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Emergencies

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Dealing withEmergencies

Emergency situations willoccur, despite the best ofplanning. Nature has a habitof turning a sunny day into athunder storm with littlenotice, a well person into anill person and can create alandscape that will test eventhe fittest of walkers.

severity of the situation. �‘Be prepared�’ is thekey phrase that needs to be remembered.Having the proper equipment will help you toreduce the risks. A bivvy sheet or survivalbag for shelter, a first aid kit, warm clothing,water and food; each item in your rucsackwill aid survival, therefore the importance ofbringing such equipment with you on everytrip, cannot be over emphasised.

Accidents will happen or will be causedby the less than careful actions of others.All these situations will place you in theposition of the patient or the first aider.How we deal with such incidents can bethe difference between life and death!It is the role of the first aider to do whatis necessary to reduce the danger to thepatient, to reassure the patient, to keepthem warm and to get help. You shouldnever attempt to do anything that youhave not been trained to do.In a city or urban location help is usuallyeasy to find, a phone call is all that isrequired to summon assistance.However risks are present in opencounryside that can add extracomplications to any incident. Immediatehelp is often some distance away and theelements of weather can add to the

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Guidelines in emergency situations

Be calm and assess the situationThis is important. You may be frightened and prone topanic, particularly if there is a lot of blood, or the patient isunconscious. Take charge of the situation quickly and don�’tstand there looking on, as a quick reaction is important.

Assess the situation carefully but quicklyEnsure there is no further danger to the patient and toyourself. Stabilise any danger before approaching thepatient or remove the patient to a safer location.

Treat life threatening conditions firstBreathing, serious bleeding, unconsciousness. (ABC)

Send for help - ring 999 or 112

Treat the less serious injuries next

Reassure patient at all times and tell them what youare doing.

Keep the patient warm and treat for shockKeep the patient warm. In outdoor situations it may benecessary to insulate the patient from the cold rising fromthe ground and a sleeping bag is a better option for warmth.

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In the case of an accident in the open countryside

Do any immediate first aid that is required and treat for shock.Keep the patient as comfortable as possible and ensure they are warm. Ifnecessary erect a shelter to protect the patient from the elements.Assess the situation:-

If injuries are minor and the patient can walk then head forsafety.If the injuries are such that the patient can be carried tosafety easily, then improvise a stretcher.If the injuries are unknown or the patient is unconscious oryou are unsure what to do then send for help and stay put.

If you choose to stay then you must do the following:-Erect a shelter.Keep the patient and the rest of your party warm.Send two experienced members of the group to seekhelp. The messengers should carry the following informationconcerning your situation to the emergency services:-Exact location, giving a 6 figure grid reference and as muchinformation as possible about the location of the patient.Time of accident and any treatment given.How many people are involved and/or injured.Nature of injuries to patient.

You should mark your position with survival bags, flags, or fires so thatyou can be found easily.

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Being Prepared

These are the essential items thatEVERYBODY should have inTHEIR OWN RUCSACK onEVERY ADVENTURE into the wilds.

A OS map of the areaA compassA torch with spare batteriesand bulbExtra foodExtra clothingRaingearA penknifeMatches in a waterproofcontainerA candle or other firestarterA personal first aid kitA survival whistleA survival bag

The group should also have between them

A walking ropeA bivvy sheetA sleeping bagA mobile phone (optional, butextremely useful in emergencies)

Note:If working as a Patrol, you may only requireone map and compass. However it is goodpractice for every member of the Patrol tohave their own compass and map. Everymember of the Patrol should be aware ofwhere they are at all times. What happens ifthe Patrol Leader is injured or knockedunconscious?

