What’s New FIRST AID FOR EMERGENCIES

In an emergency circumstance, panic is the worst opponent. It even exacerbates a negative

situation by spreading it to others. It prevents one from thinking. In reality, it obstructs or
obstructs rational thought and generates confusion.

So, the first thing to do in any emergency situation is to stay calm. Try to remember and apply
the DRSABC action plan or flow that is described as follows;

What’s In It

DRSABC Action Plan

Danger- Always check first the danger and the source of injury. Make sure the
D surroundings are safe and out of danger; otherwise, you will also allow yourself to be
a victim.
Responsiveness- Can the casualty hear your voice? Can they open and close their
R eyes? Are there any movements? Do they response to touch?

S Send for help or shout for help

Airway- is the person's airware clear? If the person is not responding and is
A unconscious, check the airware by opening his/her mouth and having a look inside.
Tiltling the head back with the chin facing up will clear an airway.
Breathing- make sure that the victim is breathing by looking at breathing signs;
B listening to exhalation, and feeling air coming out of the mouth or nose.
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)- if an adult is unconscious, no pulse and not
C breathing, perform the CPR until the emergency personal or medics arrived.

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a life-saving method used when a person's breathing and heartbeat
stop, which can happen during a heart attack or drowning. CPR entails the C.A.B. method, which stands for
compression (blood circulation restoration), airway (airway clearance), and breathing (breathe for the
person

It's crucial to know when to utilize CPR when delivering first aid. If there is no pulse or breathing,
perform the CPR cycle of 30 compressions followed by two breaths until aid arrives. The following steps
must be followed when performing CPR or compressions:
1. Put the person on his or her back on a firm surface.

2. Locate hand position for compression by drawing an

imaginary line from armpit to center chest for hand
placement.

3. Place heel of one hand on the lower part of the

breastbone.
4. Put the other hand over the first, interlacing your
fingers for support.

5. With straight arms and shoulder positioned over the

victim’s chest, push down on the victim’s chest. For
adult victims, push it down for at least 2 inches or 5 cm
deep.
6. Give 30 compressions in 18 seconds or less (rate of
100 compressions in one minute) and let chest rise
completely between compressions.

7. After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.

8. Repeat cycle until help arrives or when there are
signs of movement.

Put two fingers on the center of the victim's neck, then glide fingers down the side of the victim's
neck up to the nudge between muscles to check for the pulse. When you feel your pulse but don't
see any indications of breathing, give one rescue breath every five seconds and check your pulse
every two minutes. Perform the following steps in rescue breathing:

1. Gently tilt the victim’s forehead back with one hand.

2. Tilt the victim’s chin using the other hand; this will open the victim’s airway.
3. Pinch nose close then cover the victim’s mouth with your mouth. Blow life-giving air to
the victim. Watch for the chest rise; if it does not rise then reposition and perform the
rescue breathing all over again.

What is First Aid? The word "first aid" refers to the provision of treatment to a sufferer in order to avoid
further deterioration, facilitate recovery ,and saves life.

Common Injuries and Illnesses in the Outdoors

A. Cuts, Scrapes, and Punctures To treat minor cuts, scrapes, and punctures
Rock climbing, self-cutting with a
• Clean cuts with soap and water then apply antibiotic
knife, and stumbling can all result in
cream then cover with a sterile bandage and secure using
wounds, cuts, and lacerations.
medical tape

• If bleeding, apply direct pressure using a clean cloth to

the injury.

