# Wounds Without External Bleeding Part of the First Aid Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/first-aid/guide/index.md) > **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. > **Safety First!** > > For electrical injuries, scene safety comes first. A rescuer who touches a live source becomes the next victim. ## 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. > **Tip** > > Do not rub frostbitten skin or use direct heat. Gentle warming is safer. ## 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](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/first-aid/guide/tick-removal-technique?v=9ff76c59) ## 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. > **Safety First!** > > Do not cut the wound, suck out venom, apply ice, or use a tourniquet for a venomous snake bite. --- - Previous: [Preparing for First Aid Emergencies](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/first-aid/guide/req2/) - Next: [Nosebleeds & Mild Bleeding](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/first-aid/guide/req4a/)