Camping in the Rain

December 18th, 2009 by admin1 No comments »

The rain can dampen your spirits as much as it can dampen any of your camping trips. But knowing what to do exactly can make you survive the rains and have more fun in the trip actually.

How to camp in the rain?
Follow these steps to enjoy camping in the rain:

  • Choose the highest spot to camp or put your tents and preferably amidst trees
  • Set up the tent normally as you would
  • Without touching the tent tie a tarp over the tent or tents and raise it in the middle to allow water to drain naturally
  • Dig a moat around the tent and target the fall of the water from the tarp to the moat and also dig a canal to drain off the water away from the tent
  • Keep the coals burning with a foil tent over it while the rain subsides
  • Tents are designed to keep rain out but when touched during rain you can get soaked right through your sleeping bag so avoid touching its walls, etc
  • Dry the tent before taking it down to increase the durability and life of the tent

If you cannot dry the tent before taking it down, fold it and dry it immediately once you reach home in your garage or outside.

Surviving a Rain Storm

December 18th, 2009 by admin1 No comments »

Rain storm is not an uncommon feature. However, sometime the rains and winds can become very aggressive. Protecting yourself from dangers such as lightning, floods and harsh winds should then become very essential.

Surviving a Rain Storm
Follow these steps to survive a rain storm:

  • Keep windows and doors closed
  • Stay warm and dry (next to a fireplace or covered with blankets)
  • Stack up on clean drinking water in case the pipes burst (one gallon per day ensures proper hydration)
  • Keep non-perishable, canned foods stacked in advance because you may not be able to move outdoors for days or you may run out of gas
  • Clear drainage to avoid floods
  • Install backflow pipes and valves in the lowest points to redirect the water below the soil and prevent your house from flooding

If proper precautions are taken well ahead in time, it is easy to survive a rain storm.

Spring Rain Survival Tips

December 18th, 2009 by admin1 No comments »

Spring rain can give an added benefit of not having to water your lawns at all but consider these side effects – flooding, mosquitoes, mudslides and lightning. How are you to keep safe and protected from all these pitfalls of spring rain which are incessant and generous in so many ways.

Spring Rain Survival Tips
Follow these steps to stay protected and safe during spring rain:

  • Avoid getting wet by going out
  • Carry a waterproof backpack to stack essentials
  • Know the landmarks or buildings where you can get shelter during aggressive downpours
  • Carry an umbrella or a poncho with you always
  • In case of thunder and lightning stay away from pools and/or lakes
  • Do not go out into open terrain to get struck by lightning
  • Change your shoes and clothes if you get wet
  • Avoid crossing flowing rivers by foot or in a car
  • If you are treading the mountains take the right gear
  • Avoid eroding slopes

The soil, slope and vegetation determine the safety of your home. Consult a professional for these problems during spring rain:

  • Rocks appearing on the slope
  • Change in vegetation
  • Erosion
  • Pooling water
  • Cement cracks
  • Sudden shift in levels
  • Basement requirements on the basis of the water table
  • Landscaping
  • Drains and gutters that lie blocked

Fentanyl Patch for Pain Relief

December 18th, 2009 by admin1 No comments »

If not used carefully the fentanyl patches for pain can turn very dangerous. It is always recommended to keep your family and friends aware that you are using the fentanyl patch for pain relief.

Safety Tips for Using the Fentanyl Patch
Follow the safe tips below to use a fentanyl patch for pain relief:

  • You need to have lots of discussions with your doctor before going in for fentanyl patch for pain relief
  • Read the materials well that comes along with the patch and be aware of the serious side effects it can cause
  • A ruptured patch can cause death so take the patch out very carefully without causing any damage to it
  • Keep away from animals and children
  • Once taken out do not let it lie around for long or in wet places
  • The patch should be placed on a dry clean part of your body
  • Place the patch on a spot close to your reach so that if uncomfortable you can remove it
  • Let others know you think your patch may have broken and 911 can be called for assistance
  • The patch can come off during shower so do not let the shower spray directly on the spot
  • Keep a track of one when you put the patches
  • Once damaged the patch cannot be replaced by your doctor
  • Some side effects of a leaking patch are nausea, dizziness, lethargy, sleepiness and confusion
  • If uncomfortable with the remedy do not start it
  • Try using one pharmacy and consult a doctor for changing pharmacies

Unless you can absolutely not do without patches (chronic pain on a daily basis); don’t take them. Avoid if you have other options to get relief from pain.

Stuck in a Car during a Blizzard?

December 18th, 2009 by admin1 No comments »

This could be the most harrowing time for you. Snow can lead to a blizzard and you could be as bad as in a situation to be stuck in your car during a blizzard. The roads are impossible to tread on so stay put inside and keep warm and alive till help arrives.

What to do when stuck in a car during a blizzard?
Follow the steps below to keep safe and alive till rescue arrives:

  • Stay inside the car because getting out would only mean getting lost
  • Call 911 from your mobile phone (give them your location details if you can)
  • Keep the car windows slightly opened to allow fresh air inside
  • If the car pipe is NOT blocked by snow and only id you are sure that it is not you can run your car (if it is blocked by snow and you run the car it can lead to death caused by carbon monoxide poisoning)
  • To avoid frostbite wiggle your feet, clasp your hands and move as much as you can to get warmth
  • Most of the heat is lost from the body is lost through the head so keep wearing a hat on your head to keep warm
  • Keep a flashlight switched on in one of your car windows so that the rescue team finds it easy to locate you and your car

Never rush out for help because you find any. The driving snow can only make you feel more disoriented and you may also get lost instead of really finding a way.