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SignallingYou have an emergency and need help.You have a number of options. If youhave a working mobile phone try tocontact the emergency services andfollow their instructions. If not, then youwill have to seek assistance by sendingpeople for help. In both cases thecommunciation of your situation is mostimportant. Rescue personnel will have tofind you and will need some idea of whatto expect by way of injuries. If thesituation is serious then there may be atendency to panic and rush forassistance. In such a situation, calmnessand a clear head will be of greater helpfor you and your patient.Before you contact the emergencyservices, work out exactly where youare and give a grid reference for your

position. If you are lost give the last knownlocation and where you think you may be inrelation to this position. Work out adescription of the injuries of your patient and ifpossible write it down before you make acall or send for help.Contact the emergency services and calmlygive them whatever information they require.If you choose to send for help, write out thisinformation so that it can be brought to the

International Distress SignalThe International Distress Signal is six good long blasts on a whistleor six shouts or six flashes of a torch followed by a pause of1 minute, then a repetition of the signal.This signal should be used to alert rescuers to your location.If the signal is heard you will hear an answering signal of three blasts followed by a pause of a minute and repeated until they find you.Do not stop because you hear a reply, as rescuers maybe using your blasts as a direction finder (especially in bad visibility).

rescue services.Mark your location withsurvival bags or brightcoloured clothing, andhave whistles ready tosignal your location. At nightbuild a fire and have torchesand whistles ready.

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Procedure to be followed in the caseof a first aid incident

An incident has happened

Always ensure the safety of yourself andothers before approaching the patient.

History - Find out what happened?Signs - What can you see?Symptoms - What the patient tells you?

Get help

Is the patient conscious?

NoYes

ABCCheck airway

breathing & circulation

Yes

Place in recoveryposition

No

Assistbreathing

Do you suspectspinal injury?

YesNo

Immobilisepatient

see charts onthe followingpages forBleedingBroken bonesBurn & ScaldsPoisoningHypothermia

Send to hospital

The pages of this chapter - �‘Emergencies�’are a guide to help you.

All Scouts should complete a recognised First Aid Course

Ring 999 or 112Your should know yourlocationFull Address ( givelandmarks to location)Nature of accident/incidentNumber of patients

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Patient is unconscious

ABC - Airway, Breathing, Circulation

Yes No

If the patient has fainted

Raise their feet Place inrecoveryposition

Open window and allow thepatient have some fresh air

Offer the patient some water

Clear airway

If breathingresumes

Still notbreathing

Assist breathing.

Keepthe patient

warm

No response

Monitor untilhelp arrives

Continue until helparrives(for at least 1

hour)

BreathingBreathing is necessary for life. Beingwithout air for any longer than 4 minutescan result in brain damage. Being withoutair for more than 7 minutes will almostcertainly result in death.The fact that a patient is not breathingmust be recognised at once. There mustbe no delay in relieving blocked airwaysor in giving C.P.R.

Your aim is torestore and maintain

breathing quicklybefore attempting

any othertreatment

Recovery position

Send forhelp

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ShockA person can suffer shock as a result of anytype of accident and this can be extremelydangerous, if not treated. Patients will appearashen or pale faced and may have a rapidheartbeat and feel faint and dizzy. Lay thepatient down and raise the feet. Cover thepatient with a blanket but do not overheat.

Head injuriesIf a patient has bumped his/her head or has beenunconsious for any period of time check their eyes.Pupils of unequal size or pupils that respondunequally to light are an indicator of a major headinjury. So get help immediately.

Patient should recover in a short period oftime when the blood supply to the brainincreases.

Lay patient down. Raise feet using pillows,rucksack. Keep patient warm, cover withblanket.

Assisted breathingLook for movement of the chest and abdomen

Listen for the sound of air movementFeel for air movement against the side of the cheek

If you see chest or abdomen movement withouthearing any air movement the patient is trying tobreathe but the airway is obstructed. Check mouthand airway and position the head and jaw to makesure airway is open.

If patient is not breathing give 4 quick breaths.

Pinch the patient�’s nose with your thumb andforefinger while maintaining the head tilt.Take a deep breath, open your mouth wideand make a tight seal over the patient�’smouth.

Breathe into the patients mouth twice. As youbreathe into the mouth, watch for the patientschest to rise. Be sure to look up and take adeep breath, to completely refill your lungsbetween breaths. Each breath should last atleast one to two seconds, to allow adequatetime for good chest expansion.It is a good idea to learn CPR from arecognised First Aid Organisation.

