Chapter 5: Outdoor Safety
Health Emergencies
Every hunter should take a first-aid course to learn what
to do in case of injuries. Below are some common injuries
that could occur while hunting.
Allergies
- Can be caused by plants, food, or clothing.
- Severe reactions can be life-threatening.
- Always use medication.
- Always bring medication with you.
Bleeding
- Severe bleeding is a life-threatening medical emergency.
The rapid loss of just two pints of blood can result in
shock and loss of consciousness. A victim can bleed to
death in a short time.
Broken Bones
- You can assume someone has a broken bone if pain lasts
more than a few minutes, moving the injured area is difficult,
or there is swelling in the injured area.
Moving an Injured Person
Moving the victim with a back or neck injury should be left
to paramedics or other professionals since permanent damage
could result from improper handling. If a victim must be
pulled to safety, move him or her lengthwise and headfirst,
supporting the head and neck. Keep the spine in alignment.
Burns
- First- and second-degree burns with closed
blisters are best treated with cold water.
- Second- and third-degree burns with open blisters should
be wrapped with a loose, dry dressing.
The Mission of the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led
by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters
and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
"Good Samaritan" Law
Pennsylvania law requires a person who has
inflicted injury or witnessed the infliction of
injury to a human being with any firearm or
bow and arrow, while hunting or furtaking,
to render immediate and full assistance to the
injured person. Fleeing the scene or failing
or refusing to help the injured person is a
violation of law and is punishable by fines
and/or forfeiture of hunting privileges.
|
