PHILIPPINE

CENTRAL ISLANDS
COLLEGE
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro

PE 12

Quarter 4
Module 1-4
MANAGEMENT OF OUTDOOR
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
FIRST AID OF COMMON EMERGENCIES IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

The term first aid refers to administration of care to prevent deterioration

of the victim, to aid recovery, and to preserve life. Generally, first aid entails
some simple but often life-saving ways that most people can be trained to
perform with minimal equipment. On a technical level, it is not identified as a
medical treatment and should not be compared to what a trained medical
profession might do. First aid, as they say, is a combination of simple
procedures and an application of some common sense.

COMMON INJURIES AND ILLNESSES IN THE OUTDOORS

A. Cuts, scrapes, and puncture

Wounds, cuts and lacerations can be caused anywhere from rock
climbing, cutting self from knife and stumbling.
To treat minor cuts, scrapes and punctures:
 Clean cuts with soap and water then apply antibiotic cream then cover
with sterile bandage and secure using medical tape.
 If bleeding, apply direct pressure using clean cloth to the injury.
 If wound is on the arm or leg, raise limb above the heart to help slow
down bleeding.
 Do not apply tourniquet unless the bleeding is severe and does not stop
even with direct pressure.
Emergency personnel must be called immediately if:
 Severe bleeding or bleeding does not stop despite pressure.
 You suspect there is internal bleeding( inflammation and severe pain the
area).
 There is abdominal or chest wound.
 Blood spurts out of wound.

B. Sprains, strains and fractures.

Many things can cause a sprain, strain, or fracture while doing an outdoor
activity. One may fall or twist an ankle while trekking or miscalculate a
movement while rowing canoe. Most often it is ankle, wrist or finger that
suffers from sprain and the hamstrings from strains. Sprains, strains and
fractures are definitely painful and may bruise or swell.
Sprains are injuries that involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments. This
is usually occurs when a joint is overexerted from its usual range of motion.
Strain is the twisting or pulling of a muscle or tendon. This is usually happens
when a muscle is stretched and suddenly contracts such as when one is
running or jumping. Fracture involves the breaking of a bone.
For fracture, immediately call medical help if the following occurs:
 One suspects injury to the person’s head, neck, and back.
 Bone is sticking out of the skin.
 Bleeding does not stop after several minutes of firm pressure.
 Blood spurts from the wound.
While waiting for the medical help, do the following first aid:
 Immobilize the area of injury until help arrives or until the person is
brought to the hospital.
 Make sure to clean and dress cuts before splinting.
 If bleeding, apply pressure to wound with clean cloth until bleeding stops.
If the bone is pushing through the skin, do not touch.
 Gently tape the dislocated area or fracture to a rolled-up newspaper, ruler
or a rolled piece of clothing with first aid tape. Avoid moving the injured
limb and never force it or even try to twist it back into place.

C. Concussions
Concussion is a traumatic brain injury that often caused by a blow or
bump to the head or body. Cuts and bruises may be seen on the head or
face. Some lose consciousness or forget what happened before the
injury;others do not.
 Treat cuts.
 Apply ice or compress if no ice is available
 Rest until symptoms disappear.
 Watch out for symptoms that need emergency action.
Call immediate medical help if the following occurs:
 One vomits repeatedly.
 The pupil become unequal.
 One looks agitated of confused.
 One is unconscious or passes out.
 One feels very drowsy.
 There is pain in the neck after the fall or knocked out.
 There is slurred speech.
 One experiences seizure.

D. Blisters
Blisters are results of ill-fitting footwear. It is especially seen among hikers
and trekkers. Blisters can be painful and may cause discomfort. Treat blisters
with the following:
 Place a piece of adhesive over affected area.
 Doughnut-shaped moleskin helps when blisters are at the bottom of foot.
 If blister have popped , wash area with soap and water then put antibiotic
cream.
 If it is absolutely necessary, drain a blister with sterilized needle into the
side of the blister. Apply with antibacterial solution and cover with gauze
dressing and tape.

