Dislocations: A dislocation is the separation of a bone joint causing it to
move out of alignment. This type of injury needs to be treated as soon
as possible, to prevent the muscles from seizing up around it. The most
complete way to treat a dislocation is to “reduce” it, which means setting
the bones back in their proper alignment. Reductions are very painful,
but worth the pain if done properly. Even the inexperienced should try to
reduce a dislocation, as the alternative is a useless limb.
The only way to tell if a reduction has been successful is by compar
ing the look of the injured joint to the joint on the opposite side. Other
than reduction, your other option is to immobilize a dislocated joint by
splinting it.
Sprains: These occur when tendons and ligaments are overstretched. The
most obvious signs of sprain are excessive swelling, bruising, and tender
ness. Sprains are best treated with the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compres
sion, Elevation:
Rest the area for as long as possible.
Ice for 24 hours, followed by heat. Chances are you won’t have ice with you, so
search for anything that will cool the area. Water from a cold stream, river or
lake works well.
Compress by wrapping the area snugly to prevent movement without cutting
off circulation.
Elevate the area whenever it’s not being used, to minimize swelling.Heat Exhaustion or Stroke
Heat stroke impedes the body’s natural ability to cool itself, and can lead to
death if not treated quickly. Symptoms include hot, dry skin, and a visible lack
of sweat, as well as headache, dizziness, confusion, and nausea/vomiting.
If you suspect heat stroke, it’s important to get the victim into the
shade. Remove restrictive clothing to allow evaporation to occur, which
helps to cool the skin. You must then cool the body by pouring water on
it, even if the water is contaminated. Allow the water to evaporate off the
skin; you can speed the cooling process by fanning the victim. As with
dehydration, the victim should consume water in small amounts every few
minutes; large amounts bring on vomiting.
(^310) | Survive!