FIRST AID, BANDAGES AND SLINGS

SLINGS

Slings are used to support an injured arm, or to supplement treatment for another injury such as fractured ribs. Generally, the most effective sling is made with a triangular bandage. Every first aid kit, no matter how small, should have at least two of these bandages as essential items.

Although triangular bandages are preferable, any material, ex. tie, belt, or piece of twine or rope, can be used in an emergency. If no likely material is to hand, and injured arm can be adequately supported by inserting it inside the casualty’s shirt or blouse. Similarly, a safety pin applied to a sleeve and secured to clothing on the chest may suffice.

There are essentially three types of sling; the arm sling for injuries to the forearm, the St John sling for injuries to the shoulder, and the ‘collar-and-cuff’ or clove hitch for injuries to the upper arm and as supplementary support to fractured ribs.

On application of any sling, always check the circulation to the limb by feeling for the pulse at the wrist, or squeezing a fingernail and observing for change of color in the nail bed.

The Arm Sling

1. Support the injured forearm approximately parallel to the ground with the wrist slightly higher than the elbow.

2. Place an open triangular bandage between the body and the arm, with its apex towards the elbow.

3. Extend the upper point of the bandage over the shoulder on the uninjured side.

4. Bring the lower point up over the arm, across the shoulder on the injured side to join the upper point and tie firmly with a reef knot.

5. Ensure the elbow is secured by folding the excess bandage over the elbow and securing with a safety pin.

St John Sling

1. Support the casualty’s arm with the elbow beside the body and the hand extended towards the uninjured shoulder.

2. Place an opened triangular bandage over the forearm and hand, with the apex towards the elbow.

3. Extend the upper point of the bandage over the uninjured shoulder.

4. Tuck the lower part of the bandage under the injured arm, bring it under the elbow and around the back and extend the lower point up to meet the upper point at the shoulder.

5. Tie firmly with a reef knot.

6. Secure the elbow by folding the excess material and applying a safety pin, then ensure that the sling is tucked under the arm giving firm support.

‘Collar-and-Cuff’ (Clove Hitch)

1. Allow the elbow to hang naturally at the side and place the hand extended towards the shoulder on the uninjured side.

2. Form a clove hitch by forming two loops — one towards you, one away from you.

3. Put the loops together by sliding your hands under the loops and closing with a “clapping” motion. If you are experienced at forming a clove hitch, then apply a clove hitch directly on the wrist, but take care not to move the injured arm.

4. Slide the clove hitch over the hand and gently pull it firmly to secure the wrist.

5. Extend the points of the bandage to either side of the neck and tie firmly with a reef knot.

6. Allow the arm to hang comfortably. Should further support be required, ex. For support to fractured ribs, apply triangular bandages around the body and upper arm to hold the arm firmly against the chest.

ROLLER BANDAGES

Roller Bandages Roller bandages are long strips of material which are rolled up for easy use.  They come in different widths and material.  Roller Bandages: Gauze or Cotton Roller Bandage Gauze and cotton bandages are non-conforming. This means that they do not stretch, and will not mould around the part of the body to which they are applied.  Non-conforming bandages do not stay on very well. If you have both types of bandage in your first aid kit, it is best to use the conforming bandages first.   Roller Bandages: Conforming Roller Bandage Conforming bandages are designed to stretch. This allows them to mould to the shape of the parts to which they are applied.  Conforming bandages can be used on their own to provide support to an injured joint or muscle. They can also secure pads and dressings, when this is necessary to control bleeding.  Applying Roller Bandages All roller bandages should be applied in the following manner.          1.  Hold the bandage so that the head or rolled part is on top and the tail is pointing inward.          2.  Pass the rolled part from hand to hand, allowing it to unroll as you go. Make sure that each turn overlaps the last by two thirds of its width.          3.  Fasten the end with tape or tuck the end in and check that the bandage is not too tight.   Improvising There may be occasions where you need to give first aid to a sick or injured person but no first aid kit is available.   If a kit is not available, you will need to improvise first aid equipment, by using whatever you can find.  For example, a broomstick or umbrella could be used to splint a fractured limb. A couple of T-shirts could be used as padding around an injury.   You should not let the absence of a first aid kit prevent you from offering first aid to a casualty.   Improvising If you needed to improvise a dressing for a person with a cut on their hand you would use a handkerchief. A clean handkerchief makes an excellent pad or dressing for small wounds.  If you needed to improvise a bandage you could use stockings. Clean pantyhose or stockings make excellent short bandages.  If you needed to improvise a splint for a suspected fractured arm you would use a newspaper. A newspaper makes a useful splint because when it is folded and creased it becomes quite solid and will support and immobilise a fracture very well.  If you needed to improvise a sling for a person with an injured upper arm you would use a belt. The belt would make an ideal sling because it will easily take the weight of the arm. Because it is fairly wide, it is also less likely to interfere with circulation.  

