We scouts all love the outdoors and all it has to offer. But unfortunately, we often forget to consider all of the different ways that the outdoors can cause us injuries. This is inevitable—it’s one of the many realities of life. But we can be ready for when fate strikes and can get help quickly. Read on to learn how to get emergency assistance at home, in the outdoors, and on the open water.
Home
In the case of an emergency at home, you should call 911 or directly take the victim to the nearest hospital (if possible). You should perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in the case of unconsciousness or trouble breathing. Remember that CPR should only be performed if you know the proper technique. Put the victim in the shock/recovery position (leaning on one’s side) or a comfortable position until help arrives. Then, you can help deliver the person to paramedics. Getting help in “civilization” is much easier than in a remote place.
Outdoors and Remote Locations
The Outdoors is where most of these injuries happen. A fallen tree, sharp rocks, forest fires, etc. In the outdoors, it is most crucial to know how to get emergency assistance.
When in the outdoors or in a remote location, the first thing you should do if you or anyone else is physically injured in an emergency is to assess the situation. Check on the injury to see how severe it is. While doing this, you should determine whether should treat the wound or get help. In case of a severe injury, it is highly recommended to get help as soon as possible. When someone is wounded, try to talk to them and determine their pain. If you don’t know how to treat the wound, or if you are in an emergency situation, get help from Park Rangers or others that might be in the area.
Only attempt to treat the wound if you 100% know how to. Otherwise, seek emergency assistance elsewhere.
If there is no one nearby and you have a phone, call an emergency number. If you do not have service on your phone, instruct the victim to walk with you to the nearest spot where there is Wifi or service. But if the victim can’t walk, then tell them to rest and stay put while you go get help from a nearby station or a place where you can contact someone. Here is the final safety procedure for helping someone in medical need:
Open Water Activities
When you are adventuring on the open water, there are many ways someone can get injured or even fatally wounded. Here is how you can mend some of them, or even completely prevent them.
First of all, remember to have at least one person on the shore that can help you in the case of an emergency. Equip them with a radio to contact you if there isn’t any telephone service in case you need emergency assistance. Next, before you go out on the water, be sure to check the weather, airspeed, and temperature to make sure you are safe. You don’t want to be out there when a storm occurs. You should also check if you have the right material with you, such as a lifejacket, and a basic first aid kit, just to be safe.
If someone is drowning in the water, hand them something sturdy like a lifesaver, then pull them out. Only jump in to save them as a last resort, otherwise, you will both be stranded in the water. If they aren’t breathing after being pulled out of the water, perform CPR. Even if they are breathing, pump out the water from their stomach by performing a slightly less vigorous version of CPR.
How to get Emergency Assistance: The 5 Steps to Safety
We here at Scoutips have compiled a short and sweet list of 5 steps you should take to get someone emergency assistance.
ASSESS
QUESTION
HELP
CONTACT
BRING TO SAFETY
All in all, by following these procedures, you can properly, efficiently, and quickly bring someone to safety on any of your boy scout or other outings.
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