Chapter 5: Outdoor Safety
Health Emergencies (continued)

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Improperly working camp stoves and lanterns, as well as wood and charcoal fires, can produce lethal carbon monoxide.
• Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, and difficulty in breathing. The victim's skin can turn red, and he or she can lose consciousness.
• Get victims into the fresh air immediately, and keep them lying quietly. Quick medical care is very important.

Chest Wounds

• A bullet striking the chest can cause a sucking chest wound—a deep, open wound of the chest wall that allows air into the chest cavity.
• All chest injuries are very serious and need immediate medical attention.

Heart Attack

• Symptoms include pain or discomfort in the chest for a few minutes, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, and lightheadedness.
• May be triggered by physically demanding activity.
• Seek medical attention immediately.

Shock

• Shock can result from any serious injury. Symptoms include pale, cold, clammy skin; rapid pulse; shallow breathing; and fear in the victim.
• To treat shock:
  • Keep the victim lying on their back. In some cases, shock victims improve by raising their feet 8-10 inches.
  • If the victim is having trouble breathing, raise the victim's head and shoulders about 10 inches rather than raising the feet.
  • Maintain normal body temperature and loosen any tight clothing.
  • Try to keep the victim calm and comfortable, and get medical help as quickly as possible.

Snakebite and Insect Stings

• Most doctors agree that the best response is to rush the victim to a hospital emergency room.
• Do not try to remove poison from snakebites. Cutting and suctioning the bite can do more harm than good.
• Fear and panic may worsen snakebite reactions. Calm the victim as much as possible. Keep the victim in a reclining position to slow the spread of venom. If the bite is on a limb, keep the wound at or below the level of the heart.
• Remain calm and quickly get to a hospital for medical treatment for bites that show signs of reaction.
• Remember what the snake or insect looks like; a description helps doctors determine the method of treatment.
• Snakes and insects will attack or bite if threatened or surprised.

Remember... Every hunter should take a first aid course and a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to be prepared to handle outdoor emergencies. A prepared hunter also will carry a complete first aid kit.