Plants, animals and First Aid...oh my!

There are many aspects of First Aid, some of which deal specifically with how to treat a person for exposure to poisonous plants as well as animal bites and stings.  While the probability of these encounters is remote, it does happen and usually when it is least expected.  One of the first steps to preventing what could become a First Aid emergency relies upon correct identification of the dangerous plants or animals that are suspected in an area.  You should know how to identify the dangerous plants or animals in your area (or where you are going on an outing) and specifically how they are dangerous (touch, ingestion, sting, bite, etc.).  Next, you should be able to identify what actually caused the incident - only after you identify the plant or animal can the correct treatment be applied.  Check out your Scout Handbook for more information on treating a person who has had contact with dangerous plants or animals then study the local plants and animals that pose risk in your specific area.  You can then rest assured that you have information that will help you prevent, identify and treat someone (or yourself) when the need arises.