TRIANGULAR BANDAGES

Triangular Bandages A First Aid Kit will typically contain triangular bandages which are large, triangular pieces of material, with two sides about 1 metre long, and the third about 1.4 metres.   Triangular bandages can be used as:         ·       Collar & Cuff Sling         ·       St John Sling         ·       Full Arm Sling         ·       Broad Bandage         ·       Narrow Bandage         ·       Pad  Triangular bandages: Collar & Cuff Sling  The collar and cuff sling is useful for a casualty with a fracture of the upper arm or an injured hand.  Triangular bandages: St John Sling The St John sling is useful for a casualty with an injured shoulder, collar bone, hand or fingers.  It is the best sling for shoulder and collarbone injuries because it supports the whole arm and takes the weight of the arm off the injured shoulder or collar bone.  In the case of hand or finger injuries, it can be used to elevate the injured part.  Triangular bandages: Full Arm Sling  The full arm sling is used to support an injured forearm or wrist.  It is the best sling for these injuries because it forms a comfortable cradle which spreads the weight of the forearm evenly along its whole length.  This prevents the damaged parts from pushing together or pulling apart as they would if the other slings were used.  Triangular bandages: Broad Bandage A broad bandage is simply a triangular bandage which is folded and used to tie on splints and dressings.   First, you fold it in half, point to base.   Then you fold it in half again.  You now have a broad bandage.   Triangular bandage: Narrow Bandage A narrow bandage has one more fold than the broad bandage and is mainly used for the collar & cuff sling.   First, you fold it in half, point to base.   Then you fold it in half again to make a broad bandage.   Then you fold it in half again.  You now have a narrow bandage.   Triangular bandage: Pad If you do not have a sterile pad in your First Aid Kit, you can use a triangular bandage as a pad.  First, you fold it in half, point to base.   Then you fold it in half again to make a broad bandage.   Then you fold it in half again.  You now have a narrow bandage.   Then fold the two ends into the middle.   Now fold both ends into the middle again.   Fold what is left in half to make a pad.  When a triangular bandage is folded like this, it is easy to store it in a first aid kit.

head, knee, foot/hand bandages

Uses of Triangular bandage

 Head bandage

• Stand behind the casualty. Use a triangular bandage as a whole cloth with a narrow hem folded along the base. Place the centre of the base in the middle of the forehead, close to the eyebrows.

• Bring the point over the top of the head to cover the dressing, and down the back of the head, cross over the point, and around the head to the front. Tie the ends together, using a reef knot, low on the forehead.

• Steady the head with one hand, and gently pull the point down to put the desired amount of pressure on the dressing. Fold the point up toward the top of the head and secure it carefully with a safety pin or tuck it under the back crisscross.

Knee or elbow bandage

• Use a triangular bandage as a whole cloth with a narrow hem folded along the base. Place the centre of the base on the leg below the kneecap with the point toward the top of the leg (or to bandage an elbow, on the forearm with the point toward the shoulder).

• Bring the ends around the joint, crossing over the point in front of the elbow or at the back of the knee.

• Bring the ends up and tie off over the point. Pull the point up to put the right amount of pressure on the dressing and then fold it down and secure it with a safety pin or tuck it under the knot.

Foot or hand bandage

• Use a triangular bandage as a whole cloth. Place it on a flat surface with the point away from the casualty

• Place the foot or hand on the triangular bandage with the toes or fingers toward the point, leaving enough bandage at the ankle or wrist to fully cover the part. Bring the point up and over the foot or hand to rest on the lower leg or wrist.

• Bring the ends alongside the foot of hand and crisscross the folded ends up and around the ankle or wrist. Cross over the point and wrap any extra bandage before trying it off.

• Tie off over the point. If the point extends beyond the knot, pull it up to apply the desired pressure. Fold it downward and tuck under the knot.

roller bandages

Roller bandages – are usually made of gauze like material and are packages as a roll. They are used to hold dressings in place to secure splints.

• Roller bandages can be put on in a simple spiral. Start at the narrow part of the limb, anchor the bandage as directed

• Place the end of the bandage on a diagonal at the starting point

• Wrap the bandage around the injured part so the corner of the bandage end is left out

• Fold this corner of the bandage over and wrap the bandage around again to cover the corner. Keep wrapping the bandage, overlapping each turn by one quarter to one third of the bandage’s width. Make full-width overlaps wit the final two or three turns and secure with a safety pin, adhesive tape or by cutting and tying the bandage as shown. Check circulation below the bandage.

bandages -1

Roller & Triangular Bandage is applied:-

(a) To retain dressing and splints in position and to immobilize fractured limbs. Knots should never be tied over a fracture. 