E. Burns and Scalds

Burns and scalds are injuries on the skin caused by hot liquid or heat.
 If still on fire , stop burning immediately through the “stop, drop and roll”
method. Then removed the flamed material from the person. However , if
the clothing sticks to the skin. Do not full it out but cut or tear around it.
 Take off constrictive clothing immediately (belts, jewelry, and tight
clothing)as burns can swell quickly.
If first degree burn (top layer skin affected)
 Put affected area under running water or immerse in cool(not ice) until
pain subsides. If no running water is available then apply compress.
 Cover with sterile , non -adhesive bandage or clean cloth.
 Do not apply butter or ointments, which can cause infection.
Foe second degree burn(affecting top 2 layers of the skin)
 Immerse in cool water for 10-15 minutes;apply compress if running water
is nor available.
 Do not apply ice , it can lower body temperature and may cause further
damage.
 Do nor break blister or apply butter of ointment causing infection.
 Protect burn with sterile , non-stick bandage and secure with gauze of
tape.
 To prevent shock, let the person lie flat and elevate feet for about 12
inches high and elevate burn area about heart level(if possible)and cover
the person with coat or blanket.
 Wait for emergency personnel.
For burns, immediately call help if the following occurs:
 Burn penetrates all layer of skin.
 Skin is charred looking, with white, brown or black patches.
 Burn blister is larger than two inches or oozes.
 Hands, feet , face or genitals are burned.
 The person is an infant or a senior.

Ailments or Illnesses:

1. Fever
Check temperature first. If the temperature is 38 ℃ or 100.4 F or
below then it is considered a low-grade or no fever and does not require
you to do anything much except to let the person drink lots of fluids and
rest. Unless the person feels uncomfortable then an over-the counter
medicine may be given, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or
acetaminophen. However always check if the patient has allergies to the
medicines. Aspirin must not be administered to anyone below 18.
If the fever is 102 F or 38.8 ℃ or higher, have the patient take oral
medicines. Give a sponge bath to lower the temperature and increase
fluid intake of the patient. Light clothes should be worn as overdressing
will make temperature go higher. In case the person chills, cover the
patient with blanket until chills go away.
Emergency should be sought when the person is:
 Unresponsive
 Having difficult breathing or is wheezing
 Has lips turning bluish
 Experiences convulsions or seizures
 Seems confused;and
 Observes sudden onset or rushes.