If at anytime you donot see the chestrise when youbreathe in check forblockage of theairway.

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Patient is bleeding

Lay the patientdown

External bleedingInternal Bleeding

Stop blood lossby pressing on

the point ofbleeding

If the patient iscoughing or

vomiting bloodlay on side

Keep airway clear

Elevate limbabove

heart level

Get patientto lie downand be still

Keep warm

Has bleedingstopped?

Send to hospital

No Yes

Press more firmly,elevate higher

Has bleeding stopped

Yes

If blood lose is great or ifwound requires stitches

Clean wound andapply dressing

Bleeding

Your aim is to stopbleeding as quickly as

possible. Apply a dressingand get help if blood

loss is great.

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Cuts and woundsThe first step is to stop the bleeding. This canbe done by applying pressure to the wound.It is essential to have examination gloves inyour kit for this purpose. Next, clean the

Makeshift or emergency butterfly strips canbe made from clear sticky tape. These arevery good at closing large gash type wounds

Self HelpIf you injure yourself and there is no oneabout to help, would you be able to treatyourself? You should practice, using the tipsshown in the illustration.If the wound is bleeding and does not ceasewhen pressure is applied, lift the affectedarea above your head. Lying on the groundwith your feet above head level will help toprevent the onset of shock and dizziness.

Leg woundsBleeding from leg wounds can be severe, asblood vessels are very close to the surface, inparticular on the shin. Lie the patient down andapply pressure to the wound with a sterile paduntil bleeding stops. Apply a cover bandage.Heavy bleeding from the upper leg can beserious. Elevate the leg, apply a pad and callfor help.

wound, working away from the cut. If it is asimple scratch or cut apply a band aid. If it ismore severe, apply a compress bandage. Ifthe cut is deep or a long gash seek medicaladvice, as stitches may be required.

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Casualty may have a broken bone

Find out what happened

Is there bleeding Can the patient usethe limb normally?

Yes No

Is there swelling?

Compare withother limb todetermine

fracture location

Yes

Apply coldcompress

If sprain is suspected treat as a fracture

Prevent movement

Immobilise limb - splint or to body

Keep warm and reassure patient

Treat bleedingbefore any

other actions

If bone isprotuding makering to protect

the bone.

Cover wound withsterile dressing

Get medical help

Broken bones

You aim is tostop bleeding, if any.

Reduce swelling.Make the casualty

comfortable andget medical help

Compare the good with the injured todiscover swelling or more serious injuries

No

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Fractures to the armIf a person has fallen and complains of a pain in the arm and holds it tightly to the chest, it maybe broken. The treatment of the fracture is determined by the position of the break. Great careneeds to be taken with any fracture as the break may cause internal damage to blood vessels.This is particularly important with fractures in the elbow area. Any treatment given is only to aidthe comfort of the patient, until transport to expert medical assistance is organised.

The triangular bandage is used as shown. Move slowly and let the patient move injured arminto the fracture sling. The injured person knows best where it hurts - be gentle!

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Fractures to the legsFractures to the legs normally result from a fall or a bad twisting of the limb. The limb need tobe immobilised for comfort and to prevent further damage.This is best done by strapping it tothe good leg. It is important to pad between the legs for comfort. In all cases secure the feet,using a bandage tied in a figure of eight. One bandage is used to secure the hips. Thendepending on where the fracture is in relation to the knee, bandages are applied as shown.For added security you can apply a splint to prevent any movement of the limb. Be careful,gentle and aware that any sudden or unnecessary movement will cause pain and maycause further internal injuries to blood vessels and nerves.

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The triangular bandage or a Scout neckerchiefThe triangular bandage, or a scout neckerchief, is an extremely versatile bandage and can beused in many situations. It can also be folded down to form a bandage or rolled into a doughnutshape to protect exposed and tender wounds. In all cases finish off your bandage with a reefknot tied away from the affected area.

The triangular bandagecan be folded down as

shown to create a numberof different sized

bandages

This bandage is used to prevent furtherdamage to a wound, especially if anobject such as a piece of metal or glassis still stuck in the wound. One or two �‘doughnutscan be used to protect the object that is protrudingfrom the wound, so a dressing can be applied.

