Do you know the first aid basics? As anglers, we seldom consider an emergency happening while out on the boat or on the shore. The majority of injuries are treatable easily with bandaids and a cream. What do you do when something more severe happens. In this scenario doing the right thing can save a life, and prevent infection, or other problems. The following are some guidelines for first aid. Feel free to copy and download it for your use.
Use preventive measures including insect repellents, keeping the area free of obstructions, and common sense. Wearing sunglasses protects from the sun and from hooks flying back also. Carry hook removal tools, in the hand, a small hook may be an easy removal. Larger hooks seek medical help with removing the hook.
Hooks in the Body
- Do not rip the hook out.
- Cut the line to a hook or cut the hook shank to remove a lure if possible.
- Leave part of the hook exposed if cutting.
- Seek medical assistance for the removal of hook in flesh.
- You may need a tetanus shot also.
First Aid for Burns
- Place the burn under cool running water until the pain stops.
- Do not put an ice pack on major burns.
- Cover with cool wet cloths if the burned area is large.
- Do not break blisters.
- Don’t apply an antibiotic or butter to burns.
- Apply medicated first aid cream or gel if pain continues, and cover with a sterile dressing.
- Do not apply cream if medical assistance is required.
- Third-degree burns (skin charred, maybe white) must receive medical attention.
First Aid for Sunburn
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water.
- Do not apply cold water or ice to a severe burn.
- Use over-the-counter remedies to remove discomfort.
- Call for medical assistance if the burn is severe and blisters develop.
Unconsciousness First Aid
- Do not leave an unconscious victim alone.
- Call for medical assistance.
- Assess the victim’s state of awareness by asking if they are ok.
- Check the victim’s Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABCs).
- If the victim’s ABCs are not present, perform CPR (only if you are a trained and qualified person!).
- If ABCs are present and spinal injury is not suspected, place the victim on their side with their chin toward the ground.
- Cover the victim with a blanket to keep warm and prevent shock.
- If the victim communicates feeling warm, remove the blanket.
Animal Bites
- Apply direct pressure when bleeding.
- Do not close wounds to avoid the risk of infection.
- Hold the bite under running water.
- Cleanse with soap and water and hold underwater again for five minutes.
- Do not put ointments or medicines on the bite.
- Cover with a dry sterile bandage.
- Call for medical assistance.
Bee Sting
- Remove the stinger by scraping it off with a blunt edge.
- Clean wound.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Remove tight clothing and jewelry from areas near the bite in case swelling occurs.
- Watch for signs of shock or allergic reaction (dizziness, difficulty breathing get medical assistance immediately if any signs occur).
- Continue monitoring the victim for shock until medical help arrives.
Bleeding
- Call an ambulance for medical assistance.
- Keep the victim lying down.
- Apply direct pressure using a clean cloth directly on the wound.
- Do not take out any object that is lodged in a wound.
- Once bleeding is controlled, keep the victim warm by covering them with a blanket.
- Continue monitoring for shock.