2. Headache
Headache are often experience in trekking or hiking due to lack of eye
protection from sun’s rays, tension in the neck, dehydration, swelling of
brain tissue due to excessive sweating over a period of time days, and
consumption of large amount of water without taking salt tablets.
Over the counter medicines may be taken such as paracetamol,
ibuprofen or aspirin to prevent further discomfort . However, one should
 also observe the source of problem as it may just be a symptom of
something else.
3. Hyperthermia is a condition where the body produce or absorbs heat more
than it can dissipate. This may be caused by an increase in air temperature,
solar or reflected radiation, poor ventilation in clothing, low fitness level and
excess bulk or the reduced ratio of skin area to body mass. People suffering
from hyperthermia experiences heat cramp, heat strokes or heat exhaustion.
A. Heat Cramps
Heat cramps usually happen during heavy activity in hot
environments.
They are painful, involuntary muscle spasm which are more intense than the
typical nighttime leg cramp where the muscles includes the calves, arms,
abdominal wall and back. This happen when the muscles accumulate
excessive lactic acid or loss of fluid and electrolyte through perspiration. What
must be done?
 Cool down and replenish loss electrolyte through clear sports drink
 Gently stretch and massage affected muscle group.
 Do not resume the strenuous activity and rest until cramps go away.
 Take salt pill with water at the start of specific muscle pain.
B. Heat Exhaustion
When water is not sufficient for the body’s demand in a particular
activity, the body becomes dehydrated and salt-depleted. This results in
nausea, faintness, a weak rapid pulse and/or cold and sweaty skin. This case
require first aid similar to what is administered in case of heat cramps.
C. Heat stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious degree of hyperthermia.
 Losses consciousness
 Become disoriented
 Pulse rate suddenly become fast
 Seizures
 Has warm, red, dry skin, and body temperature above 130 F; and
 Reduce sweating
Do the following first aid while help in on the way:
 Remove the person from heat exposure and cool him/her by whatever
means available, such as putting damp sheets;spraying with cold water,
and applying cold wet cloth or ice packs to the armpit, neck, and groin.
Fan air to increase cooling.
 Do not give the person anything to drink if the person is not alert or is
vomiting.
 Treat the symptoms. If with seizures, keep the person safe from injury. If
vomiting turn the person on the side to keep the airway open.
4. Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body chills faster than the body’s ability
to produce heat due to exposure to cold wet and/or windy weather. Not taking
enough energy-producing food and not having proper clothing speeds up
hypothermia. This generally occurs in temperatures of less than 35 ℃.
Symptoms includes numbness, uncontrollable shivering that muscles begin to
stiffen and become uncoordinated, skin turn bluish, pulse and respiration slow
down and victim does not respond or becomes unconscious.
First aid must be administered quickly:
 Move the person to a sheltered area and restore warmth slowly.
 Remove wet clothes and replace with dry clothes.
 Wrap with blankets or sleeping bag.
 Exhale warm air near the vicinity of the patients mouth and nose.
 Note that rapid warning can cause heart arrhythmia so it is advised not to
immerse the person in warm water. Warm person’s trunk first -not the
hand and feet-as warming extremities first can cause shock.
 Find ways for the victim to stay conscious
 Begin CPR if necessary and continue until emergency personnel arrive.

Emergency should be sought when the person:

 Shows confusion, memory loss, or slurred speech;
 Body temperature drops below 35 ℃;
 loss of consciousness ;and
 Shallow breathing.

The Basic of First Aid

First Aid is an immediate and temporary care given to a person who
suddenly gets ill or injured. It includes self-help and home care if
medical assistance is not available or delayed. It can mean the
difference between life and death in extreme cases. However, we must
know the limits of the first aid we can give because improper first aid
can actually do more harm than good in some instances.
Objectives of First Aid
First aid prolongs the life of the injured.
First Aid alleviates the suffering of the injured.
First aid prevents further injury
To save lives
Roles of First Aid
It is a bridge that fills the gap between the victim and
It is not intended to compete with or take the place of the services of
the physicians.
It ends when the services of the physician begin
Dos in Giving First Aid Don’ts in Giving First Aid
1. DO stay calm. 1. DON’T give food and drink
to an unconscious person.
2. DO reassure and comfort the 2. DON’T move an injured
victim. person unless you need to
place him/her in the recovery
position.
3. DO check for medical
bracelet indicating a
condition, such as
epilepsy or diabetes.
4. DO loosen any tight clothing.
5. DO keep the victim covered to
reduce shock.
The First Aider is the person or rescuer who administer first aid. Being a first
aider comes with roles and responsibilities. Below are examples of these.
 Bridge the gap between the patient and the doctor.
 Ensure the safety of oneself, the patient, and even the bystanders.
 Assess the situation and the victim
 Determine surroundings threats to the victim.
 Perform immediate and proper care to the injured person.
 Document or record the important information about the situation and the
victim for proper endorsement to the medical professionals upon their
arrival.
 Turn over the injured when professional help arrives.

Characteristics of a Good First Aider

Gentle – does not cause pain and panic
Observant – notices all sign
Resourceful – makes the best use of things at hand
Tactful – does not frighten the victim
Sympathetic – comforts and reassures the victim.
Survey of the Scene and the Victim
Vital signs are measures of various physiological statistics taken in order to
assess the most basic body functions. The act of taking vital signs normally
entails recording body temperature, pulse rate or heart rate, blood pressure,
and respiratory rate.