B. Sprains, Strains, and Fractures
Sprains are ligament injuries in to severity.
which the ligament is stretched or
torn. This happens when a joint is
stretched beyond its normal range of
motion. The twisting or tugging of a
muscle or tendon is known
strain. When a muscle is stretched
and rapidly contracts, such as when
sprinting or jumping, this occurs. The
shattering of a bone is referred to as a
fractured.
C. Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic
brain damage induced by a blow to
• If the wound is on the arm or leg, raise limb above the
heart to help slow down bleeding.
• Do not apply a 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 in the area).
• There is an abdominal or chest wound.
• Blood spurts out of the wound.
Doctors usually categorize strains and sprains according
1. Grade 1 category is mild that involves minor
tearing of a ligament or muscle.
2. Grade II classification involves the partial tearing of
the ligament or muscle.
as 3. Grade III refers to a severe injury that involves
the complete tearing of the ligament or muscle.
Grades I and II categories may be treated with rest, ice
pack, compression, and elevation (RICE). This means
having the victim rest the injured or painful part, then
applying an ice pack, compressing or wrapping with a
bandage or athletic tape, and finally elevating the injured
area above heart level to minimize swelling
• Treat cuts • Apply ice or compress if no ice is available. •
Rest until symptoms disappear.
• Watch out for symptoms that need emergency action.
the head or body. Cuts and bruises
on the head and face are common.
Others do not lose consciousness or
forget what happened before the
accident.
D. Blister
Blisters are caused by ill-fitting
shoes. Hikers and trekkers are
particularly prone to it.
E. Burns & Scalds
Burns or scalds are skin injuries
produced by contact with a hot liquid
or heat.
• Place a piece of adhesive over the affected area.
• Doughnut-shaped moleskin helps when blisters are at
the bottom of the foot.
• If blisters have popped, wash area with soap and water
then put antibiotic cream.
• If it is necessary, drain a blister with a sterilized
needle into the side of the blister. Apply with
antibacterial solution and cover with gauze dressing and
tape
✓ First-degree burn
● Put affected area under running water or
immerse in cool (not ice) water until the pain
subsides. If no running water is available, then
apply a compress.
● Cover with sterile, non-adhesive bandage, or
clean cloth.
● Do not apply butter or ointments, which can
cause infection.
✓ Second-degree burn • Immerse in cool water for 10–
15 minutes; apply compress if running water is not
available.
● Do not apply ice, it can lower body
temperature and may cause further damage.
 ● Do not break blister or apply butter of ointment

causing infection.

● Protect burn with sterile, nonstick bandage, and

secure with a 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.

F. FEVER Check temperature first. If the temperature is 38 ˚C or

G. HEADACHE 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.
H. Hyperthermia Hyperthermia is a condition where the body produces
I. Heat Stroke or absorbs heat more than it can dissipate. This may be
J. Heat Exhaustion 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
cramps, heat stroke, or heat exhaustion.
K. Heat Cramps Heat cramps usually happen during heavy activity in hot
environments. They are painful, involuntary muscle
spasms which are more intense than the typical
nighttime leg cramp where the muscles affected includes
the calves, arms, abdominal wall, and back. This
happens when the muscles accumulate excessive lactic
acid or a loss of fluid or a loss of fluid and electrolyte
through perspiration.
L. Hypothermia Hypothermia occurs when the body chills faster than the
body’s ability to produce heat due to exposure to cold, wet,
and 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˚C.

ENVIRONMENT HAZARDS AND INJURIES AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Mountains and the wilderness have a lot to offer people, but they may also include some
creatures and plants that are dangerous. It's critical to understand how to deal with the injuries
they produce since it could save lives.

Environmental Hazards

1. Poisoned Plants - Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are all plants that induce an
itchy rash when they come into touch with them. The rash is caused by a chemical called
"urushiol," which is found in certain plants. In one to three weeks, the rash normally goes away.

2. Leeches - In the Philippine forest, leeches, sometimes known as "limatik," are common.
Hikers frequently come find a leech sticking to their skin and draining blood. It is not advisable
to pull it out since it regurgitates (or "vomits back") the blood it has absorbed and may aggravate
the wound.

3. Snake Bites - The mere sight of a snake would undoubtedly frighten and alarm people. Snakes
are a natural part of the environment, and we must learn to respect them. Snakes, like other
animals, attack as a defense mechanism.
4. Lighting Strikes- news of people being struck with lightning is not something new.
Lightning is dangerous and it kills people. To save the life of a lightning strike victim, what must
be done then?