(b) To afford support to an injured part (e.g. sprained ankle) or in the form of a sling. 

(c) To control bleeding. 

(d) To reduce or prevent swelling. 

(e) To assist in the lifting and carrying of casualties

        Triangular bandages are made by cutting a piece of linen or calico, not less than thirty eight inches square, diagonally into two pieces, A triangular bandage has three borders. The longest is called the “base” and the other two the “side”. There are three corners; the upper one (opposite the base) is called “point” and the other the “ends” . The bandage may be applied:-

(a) As a whole cloth spread out to its full extend, e.g., chest bandage. 

(b) As a broad bandage made by bringing the point down to the center of the base and then folding he bandage again in the same direction . 

(c) As narrow bandage made by folding the broad bandage once again in the same direction .

        It is sometimes advisable to halve the size of the triangular bandage by bringing the two ends together before folding it into the broad or narrow bandage.

For the Shoulder: 

         Stand facing the casualty’s injured side and place the center of an open bandage on his shoulder, with the point running up the side of the neck. Fold the hem inwards along the base, carry the ends round the middle of the arm, cross and tie them on the outer side so as to secure the lower border of the bandage. Apply an arm sling. Turn down the point of the first bandage over the knot of the sling, draw it tight and pin it .

For the Elbow: 

         Bend the casualty’s elbow to a right angle. Fold to narrow bandage, hen inwards along the base of an open bandage. Lay the point on the back of the upper arm and the middle of the base on the back of the forearm; Cross the ends in front of the elbow, then round the upper arm and tie above the elbow . Bring the point down over the knot and elbow pin it. If it is not advisable to bend the elbow, a narrow or broad bandage should be used according to the needs of the case.

For the Hand: 

         place an open bandage under the palm the injury being uppermost with the point away from the casualty and the base of the bandage at the wrist. Bring the point over the hand to the wrist and after folding the hem inwards along the base of the bandage, pass the ends round the wrist, cross them and finally tie over the point . Bring the point over the knot and pin it to the bandage over the hand. After the application of a dressing and bandage for wounds of upper limb, a sling should support the limb.

        Bend the casualty’s knee to a right angle. Fold a narrow bandage hem inwards along the base of an open bandage. Lay the point on his thigh and the middle of the base below his knee; cross the ends behind his knee, then round his thigh and tie above his knee on the front of this thigh. Bring the point down over the knot and knee and pin it. If it is not advisable to bend the knee a narrow or broad bandage should be used according to the needs of the case .

For the Foot: 

         Place the casualty’s foot on the center of an open bandage, with his toes towards the point. Draw up the point over his instep, bring the ends forward so that his heel is covered and cross them; pass the ends round the ankle, cross at back and then tie them in form. Draw the point forward and pin it to the bandage over the instep.

what is a bandage

A bandage is a piece of material used either to support a medical device such as a dressing orsplint, or on its own to provide support to the body. Bandages are available in a wide range of types, from generic cloth strips, to specialised shaped bandages designed for a specific limb or part of the body, although bandages can often be improvised as the situation demands, using clothing, blankets or other material.

In common speech, the word “bandage” is often used to mean a dressing, which is used directly on a wound, whereas a bandage is technically only used to support a dressing, and not directly on a wound.

first aid for cuts & scratches

Things You’ll Need:

• • Water

  • Soap

  • Antibiotic cream

  • Adhesive bandage

  • Antiseptic (optional)

Step 1

First and foremost, know when to seek medical attention:

If your injury involves any of the following, contact a doctor:

The cut is deep

The cut is long. Long cuts are considered to be approximately 1 inch when on the hand or foot and 2 inches when elsewhere on the body.

The cut is jagged.

The injury involved a pet, especially a cat.

The injury involved a wild animal.

The injury is due to a bite, either human or animal.

The wound has debris stuck in it after cleansing.

The wound is bleeding heavily.

The wound will not stop bleeding after applying direct pressure for 10 minutes.

The injury is a puncture wound.

Also contact your doctor if you are overdue for a tetanus booster. For minor cuts, scratches and scrapes, be sure you have had at least three tetanus shots before the injury and you are within 10 years of your last booster. For more serious cuts, be sure you have had three tetanus shots before the injury and you are within 5 years of your last booster.

Step 2

First aid when very little bleeding is involved:

If a cut, scratch or scrape is minor and has very slight bleeding, the best first step is to clean the wound.