Create a �‘doughnut�’bandage by rolling thebandage as shown.

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Patient has been burnt

Place affected area underrunning water for

10 minutes

Is the burnedarea larger than

12mm?

Yes No

Cover area withsterile dressing

Treat for shock if necessary

Is it a deep burnor a burn on the

face?

Yes

Apply a steriledressingDo not burst

blister

Apply a steriledressing

Bring to hospital

Burns and ScaldsBurns can be caused by hot objects,chemical substances and electricalcontact. Burns caused by hot liquids arecalled scalds. Most burns and scaldsresult in an immediate reaction by thepatient - dropping a match or hot pot etc.so before it is possible to treat the patientmake the situation safe - put out fire,disconnect the elecrical applianceor turn off the cooker.

Your aim is tomake the situation safe

Place the burned area underrunning water

Cover the burned area andget medical help.

Cover burned area witha sterile dressing suchas a clean pillow case.You can also cover theburn with clingfilm.

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Patient has taken poison

Is patient unconscious?

NoYes

Is there a burning onthe tongue?

Is it a petrol product

If it is any othertype of poison

If so, don�’t allow patient tovomit.

Yes

Give the patient water or soft drink todilute poison

Is the patient breathing?

No

Assist breathing

Yes

Place inrecoveryposition

Send for medical help

Ring �‘Poison Line�’ (01) 8379964,999 or 112 and follow advice

Bring evidence of any poison with you

PoisoningYour aim is to

find out what poison has been taken.

Maintain breathingand get

medical help

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You think patient is suffering fromhypothermia (exposure)

Is the patient shiveringor showing early signs

of hypothermia?

YesNo

Is the patient unconscious?

Is the patient breathing?

Yes No

Insulate from groundand heat loss

Assistbreathing

Start core body rewarming process

Sit the patient down in shelteredposition and rewarm

core body slowly

Evacuate when warm

Consult with doctoron return to safety

If the patient responds

Get immediate helpand evacuate to hospital

Hypothermia

Your aim is toshelter and restore

the core body temperature(37 degrees) of the patient.

Get medical advise ifnecessary.

Signs of onset ofhypothermia

Mood changeUncharacteristic actions

Slurred speechComplaining of being cold

ShiveringStaggering and stumbling in a

drunken manner

If no response

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Common Ailments

Sunburn

Cuts and scratches

Nose bleedsPinch the nose just below the hard partand at the same time keep the headforward over a basin or bowl. Thisshould be done for at least 10 minutes.Tell patient not to blow nose for the next few hours. If bleeding does not stopseek medical help.

Minor cuts and scratches need to be treated immediately toprevent infection, particularly when camping.Always start by cleaning your own hands. Next, clean theskin around the wound thoroughly, then the wound itself,using a mild mix of antiseptic and water.Apply a dressing to the wound.

Prevention is the best treatment. However ifsunburn occurs:-Rest the patient in the shade.Give the patient cold fluids to drink.In mild cases, calamine lotion may have a soothingeffect.If sunburn is severe, seek medical help.

SplintersRemove splinters with a tweezers if possible. Ifthe splinter is small if can be eased out using asterilized pin (sterilise by burning pin until red hotor boiling it for 3 minutes). When removed, cleanarea with antispetic fluid. If the splinter is deeplyembedded in the skin, and impossible toremove, infection can set in, so seek medicaladvise.

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Stings and bitesIn the case of a sting, and it can be seen in theskin, then remove it with a tweezers.Treat area with a antihistamine creamor with antiseptic.If the sting is in the mouth, throat or ear, thenseek medical help, as swelling in these partsmay be dangerous. Insect bites should be treatedby cleaning the area with antiseptic and applyingan antihistamine cream to prevent itching.

