REPORT TITLE: SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SKILLS

REPORT DURATION: 2 meetings (2 hours)

A. INTRODUCTION
a. Safety in Outdoor Living
With proper knowledge, training and supervision there can be a
few problems that may be encountered in an organized camping. In
this lecture, certain kinds of emergency situations that might cause
concern as well as some of the basic information campers need about
potential dangers that might be encountered and their recommended
treatments will be discussed in class.
B. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
(*pictures of wounds, ailments, etc and data after*)
a. Blisters - are the most common ailment to confront the hikers. May at
first seem to be a minor problem but can lead to complete
incapacitation in the backcountry.
i. Cause - moisture, temperature, and friction of the skin against a
tough surface such as a boot.
Rubbing causes the tough outer layer of the skin to
separate from the sensitive inner layers, and fluid then fills the
space in between. Hot damp skin will blister much quicker than
cool dry skin.
ii. Prevention shoes should fit well and should be thoroughly
broken in before going on a long trip.
To keep the feet cool and dry, coat them with powder and
wear two layers of socks. Non-absorbent nylon, polyester, or silk
sock allows moisture to move away from the skin and reduce
friction. Outer sock should be a thicker wool one to dissipate
friction. Frequent changing of socks is recommended.
Boots should be laced tightly to prevent the foot from
slipping.
iii. Treatment
For chronic blister problems, potential blisters may be
covered with moleskin or adhesive tape prior to the beginning of
a hike.
Upon developing a blister, it is best not to remove the
skin, blister should be drained by inserting a sterilized needle
under the loose skin just beyond the edge of the blister. First,
wash with soap and water and then, after draining, coat the area
an antiseptic and cover with adhesive tape or bandage. Use felt
tape or moleskin around the blister, not on it, to relieve the
pressure and prevent rubbing of the area while walking.
b. Sunburn can be serious as well as painful condition, and there can be
a relationship between repeated overexposure to the suns rays and
skin damage, including skin cancer.

i. Prevention - campers who have not already acquired a deep tan

must do so gradually, beginning with a maximum of 15-20
minutes of exposure the first day and increasing it by the same
amount each succeeding days.
Use of sun exposure skin product is also recommended.
When going outside for long periods, the best protection is
clothing such as long-brimmed hat, long sleeves and pant legs,
and a turned-up collar. Sunglasses should also be used to
protect the eyes.
ii. Treatment - zinc oxide ointment can protect burns from more
ultraviolet rays. Over the counter local anesthetics can be used
for pain. Severe sunburns with blisters require a doctors
attention.
c. Heat Exhaustion most common heat ailment; its symptoms are
extreme fatigue, nausea, headache, and faintness. Skin becomes
clammy and moist and the eye pupils dilate.
i. Cause when people participate in vigorous activities, especially
during the heat of hot summer days, they must be wary of heat
exhaustion.
ii. Treatment allowing victim to rest quietly in a cool area. Lightly
salted water should also be swallowed in moderate amounts at
frequent intervals.
d. Dehydration
i. Prevention consuming adequate amounts of liquid throughout
the day. Adults normally require at least 2 quarts of water daily,
while up to 4 quarts or more might be needed if one is involved
in strenuous activities.
e. Altitude Sickness rapid ascent to altitudes over 7,000 feet, especially
for those who are not accustomed to being this high. This sickness may
not be serious but may cause great deal of discomfort. Symptoms may
include headache, nausea, vomiting and insomnia. Unsteady
breathing, shortness of breath and pounding of heart may also be
observed.
i. Cause lack of oxygen in the bodys central nervous system, but
disappear once victim has adapted to the altitude, usually within
24-48 hours.
ii. Treatment rest and for those who are more seriously affected
should descend to a lower elevation for a day or so. Be sure that
the person drinks at least 2 or more quarts of liquid daily.
f. Hypothermia most dangerous problem facing inexperienced campers.
It is the loss of ones body heat at rate greater than it can be produced,
causing a drop in the bodys internal temperature. May result in mental
and physical collapse.