Rinse the cut, scratch or scrape under running cool to lukewarm water. If the cut is in an area too difficult to get under a faucet, fill a clean cup or bottle with water and pour it over the wound.

Use only mild soap, gently applied with a gauze pad or soft, clean cloth, when cleaning a cut, scratch or scrape. Be sure to remove all soap from the wound by rinsing thoroughly. Do not use strong soaps when providing first aid to a cuts, scratches or scrapes, as they can cause additional irritation to the injured area. Under no circumstances should you use strong cleansers or detergents, such as bleach, to clean your injury.

Step 3

First aid when there is bleeding involved:

If a cut is minor and bleeding a little more heavily, your first step is to apply direct pressure to aid the blood in clotting. Use gauze or a clean, soft cloth and apply firm, but gentle, pressure for several minutes. Elevate the injured area above the level of your heart whenever possible. If the blood begins to soak through the material, do not remove the gauze or cloth. Simply place another piece of gauze or cloth on top of the one you are currently holding and continue to apply pressure.

Cuts on the head, face and mouth usually bleed more heavily than minor cuts elsewhere on the body due to the large number of blood vessels contained in these areas. Do not be alarmed. Keep applying pressure until the bleeding stops.

Once the bleeding is under control, gently remove the cloth and begin cleansing the wound as outlined above. Bleeding may start again during the cleansing process. Use another clean cloth or gauze pad to apply pressure again when you are done cleaning the wound.

Step 4

First aid when debris is involved:

Many scrapes will have debris, such as gravel, sand or wood chips, embedded in them. Increase the strength of the stream of the cleansing water to dislodge as much debris as possible. Use a set of tweezers which have been thoroughly cleaned with rubbing alcohol to remove any debris that remains at the surface. Do not dig for any deeply embedded items. Do not use brushes or rough washcloths, as doing so will cause more damage to the skin and increase the risk of infection. If you cannot remove all the debris, seek the help of a medical professional.

Step 5

First aid with an antiseptic:

Hydrogen peroxide or other antiseptics are not needed for all wounds. Cleaning a cut, scrape or scratch with hydrogen peroxide causes additional irritation to the injury and can potentially kill off healthy cells needed for healing. Thoroughly cleaning the wound as described above is usually enough. If the cut, scratch or scrape occurred in a very dirty place or while handling items such as raw meat, a little hydrogen peroxide during the initial cleaning may be warranted. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent continued irritation.

Step 6

First aid using adhesive bandages:

Opinions differ as to whether all cuts and scratches need to be bandaged. If the cut or scratch is in an area that will not become dirty, it is fine to leave it uncovered. Apply a topical antibiotic cream a couple times a day to keep it moist and fight infection.

If the cut or scratch is on an area that will easily become dirty (a hand or foot) or an area that will be irritated by clothing (a knee), apply an adhesive bandage or gauze and medical tape. Continue to use a bandage in these areas for 7 to 10 days, or until the injury is well healed.

Due to the fact scrapes dry out easily and can cause scarring, bandages are generally recommended for them. Extra large adhesive bandages are available in stores. You can also use sterile gauze and medical tape to cover the area.

Bandages hold in moisture, which aids in healing. This same moisture also provides the perfect breeding ground for any bacteria left in the wound. Always use a topical antibiotic cream when using a bandage. Change the bandage daily, or if it becomes wet or dirty. Reapply the antibiotic cream with each bandage change.

Step 7

Follow up to first aid:

Watch your cut, scratch or scrape for any sign of infection while it heals. Contact your doctor if you see any signs of infection or if the wound looks odd to you in any way. Signs of infection include:

Pain in the wound or in the surrounding area

Redness and warmth around the wound

Swelling in the area of the wound

Pus draining from the injury

Red streaks form around the injury

Fever

contents of first aid box

First Aid Kit Contents List

The first aid kit contents should consist of all the basic essentials needed to treat an injury. Prepare a first aid kit contents list and cross check it with a medical practitioner. Visit the local drug store and buy proper quantity of requirements according to the first aid kit contents list. The following first aid kits contents should be present in your kit.