Choking

A piece of food or some other substance caneasily become stuck in the airway causingchoking. Choking patients may have as littleas 7 minutes from time of obstruction to death,so quick action is required to restorebreathing.Try to remove the obstruction by slapping thepatient hard between the shoulder blades. Ifthis is unsuccessful put your arms around thepatient�’s waist and making a fist with onehand, place the thumb side halfway between

the navel and the rib cage. Hold your fist with the other handand give 3-4 quick strong pulls - upwards towards you.Use your hand to create the pressure; do not squeeze withyour arms. If the patient collapses, continue procedure asshown.If the patient vomits, clear their mouth to prevent furtherchoking. Place in recovery position.

HeimlichManoeuvre

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Something in eyeWarn the patient not to rub the eye.While the patient looks up, gently draw the lower liddown and out. If particle is seen on lower lid it canbe removed with a moistened cotton bud or thecorner of a clean handkerchief.If the particle is thought to be under the upper lid,then, while the patient looks down, grasp the upperlid and draw it down and out over the lower lid asthis action may wipe away any foreign particle.

FootcareBlisters are most likely to form on thefeet and ankles if boots are too tight,new,stiff or ill - fitting in any way. At thefirst sign of discomfort, a dressingshould be applied to the area to preventa blister from forming.If it is too late, the blister needs to beassessed. If you are on camp, it isbest to cover the blister with a steriledressing and wait for nature to do itsjob. However, if you are hiking acrossopen countryside it may be better toburst the blister with a sterile needle( the movement of the foot will cause itto burst shortly anyway) and coverwith a sterile dressing.Blisters can be avoided by wearingtwo pairs of socks or by placing a

folded plastic bag between the boot andyour sock. This transfers the possiblefriction to the plastic bag, rather than toyour skin.

Wash eye with water whenfinished, or if the abovemethods are unsuccessful.

Do not try to remove any particle that appears tobe embedded or cannot be wiped away easilyfrom the surface of the eye. These cases mustbe seen by a doctor.

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Personal Conditions

Asthma DiabetesAsthma is a difficulty in breathingwhich is caused by a spasm in themuscles that control the air tubes tothe lungs. It can be caused by manyfactors, such as stress, physicalexertion, dust and pollen.People who suffer from asthma willhave a difficulty in breathing out andwill appear to be in distress andgasping for air.Most people who suffer from asthmaare aware of their condition and willoften be able to control the asthmaattack with inhalers and drugs.

If you are confronted with thecondition do the following :-

Stop what you are doing.Reassure the patient.Make sure that the patient can find theinhaler or prescribed drugs to treat thecondition.Stay calm, confident and unexcited.

If the person suffering the attack, doesnot have an inhaler or drugs to controlit, or, if after taking the drugs, there isno improvement in the condition in ashort period of time, then seekimmediate medical assistance.

Diabetes is a condition which affects theway in which the body convertsglucose into energy. Natural insulinproduced by our bodies normally doesthis job. However people who sufferfrom diabetes have to inject insulin intotheir bodies to do this.People who suffer from diabetes knowhow to deal with their condition, and iftreated correctly they can live normallives. They may inject themselves withinsulin perhaps twice a day - once inthe morning and also in the evening. Aswell as taking insulin they must alsocontrol their diet. Therefore it is mostimportant that meals and breaks duringthe day, are taken at set and regulartimes.A common problem encountered is a�‘hypo�’ or low blood count. The sugarlevels run low and will result in theperson becoming hungry, dizzy, andconfused, or even going into anunconscious state. If the patient isawake give them something sweet - apiece of chocolate, a sweet or a drink offull sugar drinks such as 7 up or Coke.Within a minute or two the patient willcome around. They should then begiven a meal or snack to recover theirsugar levels. If the patient does notrecover get medical help immediately.Do not attempt to give food ordrink to a person who isunconscious.

