First Aid

By eHow Health Editor

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Modern cars are generally very reliable. They don't break down and leave you stranded too often. But this reliability also means that if your wheels do conk out, you might be caught unprepared. To avoid being stranded, take these precautions ... more »

How to Tell If You're Dehydrated

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Dehydration can result from many things. Excessive vomiting and diarrhea, lack of fluids, illness and improper diet are all causes of dehydration. Avoiding dehydration, especially in cases of outdoor exertion where water isn't readily available ... more »

How to Treat a Cat Bite

By eHow Health Editor

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As many as 40 percent of cat bites become infected and require medical care. If you were to get bitten by a cat you should immediately clean the bite with a disinfectant and monitor it closely so that it doesn't get infected. If in doubt, always ... more »

How to Treat a Pulled Hamstring

By eHow Health Editor

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The hamstring muscles are frequently injured due to a lack of stretching before a sprint or run. People who are really fast, i.e. most athletes, stand a greater chance of pulling their hamstrings because when they run they put a lot more stress ... more »

How to Treat a Sprain During First Aid

By eHow Health Editor

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Sprains are injuries to ligaments ranging in degree from a minor stretching to a serious tearing. Treat with "HI-RICE": hydration, ibuprofen, rest, ice, compression and elevation... more »

How to Treat a Wasp or Hornet Sting

By eHow Health Editor

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The sting of a wasp or hornet is considered venomous. Quick removal of the stinger and proper follow-up care will help reduce pain and minimize swelling of the site... more »

How to Treat an Infected Eye in the Wilderness

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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Eye infections are possible if the terrain you are frolicking in has lots of wind, flying dust and debris. To be on the safe side, consult a doctor about carrying antibiotic eye ointment in your first aid kit if you are trekking in an arrid, ... more »

How to Treat an Infected Wound During First Aid

By eHow Health Editor

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Infections that are localized to the wound itself can be treated in the wilderness if the infection is caught early. If you observe any fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes or red streaks radiating from the wound, evacuate the injured person ... more »

How to Treat an Open Fracture During First Aid

By eHow Health Editor

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When you're dealing with the risk of infection along with the usual dangers associated with a fracture, you're faced with a serious first aid challenge... more »

How to Treat an Unconscious Choking Infant

By eHow Health Editor

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A choking victim can't breathe, which deprives the brain of precious oxygen. Using the following technique could save a life... more »

How to Treat Dehydration in the Wilderness

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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Dehydration is easily treated if caught early. Monitor frequently for the earliest signs and symptoms. .. more »

How to Treat Fire Ant Stings

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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Fire ant stings itch like mad and are prone to infection. In some cases, these stings can produce severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions). Here are a few steps to help you treat ant bites and relieve itchiness caused by the bite... more »

How to Treat Heat Exhaustion

By eHow Health Editor

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Heat exhaustion can escalate quickly from a very mild case to a life-threatening situation. Treat immediately and monitor carefully... more »

How to Treat Severe Frostbite

By eHow Health Editor

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Frostbite is dangerous. You can lose a finger or toe, even an arm or leg, if you don't treat it properly. Do everything in your power to prevent frostbite before it occurs (see "Prevent Frostbite"). If you suspect frostbite, assess the degree of ... more »

How to Assess Level of Consciousness During First Aid

By eHow Health Editor

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Changes in the level of consciousness, or LOC, of a person who may have sustained an injury to the head are an important indicator of the way the brain is functioning. The scale used to measure this is commonly called "AVPU" for "alert," ... more »

How to Determine a Dry Drowning

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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Medical examiners determine that about 15 percent of drowning victims have experienced dry drowning. Whether it is a wet or dry drowning, death occurs due to lack of oxygen or cardiac arrest from a low body temperature. There are certain things ... more »

How to Do the Heimlich Maneuver on an Unconscious Adult

By eHow Health Editor

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If a person begins to choke and his or her airway becomes blocked, the Heimlich maneuver can save the victim's life, even if he or she is unconscious... more »

How to Evaluate for Head Injuries During First Aid

By eHow Health Editor

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Head injury is one of the most common reasons for death in the wilderness. By asking some important questions and conducting a careful examination, a rescuer may be able to assess whether an injured person might have suffered injuries to the head... more »

How to Identify and Treat Injuries From Stingrays and Sea Urchins

By eHow Health Editor

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Stingrays and sea urchins both move slowly across the bottom of the ocean to feed, and will sting to protect themselves if startled. Shuffle your feet across the sand to avoid encounters, but if you are stung, treat in the following manner. .. more »

How to Identify and Treat Jellyfish, Anemone and Coral Stings

By eHow Health Editor

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Jellyfish, anemone and coral all sting when disturbed. Sting symptoms, and their severity, will vary; localized pain is the most common reaction. Treatments are similar for all three types of stings. .. more »

How to Live with Epilepsy

By eHow Health Editor

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Seizures are frightening, and managing them can be one of the most difficult challenges you will ever face. Depending on the type, a seizure can result in serious bodily injury, if the patient strikes his head or suffers other trauma during the ... more »

How to Reduce a Dislocated Shoulder

By eHow Health Editor

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A person with a dislocated shoulder will be in a great deal of pain and unable to bring the arm up to the chest. Dislocated shoulders are often recurring and the injured person can help the rescuer reduce the shoulder... more »

How to Stop Mild Bleeding During First Aid

By eHow Health Editor

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The first and most important treatment for an open wound is to stop the bleeding. Most bleeding can be controlled with a combination of direct pressure over the wound and elevation... more »

How to Tell if Someone Is Dead

By eHow Health Editor

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If you've come across an accident and found someone seemingly lifeless, you may want to quickly ascertain if the person is dead or simply unconscious. This can determine your next course of action. Because the human body has several involuntary ... more »

How to Treat a Skin Flap or Abrasion During First Aid

By eHow Health Editor

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A skin flap is a tear of the skin away from the body which leaves one side of the skin still attached. An avulsion is when the skin, and often the tissue below, is entirely removed. Both require special treatment in the wilderness, and if the ... more »

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