8. First Aid to common injuries and Safety practices in Outdoor Activities​

FIRST AID

Is the first and immediate assistance given to any person with either a minor or serious illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life,  prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery until medical services arrive.​

P.R.I.C.E. Protocol

Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevationis

PROTECTION

is meant to prevent further injury. 

REST

is important to allow for healing. However, many sports medicine specialists use the term “relative rest” meaning rest that allows for healing.

ICE

refers to the use of cold treatments, also known as cryotherapy, to treat acute injuries. Ice is recommended with the intent to minimize and reduce swelling as well as to decrease pain.

COMPRESSION

is the use of a compression wrap, such as an elastic bandage, to apply an external force to the injured tissue. This compression minimizes swelling and provides mild support.

ELEVATION

is recommended to help reduce the pooling of fluid in the injured extremity or joint. Controlling swelling can help decrease pain and may limit the loss of range of motion, possibly speeding up recovery time.

Sprain
Strain
Fracture
Dislocation
Concussion

5 Common Injuries

SPRAIN

is an injury that happens when one of your ligaments is stretched or torn. Ligaments are bands of tissue that connect bones throughout your body. They’re like ropes that hold your muscles and bones together and prevent them from moving too far. Ligaments also make sure your joints only move in the direction(s) they’re supposed to. Sprains happen when ligaments around one of your joints are damaged.​

STRAIN

is a twist, pull, or tear of muscle or tendon (a cord of tissue that connects the muscle to bone.) It is also an acute, non-contact injury that result from overstretching or over contraction.

FRACTURE

is the medical definition for a broken bone. Fractures are usually caused by traumas like falls, car accidents or sports injuries. But some medical conditions and repetitive forces (like running) can increase your risk for experiencing certain types of fractures. If you break a bone, you might need surgery to repair it. Some people only need a splint, cast, brace or sling for their bone to heal. How long it takes to recover fully depends on which of your bones are fractured, where the fracture is and what caused it.

DISLOCATION

is the medical term for bones in one of your joints being pushed out of their usual place. They can affect any joint in your body. Dislocations almost always happen during traumas or sports injuries. Never try to push or force a dislocated joint back into place on your own.

CONCUSSION

is a head injury that happens when your brain moves or twists inside your skull. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury. They’re some of the most common (and most commonly misunderstood) injuries that people experience.