Wounds Without External Bleeding

3.
Wounds with No External Bleeding. Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of these wounds:

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.

Requirement 3a: Bruises and Hematomas

3a.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of Closed wounds, such as a bruise (contusion) or a hematoma.

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

Requirement 3b: Thermal Burns and Scalds

3b.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of Superficial, partial thickness, and full thickness thermal (heat) burns or 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.

Requirement 3c: Chemical Burns

3c.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of 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.

Requirement 3d: Electrical Burns

3d.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of 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.

Requirement 3e: Sunburn

3e.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of 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.

Requirement 3f: Snow Blindness

3f.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of 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.

Requirement 3g: Cold Weather Injuries

3g.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of Immersion foot, frostnip, frostbite, and ice burns.

  • 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.

Requirement 3h: Abrasions and Rope Burns

3h.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of Abrasions, such as 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.

Requirement 3i: Blister Care

3i.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of Blisters on the hands, feet, buttocks, and shoulders.

  • 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.

Requirement 3j: Puncture Wounds

3j.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of Puncture wounds from splinters, rope splinters, nails, and fish hooks.

  • 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.

Requirement 3k: Poisonous Plant Rash

3k.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of Rash from poisonous plants.

  • 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.

Requirement 3l: Common Bug Bites

3l.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of Bug bites of chiggers, ticks, mosquitoes, and biting gnats.

  • 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.
Close-up of correct tick removal with fine-tipped tweezers grasping close to the skin and pulling straight upward

Requirement 3m: Bee Stings

3m.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of 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.

Requirement 3n: Spider Bites

3n.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of Bites of spiders.

  • 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.

Requirement 3o: Scorpion Stings

3o.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of Sting of a scorpion.

  • 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.

Requirement 3p: Animal Bites

3p.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of Bite of a pet or wild mammal or human.

  • 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.

Requirement 3q: Venomous Snake Bites

3q.

Describe the symptoms and signs of, show first aid for, and explain prevention of Bite of a venomous snake.

  • 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.