Medical Skills: Prepper Should Learn

Medical Skills: Prepper Should Learn

When my son fell out of a tree, the ambulance was only a few minutes away. As soon as they had stabilized his wound, they drove him to the hospital, where he had x-rays, blood work, and numerous sutures. I was extremely grateful that skilled experts could assist him!

However, in a SHTF scenario, you might not have access to medical staff who can provide life-sustaining treatment. You might have to take care of it yourself. 

How to Apply Wraps and Bandages to Wounds 

In order to keep the dressing in place on a larger wound, you might need to first dress the wound before wrapping it. It's crucial to apply the proper amount of pressure when wrapping the incision to avoid restricting blood flow and creating a tourniquet effect, which could further harm the body. 

Woundsource.com offers detailed instructions as well as a few more suggestions for creating perfect wraps. 

How to Assist Someone Choking 

The Heimlich maneuver is a straightforward procedure to master, yet it might save a life right now! Knowing what to do in advance will make you prepared in case the situation ever happens. 

How to assist a youngster who is choking is as follows: Pediatric and newborn Heimlich maneuver.

Here's how to assist an adult: Heimlich maneuver for adults

Medications for Allergic Reactions 

A fatal allergic reaction might occur fast. The majority of the time, though, they are treatable if you act promptly. Sneezing, a runny nose, and skin rashes are examples of minor allergic reactions. However, more severe allergic reactions, which can include hives, breathing issues, swelling of the tongue or airway, vomiting, and a sense of impending doom, can be fatal. 

Typically, anaphylaxis happens between 20 and 2 hours following exposure. Typically, epinephrine can reverse it. However, a few hours later, some patients require a second dose of epinephrine. Some patients will also experience a secondary anaphylactic reaction within 12 hours. 

Treatment for Fever 

Over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever. The body employs fevers as a defense mechanism against pathogens and viruses, so they typically aren't harmful on their own. A high fever, defined as one that is greater than 102.2 degrees in adults, requires medical attention. 

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to treat fever symptoms, including discomfort and temperature control, as well as aches and pains. Additionally, you can use cool clothes. Both adults and children who have fevers can benefit greatly from the counsel provided by Tylenol.  

Understanding Infectious Diseases 

There are numerous infectious illnesses and viruses that, if left untreated, can turn fatal. Good sanitation and hygiene, as well as obtaining adequate sleep and maintaining good health, are the first lines of defense.

But what if you continue to feel sick? You must first be able to recognize the illness and comprehend how to treat it. Here is where you may learn more about infectious diseases. 

Treatment for Hypothermia 

When a person has hypothermia, their body temperature drops to a point where it affects their ability to circulate blood. It can happen while you're outside in the cold, but it usually happens when you're also wet and chilly. You should treat hypothermia victims with the utmost gentleness. 

Typical symptoms of mild hypothermia include shaking and disorientation. A more serious case of hypothermia might result in unconsciousness and even death. For further information on how to avoid, spot, and treat hypothermia, see this article.

Treatment for Frostbite 

When exposed to cold, skin and tissue can get frostbitten. Care must be taken because it may result in irreversible body damage. Pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and even loss of movement are all signs of frostbite. It may initially appear to be a burn. 

Early frostbite, often known as frostnip, is extremely treatable. However, the extent of the damage may increase the longer the body is exposed to subfreezing temperatures. 

Of course, it's best to seek out medical advice, but you may learn more by visiting verywellhealth.com. 

How to Care for a Gunshot Injury

Your worst dread during any SHTF scenario might be a bullet wound. According to Survivopedia, bleeding is the most likely reason for a gunshot wound to result in death. However, if you take three urgent actions—stopping the bleeding, treating for shock, and maintaining their breathing—you can increase your odds of survival. 

You'll probably need to remove some of their clothing in order to make an initial assessment. Remember that you probably shouldn't start looking inside for the bullet; instead, concentrate on stabilizing the person and calling for assistance as soon as you can. The bullet may be in an unexpected location in the body if it didn't escape the wound. 

In order to halt the bleeding, apply pressure to the wound. Depending on where and how deep the gunshot was, you might need to pack the wound or apply a tourniquet. A gunshot wound kit can be really helpful in this situation! 

After treating the victim's shock, you must maintain the victim's breathing.  

How to Manage Shock 

Untreated shock is a serious medical disease that can be lethal. It usually occurs when blood pressure falls too low and the body doesn't have enough oxygen-rich blood to circulate through it. Bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction are possible causes. 

A person in shock may have bluish or greyish fingernails or lips, a rapid, weak pulse, exhaustion, and fainting. They may also have chilly, clammy skin and a rapid, weak pulse. 

Of course, you should dial 911 if you can. Additionally, you must halt any bleeding. To enhance blood flow to the heart, lie the person down and lift their legs by one or two feet. Maintain their warmth and start CPR if required. The Mayo Clinic has more information about treating shock. 

How to Stitch a Wound Using Sutures 

It can be dangerous to stitch a wound shut. Even in the field, doctors try to avoid sewing wounds shut whenever possible because doing so dramatically raises the chance of infection. Having said that, there can be circumstances in which it is absolutely vital to heal a wound. In that instance, learning effective techniques is important. 

A wound can be stitched, glued, stapled, or closed with butterfly strips among other techniques. First, you must ensure that any bleeding has been stopped. After that, you must clean the wound. After that, stitch it up with sutures, staples, or glue before bandaging the wound. The prepared.com has additional in-depth information.