✔ Call for help.

✔ While waiting:

● Assess the situation. If necessary, move the victim to safer and covered location.

● A lightning strike may cause a heart attack, so check if the victim is breathing or has a

pulse. If both are not present, then do the CPR.

● If the place is called and wet, put a protective layer on the ground to avoid risk of

hyperthermia.

● Lightning also causes injuries such as burns, shock and trauma. Treat each of the

injuries with first aid until help arrives.

5. Drowning

✔ Call for help before beginning important aid emergency measures.

 ✔ Turn the drowning person's head to the site to allow any water to drain from his/her

mouth and nose.

✔ Check for breathing and pulse. If both are not present,perform CPR.

✔ If there is pulse but no breathing, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

✔ Give to rescue breaths in the mouth of the person as you pinch his/her nose. This helps air

to get past any water that is clogginf the breathing passageways and the lungs. After four
strong breaths, put your ears near the mouth to listen and watch the chest for signs of
breathing.

✔ Check pulse and repeat cycle if there is no pulse until emergency personel arrive.

✔ It is important to bring the victim to the hospital even if he/she has started breathing,

there might be complications resulting from the water exposure such as pneumonia,
infection and the like.

Keep This In Mind!

First aid is not identify as medical treatment and should not be compared to what trained medical
professional might do, but it is administered to prevent deterioration, aid recovery, and preserve life.

What are the basic things that we must carry i in our first aid kit?

After learning about the things you should be doing an emergency, you would have understood
by now the importance of the first aid kit. You also would have realized that the kid will play an
important role in administering first. So, what are the basic things that we should carry in a first
aid kit?

Must be in a waterproof bag

First aid manual and
Information cards
Assorted adhesive bandages
Butterfly bandages/adhesive
wound-closure strips
Gauze pads (various sizes)
Nonstick sterile pads
Medical adhesive tape
Must be in a waterproof bag
Athletic tape
Blister treatment
Splinter (fine-point) tweezers
Safety pins
Cotton
Disposable gloves
Plastic bags (different sizes)
Multipurpose utility tool
Clinical thermometer
Ear plugs
Whistle
For medication:
Personal medications
Pain relievers
Antihistamine
Antiseptic solution and
towelette
Compound tincture of benzoin
Anti-diarrhea and laxative
Antacids
Cough and cold medications
Anti-malarial medication
Salt tablets and rehydration
tablets
Ointments/lotion/drops:
Calamine lotion
Hydrocortisone cream
Antibacterial ointment
Aloe vera gel
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Emollient (eye drops)

What’s In It

Hazards refer to the potential source of harm,damage, health effects.

Risks refer to the likelihood or probability that a person will be harmedor experience anadverse
health effect if exposed to a hazard.
Hazands from Human Factor

Human factors include hazards coming from the participants and the leaders or organizers of the
activity. Participant factors may include the unmanageable size of the group, the lack of
preparation or skils, knowedge and experience, poor health, age, and even attitude problems.
Leader/organizer factors may include their lack

of knowledge of environmental hazards, poor coordination and management skils, inability to

respond to emergencies, and poor planning and communication among other things.

The drivers of the vehicles that may be used for the activity is also part of human factor hazard.
This may include poor driving skills or exhaustion from long drives or even trying to rush to beat
time.

Hazards from Equipment

Equiprment includes the basic things to be used in the activity, such as masks and flippers in
snorkeling, the boat and PFD in kayaking, ropes in trekking, and the like. Equipment also

includes the clothing and footwear of the participants. It also extends to the basic needs of
participants, such as a stove or navigational tools .

Hazards from the Environment

Weather condition tap the least of the environmental hazards. Others include temperature,
terrain, rock, stability, water currents, darkness can other environmental hazards tackled in the
previous unit.

Risk Identification, Assessment, and Reduction

What is risk assessment and safety management?

