Quarter 4 – Module 4a(Weeks 1-2)

First Aid Common Emergencies and

Safety Practices in Outdoor
Activities

Prepared by: MA. FRINCES L. BANTILO

Subject Teacher
At the end of the module, you should be able to:
• Explain the meaning and importance of first aid;
• Identify the common illnesses or sickness
experienced in outdoor recreation and what first aid
treatment should be administered;
• Analyze the given situations and answer the
questions through the knowledge and application of
first aid; and • Develop the sense of responsibility
to help others especially in times of emergency..
• 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 not available or delayed
(Parker, 2019). 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. Anyone who gives aid is a first aider.
OUTDOOR RECREATION SAFETY
TIPS
• Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, limitations of
your body, plus a little common sense can help to ensure
a safe and enjoyable trip. There are many ways to make
sure your experience is fun and safe. The cite suggests
the following safety tips:
• Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or
a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or
allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes,
tweezers, insect repellent, bug spray, a snake bite kit,
pain relievers, and sunscreen.
• • Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, this
includes: a map, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire
starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy
food, water, and insect protection.
• • Learn the ABC's of treating emergencies. Recognizing serious
injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help
arrives.
• • Before you leave, find out the weather report. When you
arrive at the site, watch the skies for changes and carry a
compact weather radio. In inclement weather, find shelter until
the worse passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss.
Also, keep sleeping bags and important gear, dry at all times.
• • Arrive early. Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual
campsite with enough daylight to check over the entire site
and to set-up camp.
• • Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check the site
thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches, large ant beds,
poison ivy, bees, and hazardous terrain. • Avoid areas of
natural hazards. Check the contour of the land and look for
potential trouble due to rain. Areas that could flood or
become extremely muddy can pose a problem. • Inspect the
site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all
your gear. Also, a site that has trees or shrubs on the side of
prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts.
• • Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances
must be far enough away from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks,
flames, and heat. Never use a flame or any other heating device inside a
tent. Use a flashlight or battery_x0002_powered light instead.
• • Make sure your fires are always attended. Be sure you have an area for
a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically - a grill or stone surface is
ideal. When putting the fire out, drown it with water, making sure all
embers, coals and sticks are wet. Embers buried deep within the pile have
a tendency to reignite later.
• • Pitch your tent in a safe spot. Make sure your tent is made of a
flame_x0002_retardant fabric and set up far enough away from the
campfire. Keep insects out of your tent by closing the entrance quickly
when entering or leaving.
• • Dispose of trash properly. Remember to recycle - use the proper
recycling bins if available.
• • Be cautious when using a propane stove. Read the instructions
that come with the stove and propane cylinder. Use the stove as a
cooking appliance only - never leave it unattended while it's
burning.
• • Watch out for bugs. Hornets, bees, wasps, and yellow jackets are
a problem at many campsites. Avoid attracting stinging insects by
wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes.
Should such an insect approach, do not wave wildly and swat
blindly - instead use a gentle pushing or brushing motion to deter
them.
• • Beware when encountering wildlife. To ward off bears, keep
your campsite clean, and do not leave food, garbage, coolers,
cooking equipment or utensils out in the open. Remember that
bears are potentially dangerous and unpredictable - never feed or
approach a bear. Use a flashlight at night - many animals feed at
night and the use of a flashlight may warn them away.
• • Beware of poisonous plants. Familiarize
yourself with any dangerous plants that are
common to the area. If you come into contact
with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the
affected area with water and apply a soothing
lotion such as calamine to the affected area.
• Practice good hygiene. Make sure you wash
your hands, particularly after using the toilet
and before handling food, to prevent everyone
in your group becoming ill.
The following are items you should include
in your pack: Map •

• Candle • Nylon filament

• Clothing (always bring something • Pocket knife
warm, extra socks, and rain gear) • Pocket mirror (to use as a signaling device)
• Compass • Prescription glasses (an extra pair)
• First aid kit • Prescription medications for ongoing
medical conditions
• Food (bring extra)
• Radio with batteries
• Flashlight • Space blanket or a piece of plastic (to use
• Foil (to use as a cup or signaling device) for warmth or shelter)
• Hat • Sunglasses
• Insect repellent • Waterproof matches or matches in a
waterproof tin
• Sunscreen
• Water purification tablets
• Trash bag (makes an adequate poncho)
• Whistle (to scare off animals or to use as a
• Water signaling device)
• Roles of First Aid According to John Furst
(2013), “an emergency first aider has various
roles and responsibilities. It is important that
first aiders take these roles and responsibilities
seriously as first aid is potentially lifesaving in
an emergency situation”. The role of a first
aider is to provide immediate, lifesaving,
medical care before the arrival of further
medical help. This could include performing
procedures such as:
• Placingan unconscious casualty into the
recovery position
• Performing Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR)
• Using an automated external defibrillator
(AED)
• Stopping bleeding using pressure and
elevation
• Keeping a fractured limb still
Objectives of First Aid
1.To save lives
2 To prolong life
2.To alleviate suffering
3.To prevent further injury
Characteristics of a Good First Aider
There are several personal qualities which you should
look for when looking for a first aider.