Tylenol Overdose

December 18th, 2009 by admin1 No comments »

Tylenol is proven safe for pain relief but when taken more than the prescribed amount or in excess it can turn lethal for the person. Acetaminophen is the compound in Tylenol. An excess of acetaminophen can cause liver failure or even death in people.

First Aid for Tylenol Overdose
Follow the steps below to help someone with a Tylenol overdose:

  • Call 911 especially if the person is not breathing or is unconscious
  • Call the National Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) if the person shows no symptoms and follow the instructions given by the operator
  • Get medical help within 8 hours of overdose or rush to a hospital with the victim at once
  • If the victim is rushed to the hospital minutes after the overdose stomach cleaning is the procedure followed (though the victim rarely reaches the hospital so early doctors nevertheless induce vomiting or put a pipe down the throat to remove pill fragments)
  • An antidote is administered through the mouth or a tube as soon as the victim reaches the hospital (n-acetylcysteine is the antidote given for Tylenol overdose)
  • Sometimes activated charcoal is used as a treatment for Tylenol overdose by pumping the stomach to absorb the toxic substances in the gastrointestinal tract (through the mouth or a tube)

It is possible that the symptoms of a drug overdose do not show up for the next 12 hours or more. If drug overdose is suspected, it needs to be treated at once.

Snorkeling Safety

December 17th, 2009 by admin1 No comments »

Snorkeling can be fun for both adults and kids. Anyone who already knows how to swim can master snorkeling in the wide oceans. Though teaching a child snorkeling will take some effort, time and patience; you would be surprised to notice that their curiosity to explore the depths of the ocean helps them grasp the art of snorkeling even more quickly.

Snorkeling Safety Tips
Follow the steps below to teach your kids the art of safe snorkeling:

  • Purchase the kids his or her own fins, mask and snorkel
  • The snorkel should be self-draining
  • The mask should fit well and not leak
  • Put on the mask before the child goes into water so that he or she gets used to of wearing it throughout
  • Then put on the snorkel and teach breathing techniques through the mask
  • Make them get used to the fins by making them swim with it in the pool or bath tub
  • Teach kids snorkeling in a swimming pool
  • Teach your kid the art of emptying water from the mask while in water (tipping the bottom part of the mask while pushing the head back)
  • Show how to blow excess water out from their snorkel (blowing hard)

The more you get used to the mask, fins and snorkel the easier it gets to go snorkeling. Legs for example, have a different motion while wearing fins and kids need to get used to that as much as adults.

Tear Gas Effects – First Aid

December 17th, 2009 by admin1 No comments »

Tear gas is used to evacuate people from a building or control mobs. Tear gas is a chemical compound which can be extremely discomforting for the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Tear is actually a blanket term used for several chemical substances that can cause both irritation and tearing.

First Aid for Tear Gas Effects
Follow the steps below to protect yourself from tear gas effects:

  • Rinse the affected areas including the eyes, skin, nose and mouth with water
  • Manage the burns with salves and bandages
  • Bronchodilators can be used as in asthma attacks

Prolonged exposure to tear gas or tear gas inhalation can also induce nausea and vomiting coupled with shortness of breath, gagging, coughing and choking. It can also cause serious damage to the eyes, lungs and skin. Generally, the effects of tear gas wears off in 30 minutes to an hour.

Treating Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

December 17th, 2009 by admin1 No comments »

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that has a severe impact on both humans and animals. Typical symptoms of hazardous carbon monoxide poisoning include – chest pain, fatigue, headaches and even deaths.

How to treat carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning should be treated in the following ways:

  • Remove the person or animal from the source of poisoning
  • Get fresh air and get outside the building or scene of contamination
  • Call 911 at once
  • Check whether the victim is breathing (administer the CPR if he or she is not breathing)
  • Oxygen will be administered to the victim once the paramedics arrive

Usually, victims suffering with moderate to severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are rushed to the hospital for treatment thereon. It is very essential to act QUICKLY for carbon monoxide poisoning to save the life of your near and dear ones. Exposure to carbon monoxide causes carbon monoxide poisoning which is a very common type of poisoning people suffer from today.

First Aid for Seizure in Water

December 17th, 2009 by admin1 No comments »

Seizure itself is a scary thing and when it happens under water to someone it can get even more difficult for someone to help. Knowing how to help a victim going into a seizure inside water can help save a life.

First Aid for Seizure in Water
Follow the steps below to help someone getting seizure inside water:

  • Call 911 or ask someone else to call 911
  • Remove objects around that could hurt the victim
  • Support and grip the head with your hand so that the victim does not go underwater
  • Do so till the seizure stops
  • For fluids in the mouth in the form of blood, vomit, water or saliva roll them on their side to avoid choking
  • Pull the victim out of water once the seizure stops
  • Monitor breathing and pulse and give mouth to mouth respiration and CPR if the victim is not breathing and if you are trained to do so
  • Turn the victim onto his or her side if he wants to vomit and remove all obstructions from the mouth

It would be completely difficult for the victim to prevent himself from drowning or to pull himself out of the water. Never let such an event go unnoticed and call emergency services for help till you provide the necessary aid to reduce injury or prevent death.