i. Cause occurs well above freezing temperatures, and even in

summer months. Caused by exposure to cold, and also
aggravated by moisture, wind and exhaustion.
Three sequential stages of hypothermia: (1)
uncontrollable shivering of the body, (2) loss of judgment and
reasoning power and (3) stupor or collapse and death.
ii. Prevention dress appropriately to ward off cold, wind and
wetness. Plenty of rest as well as adequate consumption of good
energy foods are also important.
iii. Treatment getting the victim out of the wind or rain and
removing all wet clothing. Person should then be placed in warm
clothes and warm sleeping bag.
If victim is mildly impaired, administer warm drinks and
apply external heat (can be done by making an emergency hot
water out of a canteen or plastic bottle filled with hot water and
wrapped in a towel or flannel shirt.
If victim is semiconscious or worse, place him on a
sleeping bag with another person. If the person is able to eat,
administer foods containing high levels of carbohydrates and
sugars.
g. Stomach Problems
i. Causes - can be traced to rancid food and germs left on the
dishes not thoroughly washed and sterilized.
ii. Prevention observing principles of moderation of moderation
and good nutrition will go a long way toward preventing this sort
of discomfort. Its a good idea for campers to use their own
individual drinking cups and water bottles.
Prevention also includes treating all unknown water either
chemically or by boiling it.
C. Toxic Plants
(*pictures of plants)
a. Identifying the Plants
i. Buta-buta - Found along the seashore or in any place reached by
salt or brackish water throughout the philippines.
The milky juice from the tree is very caustic and
poisonous, being said to cause blindness when it touches the
eyes, and to blister the skin.
ii. Talong-punai - This plant causes hallucination, and in the video
taken by GMA 7, the young boys who inhaled the aroma of the
burnt leaves and flowers all acted out of control, lying down on
the ground, and hurting each other. One of them had sadly
become permanently incapacitated, as he is not experiencing
prolonged psychosis. He can no longer be talked to, and he kept
muttering to himself at all times.
iii. Dieffenbachia - Patients with history of oral exposure (chewing
and/or swallowing) have been reported to have severe swelling,

drooling, dysphagia, and respiratory compromise, but this is not

common.
All parts of the plant contain needle-like oxalate crystals.
If the plant is chewed the crystals are released and can cause
intense pain and possible swelling of the mouth.
iv. Trompeta - Plant has been used as hallucinogen and intoxicant
from the hyocyamine content.
Appearance of alkaloid toxicity can be within minutes to
hours, depending on concentration, method of ingestion and
dosing, manifesting as: extreme thirst, pupil dilatation, vision
impairment and hallucinations. High temperature, flushed skin
and palpitations may be observed. In non-fatal cases, signs and
symptoms subside in 12 to 48 hours, although visual impairment
and lethargy may persist for some time
v. Pong-pong - commonly known as the Suicide tree, Pong-pong,
and Othalanga, is a species of tree native to India and other
parts of Southern Asia. It grows preferentially in coastal salt
swamps and in marshy areas. It grows wild along the coast in
many parts of Kerala, India and has been grown as a hedge
between home compounds. It yields a potent poison, often used
for suicide or murder.
b. Prevention eradication of such plants from frequently used areas by
using chemical preparation to kill them, following up as necessary to
curb new growth.
Campers should familiarize such plants to avoid direct contact.
When hiking, protect skin areas by wearing long sleeves, long trousers,
and gloves. Upon returning to camp, remove clothing immediately.
Scrub your skin with several applications of laundry soap, rinsing well
after each, then apply rubbing alcohol.
c. Symptoms may appear from within an hour or two up to seven days
after exposure, beginning with redness, burning, and itching in a
localized area that could spread.
This is followed by a breaking out or rash, swelling, and watery
blisters, with possible fever, major itching and general discomfort.
d. Treatment for severe cases, consult a doctor. Do not scratch, it will
increase the discomfort and can cause a dangerous secondary
infection.
Applications of compresses of very hot or very cold water,
followed by a drying agent such as calamine lotion or compresses
dipped in cornstarch in water or in a solution of one level teaspoon of
boric acid mixed with two glasses of water.
D. PESKY CREATURES OF THE WILD

