Friday, February 11th, 2011
Winter is here with a vengence! So I thought I would revisit these topics so that everyone can review them and help them stay safe with whats left of winter.
Working in a cold weather environment presents many new challenges as well as more dangers. Understanding and recognizing these dangers may save your life or the life of a family member or comrade.
Here are some Injuries and Conditions associated with working/living in a cold weather environment.
Types of Injuries
Chilblain
Definition:
Tags: cold weather injury, frostbite, hypothermia | Posted in Fieldcraft, Health and First Aid | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
We all watch the ‘survival shows’ that are on the TV these days and many people may have said to themselves “there’s no way I could do that” or some may have even said…”sure that’s easy”. Here’s a breakdown for the ‘naysayers’ out there and bare bare bones basic skills needed to stay alive and been found:
Learn to make a fire.
Always have at least THREE methods of starting a fire with you, one can be used immediately like waterproof matches or a butane lighter. You can add flint and steel and I would suggest picking up a Magnesium Fire Starter/Bar as well, you shave the magnesium off so you will always have some ‘dry’ fire starting material. These can be picked up at a local camping or discount store.
Tags: basic survival, fire, first aid, food, shelter, signalling, water | Posted in Disaster Preparedness, Fieldcraft, Health and First Aid, Water purifcation and storage | No Comments »
Monday, May 17th, 2010
Search the internet and you will find literally countless threads on what to put in a First Aid Kit (FAK). Many people think the bigger the better, as if an overly stocked FAK will miraculously make you an instant combat medic. Then again, I’ve seen actual combat medics do much more with little to nothing.
In my opinion there are two major factors to consider when constructing your FAK:
- Your training/experience.
- Your needs. This includes the environment as well, be it in your storm/shelter kit, car or the kit you take camping/hunting/hiking/fishing.
Tags: FAK, first aid kits, medical | Posted in GHBs, BOBs and Kits, Health and First Aid | 1 Comment »
Sunday, May 16th, 2010
Now that warmer weather is here, heat injuries are bound to become more prevalent, and as we work in the yard, head to the lake or just out and about, you must stay hydrated. Becoming acclimated to the environment is just as important as staying hydrated. It’s recommended that the average person consume 1 gallon of water per day, obviously a warmer environment and increased physical activity will require that you increase your water intake.
Many health factors can also lead to becoming a heat injury victim. Many medications as well as tobacco, alcohol and caffeine can be contributing factors to you staying healthy in a warmer environment as well. No…soda doesn’t count as a beverage….just simple water H2O.
Tags: first aid, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, treatment | Posted in Health and First Aid | 1 Comment »
Saturday, May 8th, 2010
First let me start by saying, that simply purchasing a book or a ‘end-of-the world’ first aid kit will NOT make you an SF Medic! Get some additional training through the local Red Cross office, fire department or community college. I have seen people that ‘think’ they know what their doing…do MORE damage than the actual wound or injury.
I’ve had this book in my library for quite some time, and I have found it to be a great source of information from advanced first aid, field sanitation, to Primitive medicine and almost everything in between. Special Forces Medics are known throughout the Army as being some of the best trained medical personnel out there.
Tags: books, first aid, health, hygeine, sanitation | Posted in Health and First Aid | 1 Comment »
