PLEASE NOTE: The notes on this page are no substitute for proper First Aid training. They are only meant as an insight to the training available.

Cuts and Grazes:

Clean with running, fresh cold water. Do not use stagnant 'pond' water. Do not use cotton wool, as this leaves traces in the wound.
 If the wound is large, apply pressure with a clean material.
To dress, use a plaster or bandage, depending on the size of the injury.
If there is a foreign body within the wound, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE IT. Apply pressure/bandage around the object. Any attempt to remove foreign bodies if they in the eye, ear or nose.
If the bandage becomes 'full', ie there is still bleeding, apply another OVER it. Do not remove the original-it will destroy the bodies self-repair system.
Limbs should be raised to reduce blood flow.
Medical assistance should be found if wound is serious or fails to recover.

Blisters, Stings, Burns and Scalds:

If you burst a blister (with a CLEAN needle), they are more comfortable to walk on, but take longer to recover. If possible, use proper blister prevention plasters, such as compeed.
Stings should be removed, and the area elevated. Treat with Waspeze or similar.
Burns are caused by dry heat, eg touching a hot part of the stove. Scalds are caused by wet heat, eg spilling hot water on yourself. Both should be placed under cold water for at least 10 minutes. Take off rings from fingers, but don't remove clothing. Injuries bigger than a 10p piece should be covered with a dressing.

Joints, Muscles, Dislocations and Fractures:

These can be painful, cause swelling and bruising. They need to be rested, support and if possible elevated. Medical help is usually required. If you are unsure, treat injury as a fracture.
Fractures should be treated as above, but medical help is essential. The casualty should be treated for shock. Open wounds will need covering.

Shock:

This caused by an inadequate supply of blood (and Oxygen) to the major organs. It is very serious. The casualty should be reassured and kept warm, but don't give drink. Raising the legs will help get blood to the vital organs.

Cramp:

This is usually found in the calf or toes. It is caused by the muscles being cold. This happened if you become de-hydrated, or by sweating.

Heat Stroke:

This occurs in humid conditions and can cause headaches, dizziness and fainting. The patient must be cooled down. Prevention is better than cure - use a sun hat, sun cream and try and keep in the shade. Drink plenty.

Exhaustion:

The biggest sign of this is slowness. It can be physical, such as carrying too much weight, or a lack of training. it can also be mental, such as a lack of sleep, food or liquid.

Hypothermia:

When the body temperature drops below 35 decrees C. At this temperature the body is shivering. At 20 º C, it is dead. The casualty needs to be treated quickly, by gaining shelter and getting into a sleeping bag. Do not rub the skin as this draws heat away from the body core.

Frostbite:

This affects the fingers, toes and ears. They become frozen, changing from pale to blue to black in colour. The skin becomes hard and stiff and numb. They must be warmed very slowly. Always seek medical assistance.

The First Aid Kit: [Guide only]

2 x triangular bandage, Antiseptic cream/wipes, gauze, loads of plasters, scissors, sterile dressings, tweezers, waspeze, aspirin, sterile needle, crate bandages, tape, eye pad.