• • Bar of soap

  • 2-inch roller bandage

  • 1-inch roller bandage

  • 1-inch adhesive

  • 3-by-3-inch sterile pads

  • Triangular bandage

  • Assorted gauze pads

  • Adhesive strips

  • Oral thermometer

  • Scissors

  • Tweezers

  • Sunburn lotion

  • Lip salve

  • Poison-ivy lotion

  • Small flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb)

  • Absorbent cotton

  • Iodine tablets

  • Safety pins

  • Needles

  • Paper cups

  • Foot powder

  • Instant ice packs

  • Insect repellent

  • Insect sting swabs

  • Matches

  • Oil of Cloves

  • Hot-water bottle

  • Alcohol wipes

  • Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen

  • Gloves

  • 1 blanket (space blanket)

  • 1 blanket (space blanket)

  • Antibiotic Cream

  • Antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)

  • Antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)

  • First aid instruction booklet

  • List of emergency phone numbers

aims of first aid

The key aims of first aid can be summarised in three key points:

• • Preserve life – the overriding aim of all medical care, including first aid, is to save lives

  • Prevent further harm – also sometimes called prevent the condition from worsening, this covers both external factors, such as moving a patient away from any cause of harm, and applying first aid techniques to prevent worsening of the condition, such as applying pressure to stop a bleed becoming dangerous.

Promote recovery – first aid also involves trying to start the recovery process from the illness or injury, and in some cases might involve completing a treatment, such as in the case of applying a plaster to a small wound

GENERAL RULES OF HEALTH & BP’S SIX EXERCISES

BP’S SIX EXERCISES

general rules of health

20 Golden Rules for Golden Health.

• 1. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

  2. Believe in yourself and your power to heal yourself. No-one knows you better, or has your best interests at heart than you. Physicians and Alternative Health practitioners can only assist the body’s immune system heal itself.

  3. RESPECT YOUR BODY

  4. It’s the only one you’ll have, and there’s no way to trade it in for a new model. And someone else’s expensive body parts don’t fit very well!

  5. DON’T SMOKE

  6. The long term effects are devastating to your whole system. If you do nothing else, for your sake and your loved ones, do this now.

  7. HOW YOU LIVE

  8. Look at how you live your life. If you continually abuse your body with poor eating, no exercise, excess alcohol, and drugs (prescription or otherwise), expect your body to retaliate. It’s only trying to warn you.

  9. PAIN 

  10. Pain and discomfort are signals the body sends to warn you of a problem. They are not illnesses in themselves. To cure the pain, you must cure the cause.  

      1. Painkillers only make things worse; they mask the warnings and allow you to continue harming yourself, particularly if you take them for arthritis.

  11. PRESCRIPTION DRUGS 

  12. Prescription drugs do not cure disease: they either mask the symptoms or suppress them. 

• • 1. They might make you feel a little better, but are really delaying the problem which has the capacity to escalate in your body and become life threatening. 

    2. If you are taking Prescription drugs, make it your goal to ease your way off them over a period of time, and repair the damage they have surely done.  

    3. This should be done with the supervision of your physician.

• 13. HOSPITALS

  14. Try to stay away from hospitals and the Super-bugs they have been produced using modern Drugs concocted by Pharmaceutical Companies. 

• • 1. They know little about preventative Nutrition and do not have the time nor the incentives to keep abreast of “new” protocols using Nutritional Supplements as a valid treatment for disease. 

    2. If you catch something there, use d-Lenolate Olive Leaf extract.

• 15. EATING

  16. You are how you live. Eating, and other habits determine your long term health. 

• • 1. Many habits are “inherited” as part of growing up, like fast food, and are often difficult to change. 

    2. But do not believe that these habits and their health consequences are genetically predetermined for you. You after all, are the master of your own life.

• 17. PROCESSING FOOD

  18. What ever you put in your mouth must either be used to build your body, or must be eliminated from it through the stomach, the bladder, the lungs and the skin. 

• • 1. The body has a miraculous capacity to do this with natural foods rich in enzymes. It has very limited ability to deal with modern food contaminants (preservatives, artificial sweeteners, fats, poultry and animal growth hormones etc.). 

    2. What it can’t eliminate, it stores in the body, mainly in the adipose fat and in organs, lymph nodes, glands and joints. These deposits can degenerate into inflammation and even tumors. Clean them out regularly.

10.  WASTE

Keep you bowls regular to assist this process of elimination. Constipation is a long term killer. 

Do this through good eating and exercise, not harsh drugs. The cleaner your system, the less likely it will become a breeding ground for infection, parasites and viruses.  

Use MSM daily as a cleanser and anti-parasitic formula.

11.  WATER

Drink plenty of pure water pure water (at least 8 glasses a day) to keep the kidneys flushed. Do not drink tap water if possible. 

It is contaminated with two of the most toxic carcinogens (Chlorine and fluoride) known. And even this “purification” does not ensure that it will be free from parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidium.

12.  SODAS

Stop drinking Sodas, particularly Colas and those laced with artificial sweeteners.

13.  MEATS

Cut down on your consumption of animal proteins. You don’t need them in your diet, and they are highly contaminated by the time they reach your table. 

