Intermediate First Aid Training

I have already put together a master first aid supply list for folks who need ideas, so once you have sufficiently got your kit together, then move on to adding herbal products to it. Herbals are great for matters of long term that need healing, but in an emergency where a trip to the hospital may be involved, you want the stronger products.

Learn Your Triage ABC’s

A – Airways

B – Bleeding

C – Cardiovascular

Airways: I carry a stethoscope in my kit, just in case there is someone who has shallow breathing as CPR is unneeded as long as the patient is getting oxygen to their brain and lungs are clearly functioning.

This year I held a First Aid Training class and had the opportunity to speak with a fireman who informed me that Basic First Aid and even CERT courses are becoming rare. With that said, if you have the opportunity to attend a free class (certified or not), please take it to better help your family and community.

If your child has come down with the gunk, there are some herbal products that I would recommend you keep stockpiled in your medicine closet. Elderberry Syrup or Elderberry Lozenges are great for soothing coughs and general cold issues. Xlear is a xylitol based nasal spray that helps break up thick sinus mucus and is even wonderful for hayfever complaints. If you or your child is willing to drink hot teas, you can try Mullein, Peppermint or Chamomile varieties.

Bleeding: If you are preparing to deal with a person who is bleeding, then you need to absolutely get a pair of disposable gloves on your hands and some goggles/glasses if there is profuse bleeding that could get in your eyes. Assess if the blood belongs to your patient or if it rubbed off from someone else. Assuming your patient is bleeding, you need to determine if it is a laceration (minor), puncture (fairly important), profusely bleeding open wound (ER visit). Abrasions generally require a wound flush and while I haven’t found an herbal wash, I have found a standard one and there are recipes online for homemade antiseptic wash with a base of calendula. Depending on the depth of puncture or the bleeding wound, you will need to apply pressure, and you may need to use a quick clotting product to stop the flow of blood. Bleeding wounds can have various things that can be done, depending on the width and depth of the wound. If we have medical services available, you can take the person to the ER but if the grid is down and crap hits that fan, then you might be suturing a wound yourself.

Caution: If you have zero training with a tourniquet or can’t identify when it can be used, don’t try and go off what you saw on a movie one time, long ago. Just apply pressure to any bleeding wound and call the professionals.

Cardiovascular: This is the biggest reason right here as to why you need a hands-on class environment to train yourself in First Aid & CPR. If you have someone that doesn’t have a heart rate, you need to absolutely have training to apply CPR and training in the use of an AED machine. Please at least watch some first aid training videos until you are able to attend a class in person.

I am not a doctor, nurse or medical staff member, I simply speak as a mom who has attended First Aid/CPR training who does a fair amount of studying. I would recommend that you look into the benefits of a cayenne pepper tincture involving the shock or physical trauma.

Get yourself a good First Aid Manual and keep it in your First Aid Kit so that you can have reference material.

Additional treatments that would be recommended for your training.

Burn Treatment: Immediately rinse wound with cool water, do not apply ice straight to the wound as it may worsen the situation. You can apply a fast-acting cream such as Alocane but if it’s a minor burn on your hand from cooking, I’ve personally made a mixture of ice-cold water and baking soda, then applied thickly to burn. Reapply mixture once it comes to room temperature for as long as you need to make sure the pain subsides. You can get yourself a tube of Aloe Vera gel and keep in your fridge for those small burns as well.

Sprains/Bruising: You can try your hand at using Arnica gel/cream but be sure to not apply it to open wounds due to caution with the concerns folks have with the plant Arnica. You can purchase ice packs for medical treatment and keep them in your freezer to have as needed.

Dehydration: Be aware that a child or elderly person having dehydration may be harder to notice, so keep a close eye on your family members during the hottest summer temperatures. Symptoms of dehydration can range from fatigue, irregular heart beat, numbness, tingling, confusion, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, headache, convulsions and blacking out. As you sweat, you deplete your Sodium and Chloride from your body, so these must be replaced. There are liquid natural formulas for children that you can get but there are powdered products as well.

Broken Bones: You absolutely need to get training on how to use a sling to immobilize the affected area, so do take time to watch that particular First Aid training which numerous YT folks have up. Whether you have minor hair line fracture or a protruding bone through the skin, it will require professional treatment in a health care facility. You may consider apply comfrey ointment once a physician has given you the green light for natural treatments, however, you should never apply comfrey to any open wounds.

Bug Bites: Apply ice packs as needed and if there is itching you can buy a natural product to help take away the discomfort. Non-venomous bugs typically don’t need treatment beyond the basics but there is a vet who has had much experience with venomous spiders and the like who recommends a poultice of echinacea, plantain, marshmallow root and dandelion in the form of a poultice. Check out Dr. Patrick Jones first aid vids for some really good training.

Ear Ache: For our family, I’ve used a hair dryer on low heat for just a few minutes or a heating bag. However, the absolute best stuff I’ve found is Garlic Ear Oil and there is generally quick relief once it kicks in.

Nausea/Constipation/Indigestion: Peppermint tea, chamomile tea, crystalized ginger or natural peppermint candies. Be sure that you are consuming a generous amount of water with a pinch or two of pink salt during the day to effectively use the toilet.

Common Rashes: Sometimes it can be beneficial to do an oatmeal bath to soothe inflamed skin, but you can use the Aloe Vera trick listed above or a nice Calendula Cream ointment. I’ve successfully used a product called 1,000 roses on dry skin and rashes without any problems.

There are numerous other situations revolving around advanced first aid, but I would rather you get yourself in a class situation where you can talk to an experienced person who can help direct you in your training.