1.Gentle-does not cause pain and panic.

2.Observant-notices all signs.
3.Resourceful-makes the best use of things at
hand.
4.Tactful- does not frighten the victim.
5. Sympathetic- comforts and reassures the victim.
Principles of First Aid Daniel Clark (2019) explains that, “the do’s
and don’ts of first aid depend on the injury”, but general tips are:

• Do’s in giving First Aid • Don’ts in giving First Aid

• Do assure the victim that you
are a qualified first aider, and
that they are in safe hands.
• Don’t move the victim unless
it is absolutely necessary.
• Call 911 or any emergency
number right away if the injury
is really serious.
• • Don’t forget to remove
external hazards.
• • Do visually and verbally assess
the injured person.
• • Do practice good personal
hygiene.
• • Do try and take the pain off the
patient’s mind by talking to
them.
OUTDOOR RECREATION COMMON FIRST AID INJURIES

According to Jill Tilton (2017), “first aid is required in many ways,

shapes and forms. It is always a good idea to have basic first aid
skills just in case you need it yourself, or someone needs it around
you. Below are the lists of common injuries requiring first aid and
what you can do when accidents like this occur”.

Cut/Scrape Cuts and scrapes happen when

your skin is accidentally broken or worn
away. This can be the result of a fall,
banging against a hard object, or being
• • If there is bleeding, press firmly over the site with a
clean cloth until it stops, anywhere from three to 15
minutes.
• • Clean with lukewarm running water and gently pat
dry.
• • If the skin is broken, apply a thin layer of antibiotic
ointment, then cover with a bandage or gauze and
adhesive tape.
• • If you can't control the bleeding after several
attempts with direct pressure, call immediate
medical help.
• • If there is bleeding, press firmly over the site with a
clean cloth until it stops, anywhere from three to 15
minutes.
• • Clean with lukewarm running water and gently pat
dry.
• • If the skin is broken, apply a thin layer of antibiotic
ointment, then cover with a bandage or gauze and
adhesive tape.
• • If you can't control the bleeding after several
attempts with direct pressure, call immediate medical
help.
• • Cover any small blisters with a loose bandage or gauze and
tape.
• • Call a doctor as soon as possible if burns are on the face,
hands, or genitals, or if they're larger than 1/4 inch anywhere
on the body. • If the injury looks rooted, seek medical help
immediately.
• • For a burn covering a tenth of the body or more, don't use
cold compresses; call emergency hotline and cover up with a
clean sheet or a blanket to prevent hypothermia until help
arrives.
• • DO NOT pop any blisters yourself. If the skin breaks, apply
antibiotic cream and cover the area with a bandage or gauze
until it's healed.
• • Watch for any redness, swelling, tenderness, or
discharge for these are all signs of infection. Insect
Bite/Sting It is a painful wound caused by the thrust of
an insect’s stinger into skin.
• • If the insect left a stinger, gently scrape the skin with
your fingernail to remove it without breaking it.
• • Refrain from using tweezers because that can squeeze
more venom out of the stinger, causing further injury.
• • Call emergency personnel if you have trouble
breathing, coughing, or develop a hoarse voice, hives,
or swollen lips or tongue.
 Splinter Splinters are objects that become
embedded under the skin.
• • Use soap and water to wash around the splinter.
• • Clean a pair of tweezers with rubbing alcohol and
slowly pull the splinter out. Rewash the skin.
• • If you come across a fragment that is hard to remove,
leave it for a day or so to see if it will come out on its
own. Sunburn Sunburn is the term for red, sometimes
swollen, and painful skin caused by overexposure to
ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Sunburn can vary
from mild to severe.
Ifyou feel dizzy, weak, sick to your stomach,
or are spiking a high fever—or if the burn is
severe (oozing blisters form within 48 hours)
and covering a significant portion of your
body—go to the Emergency Room.
• If your only symptoms are discomfort and
redness, apply cold compresses and aloe
vera lotion and take some ibuprofen.
Avoid creams with petroleum, which can cause
infection, or anything ending in - Caine. When not
administered by a professional, these drugs may be
dangerous. Nosebleed A nosebleed is blood loss
from the tissue that lines your nose. It can affect
both nostrils, but most often occurs in only one
nostril.
• Sit upright and don't tilt your head back. Loosen
any tight clothing around your neck.
• Pinch the lower end of the nose close to the
nostrils and lean forward while you apply constant
pressure for five to ten minutes.
Don't release and check the nose; it
could prolong the bleeding.
• If the nosebleed is the result of
trauma, you can reduce swelling by
holding an ice pack against the
bridge of the nose after the bleeding
slows down.
••If it persists for more than ten minutes or
