Page 147 - Participant Manual

Prevention is the best strategy. Although “leaves of three, let it be” is a good guideline for identifying poison
ivy and poison oak, rash-causing plants vary in appearance depending on the species and time of year. It is
a good idea to familiarize yourself with the appearance of the rash-causing plants in your area. If you will be
engaging in activities where you could potentially be exposed to a rash-causing plant, wear a long-sleeved
shirt, long pants and boots. Applying a pre-contact barrier cream or lotion before you go outside can help
prevent urushiol from contacting your skin and causing a rash. Similarly, washing with a specialized skin
cleanser designed to remove urushiol or a degreasing soap (such as dishwashing liquid) and plenty of water
as soon as soon as you come in from outside can remove the urushiol from your skin and may prevent a
rash from developing, or minimize the severity of the rash if one does develop. Wash tools, work gloves and
clothing too because urushiol can remain on these surfaces and transfer to your skin the next time you use
the item.
If exposure does result in a rash, apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the area to reduce itching
and blistering. An oral antihistamine may also help to relieve itching. If the rash is severe or on a sensitive
part of the body (such as the face or groin), the person should see a healthcare provider. Call 9-1-1 or
the designated emergency number if the person experiences a severe allergic reaction or is having trouble
breathing.

Lightning-Strike Injuries

Lightning travels at speeds of up to 300 miles per second. Anything tall—a tower, tree or person—can
become a path for the electrical current (Box 7-8). Lightning can “flash” over a person’s body or it can travel
through blood vessels and nerves to reach the ground. The electrical energy can cause burn injuries and
cardiac arrest. When the force of the lightning strike is sufficient to throw the person through the air, traumatic
injuries such as fractures or dislocations can result.

Signs and Symptoms of Lightning-Strike Injuries

A person who has been struck by lightning may seem dazed and confused, or he or she may be unresponsive.
The person may be having difficulty breathing, or he or she may not be breathing at all. The person may have
burn injuries; open wounds; or muscle, bone or joint injuries.

First Aid Care for Lightning-Strike Injuries

Call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number immediately if a person is struck by lightning. If the person is
unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, give CPR and use an AED if you are trained in these skills.
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Provide care for any other conditions that you find, such as burns; muscle, bone or joint injuries; or shock.
Even if the person does not seem to have serious injuries and quickly recovers after the incident, he or she
should still see a healthcare provider for follow-up evaluation and care.

Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 138 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 139 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual