Req 3 — Wounds Without External Bleeding

This page is a quick field guide. For each injury, know what it looks like, the first thing to do, and how to avoid it.

Bruises and hematomas

• Signs: pain, swelling, discoloration, tenderness.
• First aid: rest, cold pack wrapped in cloth, elevate if possible.
• Prevention: wear protective gear and avoid unnecessary impacts.

Heat burns and scalds

• Signs: red or blistered skin; severe burns may look white, brown, black, or waxy.
• First aid: stop the burning, cool with cool water, cover loosely, do not pop blisters.
• Prevention: use caution around stoves, fires, and hot liquids.

Chemical burns

• Signs: pain, redness, blistering, burning after chemical contact.
• First aid: protect yourself, remove contaminated clothing, flush with water for at least 20 minutes.
• Prevention: read labels and wear gloves and eye protection.

Electrical burns

• Signs: small entrance wound, deeper internal injury, trouble breathing, irregular pulse.
• First aid: do not touch the person until the power source is off; call 911.
• Prevention: avoid damaged cords, wet hands, and downed lines.

Sunburn

• Signs: red, warm, painful skin; severe cases may blister.
• First aid: get out of the sun, cool the skin, drink water.
• Prevention: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and shade.

Snow blindness

• Signs: painful, red, watery eyes and light sensitivity after snow or glare exposure.
• First aid: move to shade, cover closed eyes with cool cloths, do not rub.
• Prevention: wear UV-blocking sunglasses or goggles.

Cold injuries

• Signs: numbness, pale or waxy skin, swelling, pain, or hard tissue.
• First aid: get out of the cold, remove wet clothing, warm gradually.
• Prevention: stay dry, layer clothing, and check exposed skin often.

Abrasions, chafing, and rope burns

• Signs: scraped or raw skin, burning pain, redness.
• First aid: clean gently, cover if needed, reduce friction.
• Prevention: proper clothing, gloves for rope work, and early attention to hot spots.

Blisters

• Signs: hot spot, tenderness, fluid-filled pocket.
• First aid: protect the area, pad around the blister, keep it clean.
• Prevention: break in gear, keep skin dry, stop early when rubbing starts.

Puncture wounds

• Signs: small entry wound with pain and infection risk.
• First aid: clean the wound, remove small splinters if easy, seek help for deep wounds or fish hooks.
• Prevention: gloves, footwear, and careful tool use.

Poisonous plant rash

• Signs: itchy red rash and blisters after plant contact.
• First aid: wash skin and clothing, use anti-itch treatment, avoid scratching.
• Prevention: learn the plants and cover exposed skin.

Bug bites

• Signs: itchy bumps; ticks may stay attached and can spread disease.
• First aid: wash the area; remove ticks with tweezers pulled straight out.
• Prevention: repellent, long clothing, and tick checks.

Bee stings

• Signs: sharp pain, redness, swelling.
• First aid: scrape out the stinger, wash, and use a cold pack.
• Prevention: avoid provoking bees and keep food covered.

Spider bites

• Signs: pain, redness, swelling; serious bites may cause muscle pain or worsening skin damage.
• First aid: wash, cool, and get medical help if serious symptoms appear.
• Prevention: shake out gear and use gloves in dark storage areas.

Scorpion stings

• Signs: intense pain, numbness, tingling.
• First aid: wash, use a cold pack, and seek medical advice.
• Prevention: shake out shoes and bedding, especially in desert areas.

Mammal or human bites

• Signs: broken skin, bleeding, swelling, infection risk.
• First aid: wash well, control bleeding, cover, and get medical care.
• Prevention: do not approach wild animals and use caution with pets.

Venomous snake bites

• Signs: puncture marks, severe pain, swelling, nausea, trouble breathing.
• First aid: move away, keep the person calm, and call 911.
• Prevention: watch where you step and reach, especially in snake country.