MUST WATCH

A First Aid kit is required for all Girl Scout activities. See Volunteer Essentials, Chapter 4 for suggestions. Forms to include in your kit are First Aid Log, USAGSO Emergency Procedures, and Incident and Injury Report. A troop roster is also recommended. NOTIFY OC and USAGSO WITHIN 5 DAYS OF INCIDENTS REQUIRING MEDICAL TREATMENT. 

MEDICATION is any substance applied to the outside of the body or taken internally. 

• You must have the exact and explicit written permission of the parent/guardian or licensed physician to dispense it at any time. Medications may be carried and dispensed by the Girl Scout if written permission is provided. This agreement, along with all participants’ Health History, Medication Permission Form, and any medications, should remain with the First-Aider during activities. Note any treatments and medication-dispensing on the First Aid Log. 

FIRST-AIDER is the person who has current certifications in First Aid and CPR. Review instructions with parents on how to use medications, especially those that require immediate administration (such as an inhaler or epi-pen) in which a delay could result in compromising a person’s health.

ANIMAL BITES Must receive a medical examination immediately per USAGSO

POISON OAK & IVY “LEAVES OF THREE, LET THEM BE” 

• Its leaflets are shiny, in groups of three, and are definitely oak-leaf shaped. It usually grows as a low shrub with many white to red berries. It can cause a painful rash when the leaves or stems are rubbed against, even when the plant has no leaves at all. 

• To treat: Wearing gloves, pull back clothing upon itself, and then wash contact area with soap and cold water. If skin itches, wipe areas with alcohol; if continues, apply calamine lotion. DO NOT use “Caladryl” in case of a Benedryl allergy. See a Doctor if the rash is severe. Tecknu is an O.T.C. medication specifically for poison oak to consider stocking in your first aid kit. 

SHOCK (can occur in any kind of emergency) 

• Keep the person lying down and legs slightly elevated, if possible. Maintain comfortable body temperature with blankets both under and over them as needed. Call a doctor. 

HYPOTHERMIA (too little body heat) 

• Remove the person to a warm place and cover with dry clothing and blankets. Warm gradually; rapid warming could cause heart problems or increased circulation on body surface causing additional cooling of vital organs. Conscious victim may have warm broth or water, no caffeine, ½ glass every 15 minutes, as tolerated. 

Heat stroke: 

• SKIN: Hot, red, dry. 

• Body Temp: high, Nausea, headache, dizziness. 

Heat exhaustion: 

• SKIN: Cool, wet, pale. 

• Profuse sweating.

•  Nausea. 

• Headache. 

• Dizziness. 

  • Remove to a cooler place, loosen clothing, elevate feet, cool with fanning & wet towels. Do not “chill”. If conscious, give ½ glass water every 15 minutes, as tolerated. Treat as in shock. 

DOWNLOAD AND REVIEW THESE APPS *

* Please feel free to download any additional apps that may be helpful in your host nation -- for example, the British or German Red Cross both have great apps.