Substitute as much Soy based foods as you can. This is not a major sacrifice – there are wonderful non-meat dishes out there waiting to be enjoyed.

14.  FRUITS & VEGGIES

Increase your consumption of fresh food, particularly uncooked fruit and  veggies. But remember, this food is grown in soils seriously depleted by poor farming practices; they no longer have their traditional nutrients and enzymes in them.

If you can find genuine organically grown food, buy it if its fresh. If you can’t obtain quality produce, supplement it with a green drink.

15.  SUPPLEMENTS

Back up fresh food with an intelligent program of supplements.  Be careful what and where you buy. 

The Supplement industry was laid wide open in 1994 by the Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act. It is unregulated, no one checks for purity and content and anyone can market any product they please. 

If  the product is made from a synthetic base, it can do you harm. Buy from reputable sources only. Use a Heavy Metal Cleanse at least once a year to purge these dangerous substances from your body.

16.  WATCH YOUR WEIGHT

Slim people live longer than overweight people. They also live healthier and enjoy life more.  

You don’t need to diet drastically – change what you eat, and how much you eat, and stick to it. Learn the difference between food and non-food. 

Non-food provides calories, fats and preservatives. Food is what we need to live on, and is absorbed better if you supplement you enzymes.

17.  EXERCISE

Increase your exercise regime – step up to vitamin X (exercise)! You need to be active at least three times a week, and you need to increase your level of exertion. 

The more you puff and blow, the more good you are doing your system. The sweat glands and the lungs help flush toxins from your body.

18.  SUN EXPOSE

Reduce your time in the sun. Cover up and use Sunscreen, but do not believe it will protect you from cancer. It won’t. Even with sunscreen, your skin sustains long term damage. 

Cover up whenever you can, and strengthen the skin with MSM Lotion  before you go out. And always wear good quality shades. Your eyes are damaged by U/V rays as quickly and permanently as your skin.

19.  SLEEP

Try to get a restful night’s sleep every night. If you have difficulty sleeping, take Melatonin. Not only is it natural and non-addictive, it has strong anti-oxidant properties, particularly protecting you from cancers.

20.  STRESS

Reduce your level of stress. A range of chemical imbalances in your system can elevate the level of stress you experience. If you’re over 35, SAMe, DHEA and MSM can assist to restore this balance and reduce the physical damage done by stress hormones. Do not allow chemicals like Prozac to rule your life. These are safe and effective alternatives

HAND SIGNALS, WHISTLE SIGNALS & WOODCRAFT SIGNS

wood craft signs

Training for Patrol Leaders

Scouting takes pride in giving youth members unique leadership opportunities and training. Patrol leaders may have the opportunity to participate in all or some of the following leadership training.

Introduction to Leadership

This is the first step of leadership training. It is usually conducted by the Scoutmaster within a few days after a troop election. It may last no more than an hour, but it should cover the responsibilities of a patrol leader and the needs for upcoming events within the troop.

Troop Junior Leader Training

This is a daylong training conference conducted by the Scoutmaster and senior patrol leader. Its purpose is to reinforce the patrol method and to allow members of the patrol leaders’ council to set goals for themselves, their patrols, and their troop.

PATROL SYSTEM

Patrols

This is a representative form of government used by Girl Scouts. It consists of two parts – the patrol and the Court of Honor. The spirit, vitality and welfare of the troop is the main objective of the patrol system.

PATROLS + COURT OF HONOR = PATROL SYSTEM

  Patrols

  The Patrol Leader

  The Assistant Patrol Leader

  Patrol Treasurer

  Patrol Secretary

  Transportation Manager

  Commissary Manager

  Equipment Manager

  Health and Safety Manager

  Court of Honor

  Troop Secretary

  Troop Treasurer

  Installation of Patrol Leaders

PATROLS:

The troop is divided into small groups, usually consisting of six to eight girls. Each group is called a patrol. Patrols can have interesting names chosen by the girls. Some names are based on the girls’ interests, the part of the country where they live, etc. A patrol interested in nature lore might be called “Tree Tops”. Patrols often invent an identifying emblem, which they use on a patrol flag and/or on their patrol equipment.

The troop is richer because of the strength and ingenuity of its patrols, all working together on troop plans.

THE PATROL LEADER:

Each patrol has a patrol leader, elected by the girls in her patrol, to serve for a time determined by the troop and the leaders. They vote for her, just as any responsible citizen votes for candidates for public office.

Before voting, read over the duties of the patrol leader, then ask yourself, “Will she do a good job? Is she the kind of girl who is fair or will she be bossy? Will she speak for everyone in our patrol at the Court of Honor? Does she have ideas that are fun and exciting?