returns later, call medics or seek medical
help in order to check for breakage.
Sprains, Strains, and Tears A Sprain is an
injury to the ligaments or capsule that
holds a joint together. A strain is an injury
to a muscle or to a tendon (tissue that
connects muscle to bone).
It is sometimes called a “pulled muscle.”
A strain happens when a muscle or
tendon is stretched too far or is partially
torn. Symptoms of a strain are pain,
swelling, and having a problem moving or
using the injured area. The hamstring
(thigh muscle), calf muscle, and Achilles
tendon are commonly strained.
A tear often occurs when a joint is forced
beyond its normal range of motion. This
can stretch or tear the ligament, much
like the fibers of a rope coming apart.
Both surgical and nonsurgical treatment
has been used to recover from a tear. The
most effective treatment is the RICE
method. In the first few days after an
injury, you should:
• • Rest the area you injured. Your doctor may
recommend crutches if you hurt your knee, foot or
ankle.
• • Ice the injury for 20 minutes at a time, several
times a day.
• • Compress the injury with bandages or a splint to
reduce pain and swelling. Your doctor might also
recommend a cast or boot.
• • Elevate the injury (arm, leg, elbow, knee, etc.) on a
pillow, to reduce swelling.
•A compression wrap is used to prevent swelling, which
can help your ankle feel better. It does not support the
ankle or prevent it from moving, so it does not protect
it except by reminding you to be careful of your ankle.
• Roll up the elastic bandage if it isn't already rolled up.
Hold your ankle at about a 90-degree angle. Start
where your toes meet the body of your foot. Hold the
loose end of the bandage at the side of your foot. Wrap
the bandage around the ball of your foot once, keeping
it somewhat taut with a light pull.
•After this, slowly start circling your
way around the arch of the foot. Pull
the bandage diagonally from the
bottom of the toes across the foot's
top and circle it around the ankle.
Now bring the bandage diagonally
across the top of the foot and under
the arch in a figure-eight pattern.
When you get to the ankle bone, wrap the
bandage around the felt piece so it stays in
place under the ankle bone. Continue
around the ankle and foot in a figure eight,
moving toward the heel on the bottom and
toward the calf at the top of the eight.
• The wrap should cover the entire foot and
end about 7 centimetres above the ankle.
•Most compression wraps are self-
fastening or come with clip fasteners.
If not, use tape to secure the end. The
wrap should be snug but should not
cut off circulation to the foot.
Fractures Fractures are broken bones,
and they can occur as a result of falls
or other harsh impacts.
Stop Bleeding, if Necessary
• Apply firm pressure to wound
with clean cloth until bleeding
stops.
• If bone is pushing through skin,
do not touch it or try to put it back
in place.
Splint the Area, if Possible The
purpose of the splint is to hold still
and protect a wounded body part
from further damage.
• Cut away clothing if it cannot be
removed without moving the injured
body part.
Gently tape the dislocated area or fracture
to a rolled-up newspaper, ruler, stick, or a
rolled-up piece of clothing with first aid
tape. In general, try to include the joint
above and below the injury in the splint. As
much as possible, avoid moving the injured
limb, and never force it or try to twist it
back into place.
• • two puncture wounds
• • swelling and redness around the wounds
• • pain at the bite site

• • difficulty breathing
• • vomiting and nausea
• • blurred vision
• • sweating and salivating
• • numbness in the face and limbs
• ◆ Call immediate medical help if:
• • The person is seriously injured.
• • You suspect injury to the person's head, neck, or back.
• • Bone is sticking out of the skin.
• • Bleeding doesn't stop after several minutes of firm
pressure.
• • Blood spurts from the wound.
• • Experience loss of feeling at the injured site
• • Experience loss of warmth beyond the injured area.
FIRST AID FOR SNAKE BITE: WHAT TO DO WHEN BITTEN BY
A SNAKE

•“snakes are one of the dangerous animals.

They have their salivary glands which
produces venom which is injected through
grooved or tubular fangs. If you were
attacked by a snake & you didn’t give
yourself a first aid it may cost some
complications and at some cases it may
lead to death.
FIRST AID FOR SNAKE BITE: WHAT TO DO WHEN BITTEN BY
A SNAKE

• If you or someone you are with has been

bitten by a snake, you will know
immediately. It’s possible, though, for the
bite to happen quickly and for the snake to
disappear”. Mary Ellen Ellis (2018) suggests
that, to identify a snake bite, consider the
following general symptoms:
• First aid steps you can take after a snake
bite occurs include cleaning the wound,
remaining calm, and immobilizing the
affected area. However, it’s essential to
get to a medical facility immediately for
emergency treatment. If treated in time,
the outlook for recovery is good.
That's all, God bless!!!