How to become a second class scout (part three)

Welcome back everyone! As you know, we are now in the third installment on this series of how to become as second class scout. I would suggest that you read the first and second articles on this topic.

Ok, when we left off last time, it was on requirement 6a, so we now move to the next one. I can't help with 6b, but I can help with 6c. It say's "Demonstrate first aid for the following: Object in eye, bite of a suspected rabid animal, puncture wounds from a splinter, nails and fishhook. Also, explain how to treat serious (second degree) burns, heat exhaustion, shock, heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and hyperventilation."

For shock, stop the cause of it by restoring breathing, treating wounds, and just plain administering first aid on any injury's. Make sure the victim keeps breathing normally. Have the victim lie down, and elevate their legs approx. one foot higher then the rest of the body, to get the blood flowing to the vital parts from the legs. Make sure that they stay warm by placing as many blankets or clothes over them, and always call for a medical team as soon as possible.

Now, to treat puncture wounds for a fishhook. If possible, let a doctor remove it. Otherwise, push it in until the barb breaches the skin. Then, strip or remove the barb, and ease the hook out. Be sure to clean the wound thoroughly. For nails, you have to be very careful. Be sure to soak the area where the nail entered. It would be best if a doctor removed it, because you'll need a shot. Remove it very gently and smoothly, and apply antibacterial ointment and a bandage, to stop the flow of blood. Now, onto the splinter. Use a pair of tweezers that has been sterilized to remove it.

Onto second degree burns. You can tell when the wound is more serious when blisters form. Soak the area in cool water, and then apply a gauze bandage. Do not apply ointments or creams, because they slow the healing process.

For an object in the eye, blink repeatedly, because the tears usually wash it out. When a person is hyperventilating, try to talk to them to calm them down. Make sure they breath into a paper bag, or even their own hands, to increase carbon monoxide. Now on to heat exhaustion. If you're like me, you've been outside playing something like football, and you get so hot you can hardly move. When you get heat exhaustion, you need to lie down in a cool place. Drink a little bit of water, and just plain keep quiet and cool. If you lose black out, you probably have heat stroke. When you have heat stroke, don't drink water. Instead, apply cold wet clothes to your skin. And, like most major medical problems, call an ambulance.

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