Risk assessment is understanding the possibilities of harm after identifying the probable source
of harm. Risk assessment also includes understanding the degree or severity of the risk and the
probability of likelihood of it happening or occurring. Assessing the risk will serve as a guide
into acting on ways in possibly "removing the hazard" or minimizing the negative "incidents"
from happening. This whole process of identifying the hazards, assessing risk, and coming up
with ways of reducing the risk is called safety management.

Safety management should be an integral part of every outdoor recreational activity planning.
This way, a safer environment can be incorporated while enjoying the activity.
Rick Curtis, director of Princeton University Outdoor Action Program and founder of
Outdoor.com, came up with the RASm model or risk assessment and safety management model
(Curtis,2015) which is used in coming up with safety management plans for the outdoors.

The RASM Model (refer to Figure 11.1) is like a fulcrum where on one side are the "hazard factors" and
the opposite side are the "safety factors," In the middle or the "fulcrum" is the level of risk. As more
hazard factors come into play, the higher the risks are involved in a certain activity. The impact of the
hazard also differs. Some hazards have a

bigger impact than the others and this affects the level of risk.However, when safety factors are added
on the other side, then risk level will be reduced or minimized. Just like the hazard factors, the safety
factors may also have weight in terms of impact they will make. The greater the impact, the greater the
potential to cause harm. If a particular hazard has multiple negative consequences,

then these will add up and the total possible impact is greater.

Safety factors also come from people (such as leadership skils, decision-making skills, attitude, training
of participants), equipment (well-maintained equipment, first aid, clothing, shoes), and environment
(good emergency access, weather, avoiding places that have probability of erosion).

The safety assessment plan becomes a measuring tool to decide whether the level of risk is acceptable
enough to push through with the activity or the risk levels are too high leading to canceling or aborting
the plan.
A safety management plan is dynamic and can be changing depending on the situation. After every
activity, it will be wise to review back if certain " near misses" or incident happened and look for ways on
how to deal with them in future activities.

As mentioned, there are risk in the outdoors. However, there are ways of minimizing the risk. Moreover,
this way should not discourage anyone from participating in outer activity. After all, there is another
balancing factor to the negative risk, and this what Curtis calls "the positive risks" or the rewards that
participants gets from the outdoor recreational activities. These rewards may be fulfillment,growth and
refresh body and mindamong others.

Preplanning

When the type of activity and the location have been decided on, then it is time to do a research
and get some background information on where you will be going. Aside from getting in touch
with the offices in charge of the destination through phone or email, news articles and many
travel blogs are good sources of information which you can learn from. Sample information
which you can gather from the blogs will be presented in the next discussion.

A. Getting Information

Getting information can be done by researching

about the site through reading travel blogs or websites and coordinating with the office in charge
of the site. If your activity entails hiking or camping, it is best to call the local

tourism office or local government unit of the intended destination. If your activity involves
snorkeling, canoeing,

2024/04Akayakirg, then inquire ahead with the resorts. In your inquiries, get the following
information:

✔ "Protocols"; all destinations have their own protocols; many may not entertain walk-ins

anymore, thus the need for pre-registration or reservation or even any emergency alert
level of some places needs to be checked as it mat have an effect on sudden closure of
some areas;
 ✔ The number of persons allowed per group (due to the pandemic, they may only allow a

certain number of people per day);

✔ Other health protocols required (testing, use of mask, and the like);

✔ Required fees (environmental fees, camping ground fees, loding costs, and the like);and

✔ For those planning to hike, ask whether tour/climb guides are required and how much do

you pay for the tour guides.

Important information also includes checking about the weather and season. Even the day
before the departure itself, weather checking comes as an important factor in planning.
Sometimes, it becomes the deciding factor whether to proceed or not.

Keep This in Mind!

Protocols are important procedures or roles set by outdoor recreational activities sites for
participants to comply with. Protocols may vary from one activity site to another and checking them
before proceeding is a very important part of pre-planning.

