The key areas to cool during heat stroke are where there are major
arteries: the neck, wrists, armpits, groin, and head. Cooling the back of the
knees is also a good idea. You can also massage the victim’s limbs to move
cooled blood from the extremities to the internal organs.
Bleeding
If not stopped, major bleeding can quickly lead to death. Bleeding can be
controlled with direct pressure, elevation, or (as a last resort) tourniquets.
The most effective of these strategies is direct pressure applied to
the wound. Elevate and hold the wound long enough to not only stop the
bleeding but to seal off the wound.
If you’ve injured an extremity, elevating it as high as possible above
the heart will slow blood loss. Note that this method doesn’t stop bleeding
completely; you need to use it in conjunction with direct pressure.
Although some people recommend tourniquets for bleeding, these
should be used only for lifeordeath situations, when no other method
can control the flow of blood. Tourniquets present a high risk because if
they’re left on too long they can cause gangrene and lead to the loss of the
limb below the tourniquet.
Minor Injury and Illness
AT FIRST BLUSH, MINOR INJURIES AND ILLNESSES may not seem as important or
dire as their major counterparts, but they deserve as much of your atten
tion. These are insidious injuries. Ignore them for too long and they will
likely become major before you know it.
Headache
Headaches are a common and potentially debilitating aspect of survival,
so carry some ibuprofen or acetaminophen in your firstaid kit. Drinking
lots of water and massaging the aching area can also help.
Sickness and Disease
Sickness and disease can be major or minor, but once your defenses are down
and your immunity starts to plummet, you’re more susceptible to both.
(^312) | Survive!