Bear, Deer and Puncture Wounds OH MY!

November brings a few exciting changes to the fall season and that is Deer hunting and Bear hunting. Living in the South, we have a lot of people who are headed to the woods going hunting and the opening season of modern gun deer hunting starts this weekend. There will be many unintentional injuries due to gunshot wounds as well as falls. We have these type injuries every year and knowing a few things to do can save a life. When hunting one always needs to be up to date on all the laws and regulations as well as there is a requirement for people born after January 1, 1969 to complete a hunter’s safety course. This course gives you safety tips on handling a gun, positioning yourself when shooting as well some great information about being out in the woods and around wild animals. What this course does not offer and give you are the First Aid tips if you were to sprain, strain or dislocate something due to a falls that would include a variety of puncture wounds including gunshots. Being up-to-date in Basic First Aid training can help tremendously when out in the elements. In Arkansas, we have thousands of people flock to the woods during deer season on some of the more prominent injuries include falls. Falls from deer stands that are greater than the height of the person which could result in head, neck or spine injuries as well as puncture wounds. A couple things hunters can do to help protect themselves is carry a personal first aid kit for those minor injuries like cuts and scrapes from thickets, thorns and underbrush when walking out in the woods. Another safety precaution hunters can do is make sure you have a fully charged cell phone. Service can be spotty when in the wilderness but when you are in an area where you have cell service, you can have that access to call for help if needed. Let family and other members of you hunting party know the general area where you will be in case of an emergency situation and be sure to wear all your safety equipment required when hunting such as your hunters orange and safety harnesses when in tree stands. Taking a moment to map out your hunting trip can be extremely helpful in the event there is an accident. Before you head on your hunting excursions find a local first aid instructor and become first aid trained. Basic first aid or even Wilderness and Remote first aid will be extremely helpful when you find yourself or a fellow hunter in an unfortunate situation.

Barbara Jackson

Barbara Jackson worked through college as a non-traditional student earning her Master of Science degree in health science focusing in health education. Barbara then went on to set for her national credential exam in 2011 earning her CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) credential as well as being a Licensed Training Provider. Barbara has found her calling as a teacher and began working as a volunteer with the American Red Cross and became a CPR instructor for the Red Cross in 2007, since this time she has earned her teaching credential for American Heart Association and National Safety Council. Barbara is also an adjunct instructor for Arkansas Tech University teaching Responding to Emergencies: Comprehensive First Aid/CPR courses.

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November brings a few exciting changes to the fall season and that is Deer hunting and Bear hunting. Living in the South, we have a lot of people who are headed to the woods going hunting and the opening season of modern gun deer hunting starts this weekend. There will be many unintentional injuries due to gunshot wounds as well as falls. We have these type injuries every year and knowing a few things to do can save a life. When hunting one always needs to be up to date on all the laws and regulations as well as there is a requirement for people born after January 1, 1969 to complete a hunter’s safety course. This course gives you safety tips on handling a gun, positioning yourself when shooting as well some great information about being out in the woods and around wild animals. What this course does not offer and give you are the First Aid tips if you were to sprain, strain or dislocate something due to a falls that would include a variety of puncture wounds including gunshots. Being up-to-date in Basic First Aid training can help tremendously when out in the elements. In Arkansas, we have thousands of people flock to the woods during deer season on some of the more prominent injuries include falls. Falls from deer stands that are greater than the height of the person which could result in head, neck or spine injuries as well as puncture wounds. A couple things hunters can do to help protect themselves is carry a personal first aid kit for those minor injuries like cuts and scrapes from thickets, thorns and underbrush when walking out in the woods. Another safety precaution hunters can do is make sure you have a fully charged cell phone. Service can be spotty when in the wilderness but when you are in an area where you have cell service, you can have that access to call for help if needed. Let family and other members of you hunting party know the general area where you will be in case of an emergency situation and be sure to wear all your safety equipment required when hunting such as your hunters orange and safety harnesses when in tree stands. Taking a moment to map out your hunting trip can be extremely helpful in the event there is an accident. Before you head on your hunting excursions find a local first aid instructor and become first aid trained. Basic first aid or even Wilderness and Remote first aid will be extremely helpful when you find yourself or a fellow hunter in an unfortunate situation.

Vlad Magdalin

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