Section 7 — Medical
First Aid, Trauma Care, Illness, and Field Treatment
The Survival Medical Mindset
In survival, medical care is about stabilizing, preventing infection, and keeping the person functional. You are not performing surgery — you are buying time.
The Rule of Priorities
- Stop bleeding
- Open airway
- Treat shock
- Prevent infection
- Immobilize injuries
Essential Medical Kit
- Tourniquet (CAT or SOFT‑T)
- Pressure bandage
- Gauze + compressed gauze
- Chest seal
- Antibiotic ointment
- Alcohol wipes
- Medical tape
- Elastic bandage
- Pain relievers
- Antihistamines
- Tweezers
- Trauma shears
- Personal medications (7‑day supply)
Bleeding Control
1. Direct Pressure
- Use cloth, gauze, or your hand
- Hold firm pressure for several minutes
2. Pressure Bandage
- Wrap tightly but not enough to cut circulation
3. Tourniquet (Life‑Threatening Bleeding)
- Place 2–3 inches above the wound
- Tighten until bleeding stops
- Note the time applied
Wound Care
- Clean with potable water
- Remove debris with tweezers
- Apply antibiotic ointment
- Cover with sterile dressing
- Change dressing daily
Burn Treatment
- Cool with clean water for 10–20 minutes
- Do NOT apply butter, oils, or ice
- Cover with sterile non‑stick dressing
- Hydrate — burns cause fluid loss
Fractures & Sprains
- Immobilize the joint above and below
- Use sticks, boards, or rolled clothing as splints
- Apply cold if available
- Do not attempt to realign bones
Shock Symptoms
- Pale, cool skin
- Rapid breathing
- Weak pulse
- Confusion
Treatment
- Lay person down
- Elevate legs slightly
- Keep warm
- Reassure and monitor
Heat Illness
Heat Exhaustion
- Cool the person
- Hydrate with electrolytes
- Rest in shade
Heat Stroke (Life‑Threatening)
- Rapid cooling (wet clothing, shade, airflow)
- Seek help immediately
Hypothermia
- Remove wet clothing
- Insulate with dry layers
- Use body heat or warm water bottles
- Give warm (not hot) drinks
Infections
- Redness, swelling, heat = early infection
- Clean wound thoroughly
- Apply antibiotic ointment
- Keep covered and dry
Bites & Stings
- Remove stinger (scrape, don’t squeeze)
- Wash area
- Apply cold compress
- Use antihistamines for swelling
Poisoning
- Identify the source if possible
- Do NOT induce vomiting
- Drink water to dilute (unless corrosive)
- Seek help immediately