The hot and humid tropical climate in the Philippines makes many
islands ideal breeding grounds for venomous snakes, spiders and other biting
and stinging animals that could threaten a campers life.
(*insert pictures of creatures and life threatening injuries caused by them*)
a. Snakes
i. Spitting Cobra three species of spitting cobra are native to the
islands: (1) Equatorial Spitting Cobra, (2) Northern Philippine
Cobra and (3) Southeastern Philippine Cobra.
Characteristics: grows up to 1-1.6meters (3-5 feet) and
endemic to Mindoro, Masbate, Luzon and Catanduanes
ii. Pythons have strength to easily kill a full grown man through
constriction but are usually shy away from man unless provoked
or agitated.
Characteristics: Mostly 10 feet but can grow more than
23 feet
iii. Pit Viper Snakes 100 pace snake as people were bitten, could
only walk for hundred paces before dying. Species include
Bataan, Polilo and Waglers Pit Viper.
Characteristics: Spend most of adult life in trees. Mainly
green with red, black or yellow markings
iv. Treatment of Snake Bites
If someone is bitten, try to identify the snake or at least
determine whether or not it is poisonous. The bite of a poisonous
snake appears with one or two deep fang marks or punctures
and an immediate painful, burning sensation, quickly followed
by discoloration and swelling, with later symptoms of general
weakness, nausea, breathing difficulty and possible
unconsciousness. This bite calls for immediate action. The bite
of a non-poisonous snake appears as two rows of teeth marks
and should be treated like any other punctured wound.
The most helpful treatment is a prompt injection of antivenom to counteract the poison and minimize pain and
discomfort. If medical attention cant be obtained within an
hour, direct your efforts toward: (1) slowing down the spread of
the poison and (2) treating the victim for shock. Start this
treatment immediately even while waiting for medical attention.
Immobilize the affected limb by applying a constricting band
above and below the bite site, do not twist the band with a stick,
you are not trying to stop circulation but are merely trying to
slow down the spread of venom and retard swelling.
The next step is to apply a cooling agent to the bite area
like crushed ice in plastic bag or immersion in very cold water.
Do not give stimulants, particularly alcohol which is actually
speeding up the circulation of venom.
b. Insects and Other Unwelcome Guest

Insects can be nuisance since their bites can cause discomfort.

More serious complications occur in some people especially if they are
particularly allergic to stings.
i. Spiders bites are quite painful but only a few are dangerous.
Red Back Spider allegedly only the poisonous spider in
the Philippines.
a. Characteristics:
1)
Size: 1cm in body length and bright
red mark on its back with an hourglass
coloring on its stomach.
2)
Venom can leave limbs swollen to
proportionate levels. Some amputations of
legs and arms on victims whom have not
received medical treatment in time.
Symptoms of bite include coma, respiratory
failure and even death
ii. Centipedes
Characteristics :
a. Size: can grow up to 20cm in length with 21
separate body segments
b. Venom comes from set of segments which are
located on its head called forcipules.
iii. Mosquitoes responsible for more deaths in the Philippines due
to Malaria and Dengue Fever
iv. Caterpillar can be identified by its light green coat with two
pink and white stripes with zigzagging down each side. Its back
is a wilderness of spines that give off a substance poisonous to
the touch. The sting causes pain, irritation, and swelling. The
imbedded hairs are best removed with cellophane tape.
v. Bite prevention - A number of commercial repellent products are
quite effective, smell better, and do not irritate the skin or stain
and damage clothing. They are able to protect effectively for
several hours against large number of pests. Such repellents can
be applied directly to the skin or sprayed on clothing and around
the tent for comfort as well as for protection when on the move.
Discourage unwelcome insects by choosing your camping
site carefully. Keep garbage and debris cleaned up by placing it,
as well as food, in containers or plastic sacks. Examine clothes,
campsites and shelters for crawlers. When traveling where
insects are plentiful, campers can cover themselves with
clothing and perhaps cover themselves well with clothing and
perhaps even wear a head net of cheese cloth or nylon fabric
that can be tucked into the shirt or fastened at the neck with a
drawstring. Apply repellent to all exposed skin areas and to all
edges of openings in clothing. Upon returning to camp, scrub

thoroughly several times with generous application of soap in

order to remove many of the tiny insects. If buzzed by bees
and wasps, walk slowly away from them. Avoid moving rapidly or
slapping at them frantically, for this frightens them and makes
them more likely to sting.
vi. Treatment of Insect Bites
When insects bite or sting they usually inject an acid that
causes redness, itching, swelling and pain. Avoid scratching the
bite and apply an antiseptic to minimize the danger of infection.
A compress of neutralizing agent like ammonia, baking soda,
vinegar in water will help relieve local symptoms, and cold
application of ice or cold water will minimize the pain. When a
bee stings, it often leaves its stinger in the wound. Use tape,
tweezers or a knife blade to carefully get it out. The stinger is a
hollow tube that may still contain poison so avoid squeezing it
lest you force poison into the wound.
For Individuals allergic to many insects, a sting can cause
anaphylactic shock. The small air passages in the lungs close
and the patient suffocates. Such persons should carry a doctorprescribed insect sting allergy kit that contains anti histamine
and an epinephrine adrenaline-loaded hypodermic.

E.

MAKING DRINKING WATER SAFE

a.

b.

c.

d.

