InsightsandAdvice.com

First of all, having a first aid kit around in case you ever need it is wise. Having a first aid kit with you while camping is very wise. Now, as far as basic first aid to know while camping remember the acronym R.I.C.E. If you can remember that you’re golden.

I just got back from a two day camping trip in the back country of the high Sierra Nevada mountains. Josh, a friend on the trip and a registered nurse working in the emergency room in nearby Fresno, California told me, “While camping there are a variety of injuries you can sustain. The following acronym R-est, I-ce, C-ompression, E-levate (R.I.C.E.) can drastically help manage injuries until you can get to a hospital.” From a professional in the medical field this simple acronym can seriously help manage a emergency situation until professional help is available.

• Rest

Keep the victim rested and calm. An injured person can easy become scared and irrational. Movement can exacerbate the injury drastically and make the situation worse.

• Ice

Sprained joints or broken bones will require immediate icing to limit swelling within the first 24 hours of sustaining the injury. If you don’t have a “cooling pack” in a first aid kit you can always use ice from your cooler. Be sure to remove any restrictive clothing or jewelery around the injured area. You can start with ice directly on the injury and then wrap the ice in a towel to keep the injured person comfortable. This will not only decrease the swelling around the injured area but it will also help minimize the pain.

• Compression

For cuts you’ll want to apply immediate pressure to the wound that will help limit bleeding. Hopefully you have a first aid kit with clean bandages. Find the cleanest material possible if no sterile bandages are available. Applying direct pressure to the actual cut or wound is necessary but try to avoid applying excessive pressure to the point that you’ve completely stopped circulation to the surrounding areas. Doing so can increase damage to tissue and can inhibit the body’s natural response to help stop the bleeding.

For sprained joints or broken bones immediately immobilizing the injured body part is crucial to prevent further injury and pain.

• Elevate

For bleeding wounds you want to elevate the injury above the heart as high as possible. For sprains and fractured bones, elevating the wound will decrease the pressure on the wound, limiting swelling and pain.

This advice is provided “As is” but coming from an E.R. nurse who’s “Been there, Done that” it can seriously help minimize the problems associated with injuring yourself anytime, but certainly is something to know when far from professional medical assistance.

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