Doctor reminds hunters to brush up on first aid

• Advocate news services
• Published: Nov 8, 2009

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Oschner Hospital’s staff is taking a page from the Boy Scout Handbook: the part about “Be Prepared.”

Before the major periods of the deer season and with the approach of the waterfowl seasons, Oschner internist Dr. William Baird took time to talk about the hunting season and how preparedness can serve hunters well in the next weeks and months.

“First and foremost, hunters should be familiar with the area they are hunting in; know the game and firearm laws for that region; and be well educated in proper gun safety” Baird said in a news release. “Despite preparedness, sometimes hunting or hiking trips can result in an accident or health crisis.

“Before leaving for the woods, make sure that you and your group have an exit plan in the event of an injury or accident,” Baird added.

He and his staff outlined first-aid and immediate response treatments covering several topics, including:

PROFUSE BLEEDING: Apply pressure on the wound to constrict the blood vessels manually and help stem blood flow. If the skin is punctured, do not remove the object, but get the victim to an emergency room.

BROKEN BONES: Immobilize the injured area. If there is no “bend” where the arm or leg is broken, make a splint around the injury and gently secure it with rope, strips of cloth or whatever other material available..

You can tape or tie the injured leg to the uninjured one, and tape an injured arm to the chest or to the side of the body.

FALLS: Do not move a person who might have injured their back, neck or head. Call 911 and get help.

CONCUSSIONS: Symptoms can include any or all of the following — blurred vision, slurred speech, delayed (or incoherent) verbal and motor responses, drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, persistent headaches, dilated pupils, uncoordinated movement, seizures, bleeding or bruising behind the ears, sudden changes in personality or mood swings, inability to perform simple tasks and calculations. Keep the victim laying down and call for medical assistance.

SNAKE BITES: Keep the person calm, restrict movement and keep the affected area below heart level. Remove any rings or constricting items. If the bite area begins to swell and change color, the snake was probably poisonous. Monitor the victim’s vital signs. If there are signs of shock (paleness), lay the victim flat, raise the feet about a foot and cover with a blanket. Seek immediate medical help. If possible, kill the snake so it can be identified.

HEART ATTACK/STROKE: Get the victim to a medical facility as quickly as possible. That will give the victim the best chance for complete recovery. If you are the victim, you should not attempt to drive to a treatment care facility.