These are important questions, for the patrol leader is in charge of seeing that things go well and smoothly. Here are some suggestions for the patrol leader’s duties.

• • Conducts regular patrol meetings using agenda made at Court of Honor with the troop leader and other patrol leaders.

  • Learns what her patrol wants to do by leading discussions and offering suggestions.

  • Represents her patrol at regular Court of Honor meetings by reporting on patrol progress and activities, getting needed assistance and sharing ideas with other patrol leaders.

  • Works with her assistant patrol leader and shares some of the leadership of the patrol with her.

  • Helps herself and others in her patrol to learn or practice Scouting skills.

  • Takes charge of any special assignment given to her patrol

  • Assigns duties to patrol members and sees that they are carried out.

  • Helps her patrol organize to get jobs done.

  • Consults with troop leaders for special help on plans or problems, and keeps them up-to-date on patrol activities.

  • Tries to live by the Promise and Law; she needs to set an example for the members of her patrol.

You may say to yourself, “What a lot for one girl to do!” Remember, though, that the patrol leader should have the cooperation of all the girls in her patrol. She can always call on the troop leader for advice, too, so she has help whenever she needs or wants it. Also, remember that a Cadette or Senior patrol leader may be ready to assume more responsibility than a patrol leader in a Junior troop.

THE ASSISTANT PATROL LEADER:

Another girl elected by the patrol members is the assistant patrol leader. She serves for the same time as the patrol leader and her job is to help the patrol leader in every way she can. The assistant patrol leader does these things and others that she may be asked to do:

• • Takes over the job of the patrol leader in her absence.

  • Carries out leadership responsibilities delegated by the patrol leader – such as making a kaper chart or organizing a flag ceremony.

Every patrol needs a patrol leader and an assistant patrol leader, but a patrol that really gets things done sees that every member has a definite permanent job. This allows it to whirl into action, not confusion, to get the necessary things done quickly and save time for the real heart of a troop or patrol activity – to turn spur-of-the-moment ideas into fun-packed afternoons. Here is one plan for dividing the work of the patrol:

PATROL TREASURER: The Patrol Treasurer or Finance Manager is in charge of patrol financial matters.

• • Collects troop dues from patrol members, keeps a record of troop dues, and turns them over to Troop Treasurer.

  • Handles all money for the patrol.

  • Keeps financial record of patrol income and expenses.

PATROL SECRETARY: The Patrol Secretary or Recorder is in charge of patrol records.

• • Attends to patrol correspondence (invitations, thank-you notes).

  • Keeps log of patrol programs and attendance.

  • Fills in necessary information on permission slips.

  • Keeps a written record of each girl’s progress toward awards.

TRANSPORTATION MANAGER: The Transportation Manager is in charge of transportation for patrol events.

• • Makes a sure driver receives a thank-you note from secretary.

  • Works with Health and Safety Manager to make sure patrol members understand health and safety precautions for travelling by car, bicycle, foot, canoe, etc.

  • Finds out about interesting places the patrol can visit, how to get there, and how much it will cost.

COMMISSARY MANAGER: The Commissary Manager is in charge of patrol food.

• • Arranges for refreshments for special occasions.

  • Appoints shoppers for food and sees that it is purchased.

  • Sees that food is delivered on time, properly packed and stored.

  • Makes sure food is attractively served; works out plan for cleanup.

EQUIPMENT MANAGER: The Equipment Manager is in charge of patrol equipment.

• • Makes up list of personal equipment needed for program and gives a copy to each girl.

  • Makes out list of patrol equipment needed.

  • Secures, distributes, packs, and stores patrol equipment.

  • Makes sure equipment is labeled and kept in good condition.

  • Initiates making of patrol equipment (tin-can stove, cook kits, etc.)

  • Returns borrowed equipment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGER: Make sure a first aid kit is available at all times.

• • Keeps first aid kit stocked, replacing items as necessary.

  • Alerts patrol to good health and safety practices.

  • Makes sure patrol members know what to do in case off fire, storm, accident, lost person, etc.

  • Knows how to reach the nearest doctor or hospital or emergency services number.

  • Sets up an emergency call system for patrol.

No matter which plan you use, yours, or the one suggested, make sure you can answer “Yes” to the following questions.

• 1. Does each girl in the patrol have a specific job?

  2. Does she have a brief description of what she is to do?

  3. Will she really have an opportunity to do her hob because it is based on actual plans for the troop and the patrol?

  4. Are copies of each description with the name of the girl who has the hob kept in one place so everyone can see who is responsible for what/

  5. Is there a plan to evaluate the division after two or three months? Check to see if jobs need to be rearranged; if each girl has the job best suited to her talent; is it working for both the troop and patrol activities? Some troops elect new officers two or three times a year.