Boiling - probably the easiest way to ensure that microorganisms are eliminated. Causes the water
to taste flat because air has been removed, but you can restore oxygen by stirring it vigorously or
pouring it back and forth from one container to another.
i. Pros: Boiling water has no effect on the taste, is very effective, and youre probably going
to have a campfire anyway.
ii. Cons: Boiling does not remove any non-living contaminants. It must be done in small
batches, and you have to wait for the water to cool before drinking.
Chemical Tablets - usually iodine, are cheap, lightweight, and very easy to carry with you. If you
use these, youll want to make sure that the water is stirred and allowed to stand for at least 30
minutes.
i. Pros: These tablets are cheap, easy to find, and are effective at eliminating most
organisms.
ii. Cons: This process can be time-consuming, especially if the water is very cold or cloudy,
some folks have adverse reactions to these chemicals, some protozoa are resistant to
iodine, and these tablets can add an unpleasant taste.
Portable Water Filters - these devices can be easily found in stores, and advances in design and
technology make them an essential component of any well-prepared camper.
i. Pros: These filters are lightweight, compact, easy to use, and, depending on the
manufacturer, are very effective at removing most water contaminants.
ii. Cons: They can be expensive, will eventually clog up and fail to perform correctly. Their
effectiveness is largely dependent on the materials used in the filter media, may or may
not eliminate the smallest bacteria and viruses.
Chlorine Bleach - Unscented chlorine bleach can be used to eliminate some water impurities when
youre camping. You can take an eye-dropper and add eight drops of bleach per gallon or 16 drops

if the water is cloudy, but youll want to stir the water well and allow it to stand for at least 30
minutes before drinking.
i. Pros: Bleach is good for killing microorganisms and inexpensive, is easy to use, and it you
dont have to carry much for water purification.
ii. Cons: Bleach can be poisonous if not used carefully, the taste, even in small doses can be
unpleasant, and it will not remove chemical impurities.

F. DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES

a. First Aid Training
At least one member of every group of campers should be
qualified in first aid. It is also practical to carry a first aid kit and
instructions manual to take care of possible emergencies during the
conduct of the activity.
I.
Bleeding Management and Bandaging
i.
Four Main Types of Wounds
TYPE
CAUSE
Abrasio
Rubbing or scraping away
n
the skin
Lacerati Usually a cut from a sharp
on
object
Avulsion Complete or partial tearing
away of the skin and/ or
other soft tissue
Punctur Piercing of the skin by an
e
object
ii.
Dressing are sterile pads or compresses used to cover
wounds
1) Adhesive Strips, Band-aids
2) 2 x 2 , 4 x 4 sterile pads or larger
3) Blood clotting types
iii.
Bandaging- are made of gauze or muslin and are used
over a sterile dressing, to close off its edges from dirt and
germs
1) Conforming bandages
2) Gauze rollers
3) Triangular bandages
REMEMBER: choose type appropriate for injury and
what is available.
(*Show video on basic first aid*)
b. First Aid Kit
Campers should not take individual first aid supplies and try to
treat themselves but should go to the trained person designated to
take care of first aid. First aid kits designed for campers use can be
purchased readily but many camps assemble their own.
(*First aid kit anatomy*)

1. Antiseptic. One of the main items needed is a good

antiseptic. Soap and water are great for cleaning almost any
kind of wound, but antiseptic has a mild pain reliever for
minor scrapes and bruises.
2. Gauze Pads come in all sizes. Get the biggest size you can
and then cut to size as needed. It will save space to only
have one size.
3. Small Scissors come in handy in many ways. You might
need to cut shoe laces, clothes, adhesive tape, all kinds of
things.
4. Adhesive Tape. Get a good quality adhesive tape that will
not get brittle with age, and lose it's stickiness.
5. Bandage. Put band-aids in it. All sizes of band-aids should be
present designed to best suit a specific injury. When applying
a bandage, be careful not to touch the white sterile pad with
your fingers.
6. Heat and Cold Pads should be available in pharmacies.
Instant- activated ones are best.
7. Latex Gloves are a good precaution for both parties, the
injured and the one helping, especially when you are dealing
with open wounds.
8. Ointment for sting and bite treatment such as Neosporin
and anti- itching cream should be present. This is good for
kids especially that might get bites from ants, mosquitoes,
etc.
9. Antacid Tablets should be put in this kit for stomach
viruses and colds.
10.Band Aids, Tweezers, small bottle of Peroxide, pain
reliever capsules, Benadryl, these are all great items to
stick into your first aid kit

xxXENDXxx