B. Equipment

Make a check please of things that you will be needing in your activity. Make sure to
always check and try all equipment before bringing them. Check them while you are at home, so
you have time to do some adjustment or repair if needed. Keep some equipment cannot be
checked at home, such as the canals and paddles, then just make sure to check them all before
even using them. Lastly,the first aid kit must always be part of equipment in any kind of activity.

C. Participants

Preplanning also includes taking into consideration the age of the participants. There might
be age-related factor which might be allowed for some activities or even for the venue of the
activity. previous experience of the participants in the activity also matter as this will also
determine the skill levels of the participation. Checking the physical capacity and condition of
the participant is part of pre-planning. Some outdoor activities may need some physical and
mental preparations.

The size of the participants also matters in free planning. Smaller groups are easier to
manage than big groups. This also means more detailed planning when it comes to be her groups
such as school-related outdoor activities.

D. Risk and Safety Management Plan

Whether it involves a small group, such as your taniy

or group of friends, or bigger group participation, such as

school-organized activity, a safety management plan must always be in place.

✔ Safety and risk management plans for the site and itinerary should be in place.

✔ Activity-specific guidelines must also be formulated, and orientation must be given to all

participants.

✔ Action plans for emergencies must be prepared and everyone involved in the plans must

be informed.

✔ Waste management must always be included in any plan. After all, we must always

protect the environment from the risk people bring to the environment.

An important part of safety management, especially among big group such as those done by
schools or other organized activities, is defined policies, procedure and guidelines for the whole
activity. This policies, procedures and guidelines must be clearly explained to the participants. It
should never be assumed that participants know what they should be doing. This is crucial way
of managing the safety of big group.

E. Other Preplanning Needs

For activities done as a school or class activity,the approval of school must always be sought.
Written parental consent must always be taken for each participant, especially those minor of
age. Along the consent is a clearly outlined scope and details of the activity. Moreover, it should
be part of the protocol and procedure of the school to do a site based before implementing the
activity.

For small group activities, which may be planned among friends make sure to inform your
parents and get their approval before even proceeding with the plan.

Whatever activity that you get to engage in,always remember to have a written itinerary and
leave it someone at home,and when certain changes are made along the way (for whatever
reasons)then always inform someone at home .

Logistics

A. Transportation- Part of the research that you must do in pre-planning is your

movement. You can use private vehicles or public vehicles. When commuting some
would require buses, then smaller vehicles such as tricycles. Sa may need to be faired by
both such as situated on an island. There are many websites and travel blogs that give you
advice or share detail ways of reaching out or destination.
B. Food Menu Preparation - Ahead of time, meal should be planned. Planning meals,
aside from the nutritional, there are four things that you need to be considered
(Shea,2017)
1. Storage and weight
2. Duration of trip
3. Cooking device
4. Refrigerator
C. Application of Permits and Fees
Some outer activities in the Philippines required permits to be able to protect with the
activity. Diving at that Tibbaataha re also needs a permit for entry. For all permits, peace
are required. Other traffic site do not require permits, but registration to the local tourism
office of local government office is a requirement in some face must be paid. Registration
is usually required by the government to know who the tourists are and where they are
going.
D. Lodging Reservation When Needed
In some activities, a transit place is needed before going to the actual site. Resorts and
camp sites may also need reservations prior to arrival. 10 rentals will from part of your
lodging, which needs to be checked whether it needs reservation ahead or not.
Budget
When the logistic are detailed out the cost can easily be estimated. Part of planning is
estimated cost that each participant with ichur in the activity. This, of course, may not be
the exact amount, but it can approximate the financial aspect of the activity. Always bear
in mind, it can be a plus or minus, as some cause of goods and services may have slight
variation when the actual activity take place. Budget estimate clothes:

✔ Transformation

✔ rental equipment, such as snorkels mass boost the dangerous and the like

✔ Lodging if needed

✔ Permit fees

✔ Professional guides

Depending on the policies of the certain destination, guys are usually required--is not
recommended. Guide are usefully required in activities such as spelunking, white water
rafting, annoying or kayaking and stretching or hiking. Professional fees are also paid to
the guides.