COURT OF HONOR (COH)

Every patrol member has a voice in the COH through the patrol leader. The COY is the heart of the troop. The COH consists of all patrol leaders in the troop, the Troop Secretary, The Troop Treasurer, and the troop leader. Each patrol leader represents her patrol faithfully at the COH meetings. If she cannot be there, she makes sure her patrol is represented.

These are some things the COH can do:

• • Plan interesting troop programs based on ideas submitted by the patrols

  • Make up ideas for activities and submit them to patrols through the patrol leaders.

  • Hear reports from patrols given by patrol leaders (and from committee chairmen, when needed).

  • Make arrangements for patrol leaders to learn new things to teach their patrol members.

  • Sometimes arrange for girls from different patrols to work together on special projects.

The COH can meet before, after, or during any regular troop meeting. These short meetings, ten minutes to half an hour in length, are for quick reports of patrol reactions, reminders of responsibilities for next week, or adjustment of plans.

At special meetings, usually every two or three months, the COH fills in the details of plans for the months ahead, and considers ideas and suggestions from patrols brought to the meetings by patrol leaders.

The COH thinks over the various ideas. Are they good? Will they work? How can we make them work? This is the way ideas are turned into actions for the troop. Even the best ideas need planning and work to make them come true.

The COH usually holds longer meetings at the beginning and end of the troop year. The first meeting is to get things started by deciding how many big events can be fitted into the year’s calendar. (The big events might include camping, trips, Court of Awards, council events, parties, service unit activities, community service projects, etc.) The last meeting is to evaluate how the troop has done.

An open COH meeting may be held so that everyone will know how the system works. All troop members attend as “silent watchers.”

TROOP SECRETARY: She is the official correspondent and secretary of the entire troop. Here are some suggested duties for the Troop Secretary:

• • Takes minutes and notes at Court of Honor and business meetings.

  • Answers troop mail.

  • Writes invitations and thank-you notes for gifts and services to the troops.

  • Keeps troop history up-to-date, such as writing an account of a camping trip.

  • If she is kept very busy, she might need an assistant. They need to have neat, clear handwriting, so that their notes are easy for others to read.

TROOP TREASURER: The Troop Treasurer is also elected by the entire troop. She may have these duties:

• • Keeps an account book, entering all money that is collected by the troop and all that is spent.

  • Receives dues from the patrol treasurers, records their payment in the account book, and deposits them in the troop’s bank or gives them to the troop leader for deposit.

  • Provides facts and figures to the COH when the troop’s yearly budget is mad and to any group spending troop money (food buyers for camping trip, decorations committee for troop party, etc.)

  • Makes financial report to the troop once a month.

  • Is prepared to make a report of troop finances at any time when asked.

Lord Baden-Powell started the patrol system with the COH. Girl Scouts, Girl Guides, and Boy Scouts use it all over the world. A Girl Scout troop belongs to all its members. The troop decides what it will do, and every girl helps to carry out the troop’s decisions. Each girl must do her part to make the patrol system a success!

Installation of Patrol Leaders

patrol system

What the Patrol Method is

The patrol method is working when the adult acts as a guide, mentor, and counselor to the youth, helping them by word and example to lead one another, to influence one another, to encourage competition and excitement so that the boys grow as a group and as individuals.

In 1920, Baden-Powel consolidated notes he had assembled on the training of boys through Scouting and published them as Aids to Scoutmastership. He wrote,

The Patrol System

The Patrol System is the one essential feature in which Scout training differs from that of all other organisations, and where the System is properly applied, it is absolutely bound to bring success. It cannot help itself!

The formation of the boys into Patrols of from six to eight and training them as separate units each under its own responsible leader is the key to a good Troop.

The Patrol is the unit of Scouting always, whether for work or for play, for discipline or for duty.  An invaluable step in character training is to put responsibility on to the individual. This is immediately gained in appointing a Patrol Leader to responsible command of his Patrol. It is up to him to take hold of and to develop the qualities of each boy in his Patrol. It sounds a big order, but in practice it works. Then, through emulation and competition between Patrols, you produce a Patrol spirit which is eminently satisfactory, since it raises the tone among the boys and develops a higher standard of efficiency all round. Each boy in the Patrol realises that he is in himself a responsible unit and that the honour of his group depends in some degree on his own ability in playing the game.

WHIPPING, KNOTS AND HITCHES

sheet bend

sheep shank

round a turn and two half hitches

reef knot

fisherman’s knot

bowline knot

clove hitch