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Epilepsy

Other Disabilities

Epilepsy is a condition in which thesufferer can experience a seizure, broughton by increased activity in the brain, whichresults in an interference with messages inthe brain.People who suffer with epilepsy arenormally aware of their condition and willcontrol it by prescribed drugs which allowthem to lead normal lives.Problems can sometimes happen whenthe drug routine is not maintained. Aseizure can happen at anytime, sometimesa patient may feel a seisure coming on,however there may not be any noticeablesigns

If seizure occurs do the following:-

Stay calm.Lay the patient down and prevent thepatient from hurting themselves from falling

or rolling by holding the patient carefully.Loosen all tight clothing.Make sure the patient can breathe.Seizures normally don�’t last for very long.When the seizure has ceased, reassurethe patient and give them something todrink.The patient may be confused and will oftenhave a need to sleep after a seizure. If inthe open, erect a shelter or tent and let thepatient sleep for a short while beforemaking for safety.The patient will often know how to dealwith the situation. However, during theseizure your role is to ensure that thepatient does not injure themselves and isreassured and comforted after the ordeal.

People can suffer from many differenttypes of disabilities,but this should not stoptheir enjoyment of Scouting. People withsuch conditions will be aware of thetreatment and care that they require, on aregular basis. If you know of such peoplein your Patrol talk to them about theircondition and the special needs they may

have, so that you can help if required.If you suffer from a disability yourself youshould also make sure that the members ofyour Patrol, in particular your PatrolLeader and Scout Leader, are aware ofyour needs and treatment, so that they canassist you if required.

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Lifting andCarryingAn injured person should only be movedif in immediate danger - from weatherconditions or patient is in an unsafe place.If the person is consious and only slightlyinjured then simple carrying methods canbe used, such as the shoulder support orthe piggy back. If the person has aninjury, that prevents movement, or isunconscious then you will have to use thefireman�’s lift or seek help so that you canuse stretchers.Moving an injured person by any methodwill be a strain. Be careful when lifting the

person or moving over rough ground, so thatyou do not injure yourself, or fall, perhapscausing further injury, pain and discomfort tothe patient.

Shoulder Lift

Piggy back

Four Hand Lift

Fireman�’s Lift

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Stretchers can be made by turning clothinginside out and placing poles up the arms.Survival/bivvy bags make excellentstretchers. They can be difficult to carry soyou will need to tie loops onto the bag or

support it underneath by rope loops or belts.Handles are secured to the bag using astone wrapped in the plastic to preventripping and tearing.

There are two kinds of emergencyrope stretchers- the Alpinebasket and the Pigott stretcher. Bothstretchers require a climbing rope anda large number of people tocarry them successfully.The preference would betowards the bivvy bagstretcher.

Alpine Basket

Middle of rope

Start overhandknots here

Pigott Stretcher

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RescueTechniques

As you travel across wild contryside youmay come across boggy ground. Whilstmost of this ground can be crossed withease, great care is needed. Sometimes whatappears safe can in fact be bog holes, �‘quicksand�’ and mire. If you are unfortunate enoughto walk into one of these mires you willsuddenly find yourself sinking very quickly.As with most situations, try not to panic asthis only hastens the sinking. Think of thismud bath as water. Lie on your back and tryto float. Spreading your weight in this way

will prevent you fromsinking. Gradually, moveyour body towards moresolid ground and pullyourself free.

The technique used to rescue someonewho is trapped in a bog, swamp or hasfallen through ice is the same as forsomeone who has fallen into water. In thefirst instance the rescuer does not enterthe bog, or danger area, to reach theperson. Find something - such as astave, stick, coat or rope, that can bethrown to the person and you can pullthem free.Reassure the person that you are makingprogress, and that it will help greatly �“ifwe both stay calm�”.If the trapped person is carrying arucksack, or other equipment, this maybe used as a floatation device to aid therescue.

Branches, logs and indeed other rucksackscan also be used to act as platforms to reachthose in difficulties.Beware of the extra weight, pulling someonefrom a bog is a lot harder than pullingsomeone through water.When the person has been brought to safety,remove wet clothes, replaced them with dryclothes and warm the patient. Make a fire ifpossible or provide a warm drink. The patientwill be stunned by the experience andperhaps suffer from shock. Even in summerthe mire and bog will be cold and will quicklycool the body so exposure can be a realthreat.Find a safer route to your destination. Astave is a great tool for testing ground forstability before crossing.

