Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water
    • Place ice wrapped in a cloth on the affected area
      • Repeat after every 10 minutes
        • Apply a gentle cream to prevent itching
          • Take anti histamines if necessary
            • Observe for signs of infection like pain, redness or swelling

In case of emergency-

• Try to keep the person calm
  • Check the person’s breathing
    • Remove constricting items, like rings, from finger/nose/ears
      • Do     Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), if necessary
        • If the person is carrying an emergency kit, use it
          • If required, treat the person for signs of shock 
            • Seek medical help as soon as possible

   Consult a Doctor In case of the following, seek medical help

• Wheezing
  • Swelling on the face
    • Difficulty in breathing
      • Tight feeling in the throat 
        • Body turning blue

   Steps to Avoid

• Do not remove the stinger using a tweezer
  • Do not apply a tourniquet
    • Aspirin, pain medications, should not be given unless advised by a doctor

   Prevention 

• Avoid placing hand near the mouth of a seizure-affected person

Take caution to prevent your child from developing biting habit

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BURNS AND SCALDS

BURNS AND SCALDS

Burns are caused by dry heat, corrosive substances and friction.  Scalds are caused by wet heat – hot liquids and vapours.  Burns can also be produced by extreme cold, and by radiation, including the sun’s rays.  Burns may be related to, or a result of, a more life-threatening situation.  Fires may be started accidentally by victims of drug or alcohol overdose.  An explosion, or jumping from a burning building, may cause other serious injuries.  When burns have been treated, the casualty should be thoroughly examined.

Assessing a Burn

There are a number of factors to consider when assessing the severity of a burn and the method of treatment, including the cause of the burn, whether the airway is involved, the depth of the burn, and its extent.

The extent of the burn will indicate whether shock is likely to develop, as tissue fluid (serum) leaks from the burned area and is replenished by fluids from the circulatory system.  The greater the extent of the burn, the more severe the shock will be.  The cause of the burn may also signal any other possible complications.  Burns also carry a serious risk of infection, which increases according to the size and depth of the burn.  The body’s natural barrier, the skin, is destroyed by burning, leaving it exposed to germs.

Depth of Burns

Burns can be categorised as follows:

Superficial burns

These involve only the outer layer of the skin, and are characterised by redness, swelling and tenderness.  Typical examples are mild sunburn, or a scald produced by a splash of hot tea or coffee.  Superficial burns usually heal well if prompt first aid is given, and do not require medical treatment unless extensive.

Partial-thickness Burns

These damage a ‘partial thickness’ of the skin, and require medical treatment.  The skin looks raw, and blisters form.  These burns usually heal well, but can be serious, if extensive.  In adults, partial-thickness burns affecting more than 50% of the body’s surface can be fatal.  This percentage is less in children and the elderly.

Full-thickness Burns

These damage all layers of the skin.  Damage may extend beyond the skin to affect nerves, muscle and fat.  The skin may look pale, waxy, and sometimes charred.  Full-thickness burns of any size always require immediate medical attention, and usually require specialist treatment.

Extent of Burns

The area of a burn gives an approximate indication of the degree of shock that will develop and, in conjunction with depth, can be used as a guide to the required level of treatment.  The ‘rules of nine’ is a guide used to calculate the extent of a burn as a percentage of the body’s total surface area, and to assess what level of medical attention is required.

In an otherwise healthy adult:

• Any partial-thickness burn of 1% or more (an area approximating to that of the casualty’s hand) must be seen by a medical practitioner.
• A partial-thickness burn of 9% or more will cause shock to develop, and the casualty will require hospital treatment.
• A full-thickness burn of any size requires hospital treatment.

Severe Burns and Scalds

The priority is to cool the injury; the longer the burning goes unchecked, the more severely the casualty will be injured.  Resuscitate the casualty only when cooling is underway.  All severe burns carry the danger of shock.

Treatment of Severe Burns and Scalds

DO NOT overcool the casualty; this may dangerously lower the body temperature.

DO NOT remove anything sticking to the burn; this may cause further damage and cause infection.

DO NOT touch or interfere with the injured area.

DO NOT burst blisters.

DO NOT apply lotions, ointment, or fat to the injury.

• Lay the casualty down, protecting the burned area from contact with the ground, if possible.
• Douse the burn with copious amounts of cold liquid.  Thorough cooling may take 10 minutes or more, but this must not delay the casualty’s transmission to hospital.
• While cooling the burns, check airway, breathing, and pulse, and be prepared to resuscitate.
• Gently remove any rings, watches, belts, shoes, or smouldering clothing from the injured area, before it starts to swell.  Carefully remove burned clothing unless it is sticking to the burn.
• Cover the injury with a sterile burns sheet or other suitable non-fluffy material, to protect from infection.  A clean plastic bag or kitchen film may be used.  Burns to the face should be cooled with water, not covered.
• Ensure that the emergency service is on its way.  While waiting, treat the casualty for shock.  Monitor and record breathing and pulse, and resuscitate, if necessary.

