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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 8, Issue 9 (January 1, 1934)

First Aid For The Camper

First Aid For The Camper.

When packing for a seaside or camping holiday it is well to have a few simple page 59 remedies at hand for emergencies. Be prepared for sunburn, sunstroke, insect bites and stings, and accidents such as cuts, burns sprains, etc.

A First-Aid Box should contain:—(1) Small roll cotton wool; (2) Bandages; (3) Packet of sterile gauze, or soft old linen which has been sterilized; (4) Bottle Iodine; (5) Bottle methylated spirits; (6) Pair of scissors; (7) Safety pins; (8) A small enamel basin; (9) Boracic Acid Powder; (10) Bottle Carron Oil; (11) Castor Oil; (12) Milk of Magnesia.

Here are a few first-aid hints which may be helpful if your holiday is to be a success.

Burns and Scalds: Apply oil immediately, and exclude the air. Carron oil should be used, and failing that, Olive Oil. Bi-Carbonate of Soda is also efficacious if the oil is not available.

Cuts and Abrasions: Clean the injured part thoroughly at the earliest opportunity. Use cold boiled water or a lotion made of one tea-spoonful of Boracic powder dissolved in one pint of boiling water. Wash with sterile cotton wool. A wash cloth or sponge would probably infect the wound. Common salt makes a useful antiseptic used in the proportion of one tea-spoonful of salt to one pint of boiling water.

Bleeding can generally be stopped by applying a pad of sterile gauze and cotton wool to the wound and bandaging firmly. If arterial bleeding is excessive, a tourniquet may be tied tightly above the wound. Raise the limb. A tight ligature must never be left on for long, as it may restrict the circulation below the wound, and cause trouble. Firm bandaging to well above the wound is usually effective. For venous bleeding, bandaging firmly below the wound usually suffices.

Bites and Stings: Application of Ammonia. A solution of Bi-carbonate of soda, Methylated Spirit or eau-de-Cologne usually give immediate relief.

Prickly Heat or Heat Rash: This may be caused by sudden exposure to sun or sea-air, or a change of diet. Relieve by applications of Calamine Lotion (which may be obtained from any chemist), or solution of Bi-carbonate of Soda. Small doses of Milk of Magnesia are efficacious.

Sunburn: If severe, treat the same as for burns. The irritation of a scorched skin may be relieved by applications of Olive Oil or a good Cold Cream.

Sunstroke: Quiet and a darkened room are essential. Apply cold water packs to the head. It is advisable to send for the doctor.

Sprains and Strains: A sprained ankle, knee-joint or wrist must be attended to immediately to save trouble later. Apply a cold compress and renew frequently. Alternate cold and hot compresses are also beneficial. Bandage firmly. Rest the affected limb.

Fracture: If a broken bone is suspected, a temporary splint should be applied. Great care should be taken when applying the splint and moving the patient, so as not to jar the affected part. A compound fracture and torn ligaments may result after a simple fracture by careless handling, and ignorance of those rendering first aid. The doctor should be sent for immediately.

Abdominal Pains: Often accompanied with high temperature, due to food poisoning, sudden change in diet, or maybe an attack of appendicitis. Stop all food and give only drinks of boiled water. Doses of Bi-carbonate, of soda may also be given, castor oil or other aperient may be given if it is certain that the trouble is not caused by appendicitis, in which case it is dangerous.

After the elimination of the poison or infection a milk diet should be given. If appendicitis is suspected, the doctor should be called in immediately. In any case, a doctor should be sent for if the pains and fever do not subside within a short time, as delays are often dangerous.

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