Helping someonetrapped in a bog orswamp

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Rescue ropes and linesWhenever you travel in wild countryside, a

safety rope or webbing line should be part of

your equipment. It has many uses, and in

rescue situations it can prove a valuable tool

for reaching those in difficulties. It can also

assist when crossing rivers and climbing

over difficult terrain, as a support for a lean-

to shelter or for the construction of a

stretcher.

Line throwingLine throwing is not as straightforward asyou might think! Practice, from time to time,to improve distances and accuracy of throw.Coil the rope carefully to prevent snaggingwhen throwing. Don�’t forget to keep a foot onthe end of the rope, better still secure the endof the rope before throwing.

Rescue servicesMany mountain and general rescueservices exist around the country. Theseteams are comprised of volunteers whoagree to help and assist other people whoget into trouble on land or sea. Theseservices should only be called out in areal emergency.Rescue services are activated by callingthe emergency services phone number -999 and 112

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Survival in Water

In most water emergencies it is moreimportant that you stay afloat for a longperiod of time rather than swim to safety.

Drown proofing.Raise your head and take abreath. Lower your face into thewater and press down yourarms in water. As you breatheout rise up and take anotherbreath. This method conservesenergy. Threading water keepsyour head out of the water butuses more energy.

If you are wearing a lifejacket use theHeat Escape Lessening Position(H.E.L.P.), shown above, to preventheat loss and the onset of hypothermia.This position helps to keep the head, andcore body area covered. Water isalways cold and will quickly draw awaythe heat from your body. Don�’t flap aboutand use up valuable energy which isneeded to provide heat to your body.If a number of people find themselves inthe same unfortunate position, huddletogether for security and warmth. Placethe smallest member of group in themiddle.

Always stay with the overturned craft; as itwill provide buoyancy and is easier to spotthan individuals in the water.

Items of clothing, such as rainjackets and trousers,can be turned into buoyancy aids.

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FiresFire is always dangerous.Without warningyou can find yourself in a life threatheningsituation. Your clothes can catch fire, a chippan can flare up, or a candle can fall on acarpet and set your home alight.The golden rule, as in all emergencies is tokeep calm, assess the situation quickly andget help. Under no circumstances try to bethe hero. In a house fire, raise the alarm, geteveryone out and stay out, until the firebrigade arrives. You should make an escapeplan for your family home and the ScoutDen.

If your clothes catch fire or if a friend�’sclothes catch fire remember the catchphrase -

Stop, Drop and Roll.Stop the victim moving as this will fanthe flames, Drop to the ground and rollover and over until flames are out - treatburns.

Smoke and toxic gases rather thanflames are the real killers and they canquickly fill a room or house. If you arecaught in such a situation then crawl onthe floor to safety. The smoke andgases will rise to the ceiling first, beforedropping towards the ground and thiscan provide a �‘safety zone�’ andlifesaving opportunity for you to get out.

If you have to escape from a buildingdo so only when instructed by the firebrigade or if the situation is lifethreatening. If possible use blankets,ropes etc, to make a line. If you mustdrop from a height, do so carefully asshown and push yourself away from thebuilding as you fall. Break your fall bybending your knees and rolling as youreach the ground.

If you have to use a fire extinquisherremember this little catch phrasePASS. Pull the pin. Aim low.Squeeze the handle and Sweep fromside to side.

Smoke

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SurvivalDespite the most careful planning anemergency can occur on any adventureinto wild countryside. You may find itdifficult to navigate through driving rain ordense fog, or someone may get injured.Your survival will depend on how wellyou are prepared, the equipment youhave in your pack, and how youapproach the problem.

If you get lost

Stay together as a groupSit down and be calmCarefully work out your approx.position from the mapIf you are reasonably sure ofyour position, take a bearing and trust your compassIf travelling in dense fog ordarkness, use the group asmarkers on the compass bearing to ensure an accurate line of travelIf you are caught in dense fog ordarkness, and do not feel you havethe confidence to travel to safety,then stay put for the night or until thefog lifts

If the situation is such that you decide tostay put, it is necessary to do a number ofthings to ensure your survival.