Burns to the Mouth and Throat

Burns to the face, and burns in the mouth or throat are very dangerous, as they cause rapid swelling and inflammation of the air passages.  The swelling will rapidly block the airway, giving rise to a serious risk of suffocation.  Immediate and highly specialised medical assistance is required.

Treatment of Burns to the Mouth and Throat

• Contact the emergency service.  Report suspected burns to the airway.
• Take any steps to improve the casualty’s air supply, e.g., loosening clothing around the neck.  Give the casualty oxygen if you are trained to do so.
• If the casualty becomes unconscious, place in the recovery position, and be prepared to resuscitate.

Minor Burns and Scalds

Minor burns and scalds are usually the result of domestic accidents.  Prompt first aid will generally enable them to heal naturally and well, but the advice of a medical practitioner should be sought if there is doubt as to the severity of the injury.

Treatment of Minor Burns and Scalds

DO NOT use adhesive dressings.

DO NOT break blisters, or interfere with the injured area.

DO NOT apply lotions, ointments, creams, or fats to the injured area.

• Cool the injured part with copious amounts of cold water for about 10 minutes to stop the burning and relieve the pain.  If water is unavailable, any cold, harmless liquid such as milk or canned drinks will suffice.
• Gently remove any jewellery, watches, or constricting clothing from the injured area before it starts to swell.
• Cover the injury with a sterile dressing, or any clean, non-fluffy material to protect from infection.  A clean plastic bag or kitchen film may be used

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SPRAINS

Overview

• Sprain is the stretch/tear of ligament connecting ones 
  • Occurs in both the upper & lower part of the body 
    • Most common sites – ankle/wrists/knee 

   Causes

• Trauma/accidents 
  • Lifting heavy objects 
    • Sporting injuries 

    Symptoms

• Pain 
  • Swelling 
    • Lumps other than swelling 
      • Bruising/redness at site of injury 
        • Numbness 
          • Inability to move the joint 

   Treatment

• Apply a cold compress to injured area for 20 min 
  • This may be done 4-8 times a day 
    • Use a plastic bag with crushed ice, wrapped in a towel 
      • Use compression bandages to reduce swelling 
        • Keep the injured leg elevated on a pillow 
          • Take anti inflammatory pills if necessary 
            • Take rest for the recommended period 
              • When pain/swelling is diminished, do recommended exercises 

   Consult a doctor If the following occurs-

• Severe pain/numbness 
  • Inability to move the joint 
    • Inability to assess the severity of injury 

   Steps To Avoid

• Do not return to normal activities if not completely cured 
  • This could lead to the problem turning chronic 

   Prevention

• Avoid exercising/sporting when tired 
  • Eat a well balanced meal-for healthy muscles 
    • Avoid unhealthy weight gain 
      • Exercise daily-particularly stretching exercises 
        • Do warm-up before exercising 
          • Practice safety measures, like avoiding clutter 
            • Run on even surface 

Do not wear ill-fitting shoes

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BLEEDING FROM NOSE

BLEEDING FROM NOSE

Overview • A nose bleed occurs when a small vein, along the lining of nose, bursts • Most nosebleeds look scary, but are harmless • Can be treated at home • Common in children/elderly

Causes • Dryness • Nose picking • Blowing nose with force • Use of medications, like aspirin • Introducing objects into nose (mostly children) • Injuries • Allergies • Infections • High BP • Atherosclerosis • Blood-clotting disorders • Use of cocaine Symptoms •

Bleeding from nose • Sometimes bleeding from ears/mouth too Types a. Anterior Nosebleed • Affects lower part of wall that separates nostrils • The wall or septum contains blood vessels • These can be broken by blow to nose/fingernail • The bleeding starts from front of nose • It flows outward when patient is sitting/standing • Occurs during dry season/harsh winter b. Posterior Nosebleed • The bleeding starts deep within the nose • It flows down the back of the mouth & throat • This happens even when the person is sitting/standing • Occurs in old people/those with high BP/injuries • This type of bleeding is severe/ requires medical help

Treatment • If your nose bleeds, • Sit down and lean forward • Using your thumb & index finger, squeeze soft part of nose • This part is between end of nose and the bridge of nose • Continue holding till bleeding stops- • Do not stop in-between • If bleeding continues, hold for another 10 minutes • If the patient is a child, divert attention by TV/Stories • Avoid picking, blowing or rubbing nose for 2 days • Place an ice pack on the bridge of nose Consult a Doctor If, • The bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes • The bleeding is caused by an injury • You get nosebleeds often

Prevention • Keep fingernails short • Quit smoking • Open your mouth while sneezing • Use a humidifier at night in case of dry weather Read more: Nose Bleed – First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide http://www.medindia.net/patients/Firstaid_NoseBleed.htm#ixzz1AKltfTZX

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