3 minute read
Think First+Aid First
Jonna Mayberry
Jonna Mayberry is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
Anything can happen when exploring the great outdoors. Packing first-aid essentials is, well, essential.
We spoke with Jennifer Warren, regional communications director for the American Red Cross of Wisconsin, to learn what’s most important for your first-aid kit and a few quick tips for treating common outdoor injuries.
What To Pack
Keep a first-aid kit in your car and carry one wherever you go. Stash one in your backpack so you're ready for anything.
First-aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. If you want a ready-made solution, your local store likely sells them. Some kits are for specific activities like hiking, camping or boating. Alternatively, you can make your own.
Ensure a store-bought or self-assembled kit has supplies to treat insect stings, sprains, cuts, bruises and other common injuries. Consider including:
Disposable gloves: Wear non-latex, preferably nitrile gloves, when providing care.
Bandages, gauze pads and tape: Assorted sizes of self-adhesive bandages and sterile gauze and adhesive tape may come in handy after mishaps around the campsite or while hiking.
Antibiotic ointment: Having it nearby is crucial to reduce the chance of an infection.
Pain reliever: This can reduce pain, inflammation and fever.
Injury Treatments
Sprains and falls are some of the most common outdoor injuries. A sprain or strain may occur if someone makes a sudden movement to a part of the body and experiences pain, swelling or bruising around a joint or muscle.
Keep RICE in mind if you think someone has a strain or sprain.
Rest: Have the person rest the injured part of the body.
Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injury for up to 20 minutes.
Compression: Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage to provide comfortable support, reduce blood flow and limit swelling.
Elevation: Keep the injured part of the body supported in a raised position above the heart. Most strains and sprains will feel better after rest and ice. Seek medical advice if the injury does not improve or if you suspect a bone is broken or there are other injuries.
Other Advice
Falls are also common outdoors, and many are due to poor decision-making, lack of skill or improper preparation. Dehydration is a threat, too. Remember these tips:
Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend.
Bring nutritious food items, like a granola bar, and water.
Layer using lightweight clothing to adjust as the day gets warmer.
Pack pet supplies if adventuring with a furry friend.
Learn More
The American Red Cross first-aid mobile app is a great tool for instant access to information on handling common outdoor emergencies. You’ll learn to treat wounds, broken bones, bites, stings and more. For details on downloading this and other Red Cross apps, visit the Red Cross website.