Make sure every member of the groupis safeRender first aid as requiredFind or erect a shelterKeep warm

Alert rescuersSend for help

In such situations, the likelihood is thatweather conditions will be severe. Everyyear people die, even with the rightequipment, because they fail to realise thepotentially lethal mix of COLD, WET andWIND. Shelter, warmth and dry clothing aretherefore critical considerations.Hypothermia (exposure) can quickly takehold in wet windy and cold conditions, sobeware. The safety of the group isparamount, so decisions will have to betaken as a group, taking into account allthose factors that make up your situation.If shelter, such as a rock outcrop, or forest, isnearby, then head for that location. If youhave a tent you might consider setting upcamp where you stand. However, weatherconditions may make it unwise to erect a tentin an exposed position.

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Survival bags can be used for quick shelterfrom the elements, however, for long termshelter the condensation generated within thebag can be worse than the rain falling on theoutside.A bivvy type shelter built in a sheltered areasuch as a forest or rock outcrop is a betterlong term option. Carry a large sheet ofplastic with the group gear.If the situation permits, it is best to seeknearby natural cover to set up base, ascamping in exposed locations in severeweather may add to your difficulties. Thisoption should only be considered if it ispossible to reach such a location in a shorttime span and without undue hardship orendangerment for the group- remember theCold, Wet, Wind combination. If a membersof the group are injured, to such an extentthat they are immobile it is better to erect atent where you stand, and stay put until helparrives.

Be preparedEverybody on the trip should have thecorrect equipment - raingear, spare clothes,food, first aid kit, etc., - this equipment iscarried in our packs for emergencies. Mostof the time we will not use this extra gear,however when such a situation occurs,YOU ARE PREPARED!

Having respect for the weather and thecountryside or mountain range you arecrossing will lessen the chance of a survivalsituation arising. Training for such situationswill give you the confidence and knowledgeto cope with any situation quickly. Practice,in safe conditions, erecting shelters, carryingand lifting patient, signalling for help etc., sothat, if you are caught out in such a situationyou will be able to adapt to yourcircumstances and survive your ordeal.

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Shelter

Shelter from the elements is critical tomaintaining warmth and preventing theonset of hypothermia. Getting into asurvival bag and sitting or crouchingbehind a rock or bog outcrop will help tolessen the force of the elements. Theconditions you find yourself in willdetermine the shelter you should seek. Ifpossible make for trees or forestry,providing that in doing so, you do not putyourself at further risk.

If you are caught in extreme weather conditions inopen countryside, without immediate shelter, youcould get into your bivvy bag and sit it out. Put onextra clothing to keep warm and leave a wideopening for air to circulate.

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In winter conditions, seek shelter around thespreading boughs of trees or rock outcrops.You can construct a shelter with a bivvysheet and snow walls or use rocks andboulders as the main protection and buildsnow walls between them.Rucksacks, sticks and skis, can be used tosupport the roof. Insulate yourself, from theground, by sitting on rucksacks or insulatedmats. Your priority is to get under shelter asquickly as possible, rather than constructfancy snowholes. In general, go for thesimplest option first. If you are unlikely to berescued for some time then consider a morepermanent structure. Do not fully close upany snow shelter - allow air to get in easily.You may have to keep an eye on the air holeor entrance to prevent snow build up. Place amarker or flag outside your shelter to signalyour location to rescuers.

Boulder snow shelter

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Survival Tents

Rescue Card

If you are caught out in bad weather -driving wind, rain or blizzard, or youwish to get under cover for a short periodto read your map or have your lunch,special storm/survival shelters are

available. They are like a tent without poles!You climb inside and your body is used tokeep the tent shape. They are a useful bit ofkit to have. They are very light and caneasily be carried by one of the team.In an emergecy situation they are ideal, asthe patient can quickly be placed undercover until help arrives.

An incident has taken place and we need help.

Time of incident

Type of incident

Injuries

Patient�’s nameLocation (grid reference)

What we intend to do.We will stay putWe will evacuate to

We can overnight safely

Description of location

Number in party