Difference between signs and symptoms

Signs are details discovered by applying your senses – sight, touch, hearing
and smell during the course of the examination.
Example:
 Bleeding
Swelling
 Deformities

Symptoms are sensations that the victim feels or experiences and may be
able to describe.
Example:
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Heat
 Impaired sensations

There are two ways to conduct physical examination when giving first
aid:
1. Primary Survey
Primary survey of the victim is used when the victim is unconscious and
to find out and immediately treat life-threatening conditions.
a. Check for Consciousness
1. Ask the victim: “Hey, hey, are you okay?” while carefully shaking the
victim’s shoulder.
2. When there is no response, not even mumbles or groans, the victim is
unconscious and in need of immediate medical help.
b. Open the Airway
1. The victim’s unconsciousness maybe due to an obstruction in his/her
airway. It may also be caused by a narrowed airway making breathing
impossible.
2. Find out if there is loss of muscular control in the throat area which allows
the tongue to slip back and block the throat.
3. Lift the chin and tilt the head of the victim (if the victim is an adult). This
way you will be able to lift the tongue from the back of the throat, leaving the
airway clear.
c. Check for Breathing
1. Put your face near the victim’s mouth and look, listen, and feel for
breathing. You should observe for:
Chest movement, sound of breathing, or feel of breath on your cheek
d. Check for Circulation
1. Locate pulse using your middle and index finger. Pulse indicates blood
circulation, which is essential for the heart and brain to function.
2. Poor blood circulation may be reflected on the pale color of the skin. This
is fatal.
3. To revive circulation, perform CPR immediately.

2. Secondary Survey
Secondary survey is used when the victim is conscious or has revived.
It aims to detect everything about the patient’s condition.

a. History Taking
SAMPLE PAIN is the mnemonic in order to perform the steps more easily.
S-ymptoms (the chief complaint of the patient)
A-llergy (find out if the victim is allergic to anything)
M-edication (what are the medicines s/he is currently taking)
P-revious illness (that may be related to the problem)
L-ast meal (only for those subject for operation)
E-vents prior to what happened
P-eriod of pain (How long? What started it?)
A-rea (Where is the pain coming from?)
I-ntensity
N-ullify (What stopped it?)

b. Checking for Vital Signs A. Pulse rate

Use your fingertips in getting the pulse. Follow the following procedure:
1. Place the finger tip over an artery where it either crosses a bone or lies
close to the skin.
2. Feel the pulsations as the pressure wave of blood causes the vessel wall
to expand – that is the pulse.
The pulse rate may be taken in different points in the body like:

1. Brachial 5. Subclavian
2. Carotid 6. Axillary
3. Wrist 7. Femoral
4. Temporal

NO-NO in Getting Pulse Rate

 Never use your thumb; it has its own pulse.
 Do not palpate both the carotid arteries at the same time.
 Do not take the pulse when the victim is in sitting position. Pulsations
disappear as the victim is elevated to a sitting position.
 Never put too much pressure or massage the carotid. You may disturb the
heart’s electrical conduction system.

Top Ten things to do in case of emergency

1. Shout for HELP!

2. Survey the scene and assess the situation.
3. Determine if the accident warrants a visit to the nearest
hospital or if simple cleansing and band aid will do.
4. If you are certified in CPR and a victim needs it, begin
CPR right away.
5. Stop the bleeding, if there is any.
6. Treat any symptoms of shock.
7. Look for the medical alert tag in every victim.
8. Seek trained medical assistance.
9. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious
victim.
10. Wait for medical professionals to arrive.

*ALWAYS LOOK FOR A MEDICAL ALERT TAG IN EVERY VICTIM.

Activity 1: Share Your Heroism

Write an essay about the real experience where you were able to help
other people in an emergency situation.
Situation A. After a strong earthquake, you see many victims wounded from
failing objects. some are conscious, some are not.
Situation B. After a fire incident in your school, you see your classmates
lying down at the bottom of the stairs. Some are crying. Others are shocked.
Situation C. Your two siblings, who were playing with your neighbors under a
very hot temperature, suddenly fainted.

NOTE: Answers in Activity 1 should be in LONG BOND PAPER only.