Preventing Illness and Injuries

by Bob Amick, EMT-B, Subcamp 9 Medical Staff

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Don Gentry M.D., Chief Physician, Subcamp 9, and Don
Robinson, M.D. Chief Physician, Subcamp 17 for review and contributions.
 

The National Scout Jamboree is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most
Scouts; so it is especially important to make extra efforts to avoid
injury or illness prior to and during the jamboree. Missing out on all or
part of the jamboree experience due to illness or injury can be avoided by
just following some simple precautions, and taking extra care to avoid
situations or environments which may cause problems. Please take some
time to read and review this information, and keep it in mind throughout
your trip.
 

STAYING WELL--PREVENTING ILLNESS:
Scouts all know that staying well can be accomplished by simple
precautions. Here are a few of the most vital:
 

WASH HANDS OFTEN
Wash hands always before eating and after using rest rooms. Most
diseases are spread by hand contact with food, touching eyes, nose, mouth.
If you cannot wash before eating, try to use utensils or wrap your food
in a napkin or a wrapper without touching it. DON'T Share eating utensils
or food with others to avoid infection. If someone is sick minimize
contact with them or their property to avoid spreading infection.
 

EAT NUTRITIOUS FOODS;
Minimize Snack Foods such as candy and high fat fast foods, try
to eat fresh fruits and vegetables each day. Your body needs high fiber
foods to stay healthy and keep you "regular." Be careful not to eat stale
or unrefrigerated foods that may cause food poisoning. IF IN DOUBT,
DON'T EAT IT!
 

SLEEP AND "NAPS"
It is very important to get a good night's sleep to keep your
energy and immunity at a high level. When possible, take a short nap of
60 to 90 minutes, at mid-day or late afternoon before dinner. Teenagers
need at least 8 hours sleep each night to maintain health and energy. If
you "shortcut" sleep, you can build up a "sleep deficit" which will make
you tired, grouchy and irritable. Try to take naps while traveling on
buses or during your flights.
 

DRINK WATER OFTEN--AVOID DEHYDRATION.
Minimize "soda" and caffeinated drinks. Your body can be
dehydrated by several quarts of fluid and you may not even feel thirsty.
DEHYDRATION IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AT THE JAMBOREE, and while on tour.

Each Scout will have water containers which should always be taken along in the
backpacks. Plan to stop and take a rest break/water break at least once
per hour. See following Section on Dehydration signs/symptoms and
treatment.
 

DEHYDRATION
Signs:
Dehydration is best checked by monitoring urine output and color.
Urination should be frequent and of high volume. Color should be clear or
light yellow. Infrequent or low volume urination, and dark amber colored
urine indicates definite dehydration.
THIRST IS A LATE SIGN of dehydration!

Symptoms:
Dehydration may result in fatigue, or getting tired easily when
you walk or exercise, muscle weakness, dizziness, headache, chest pain**,
nausea, muscle cramps or "charley horse," being "grouchy" or irritable;
being tired when you wake up.

Prevention and Treatment:
Drinking water frequently will usually relieve most symptoms of
dehydration. Gatorade or other Sports Drinks also help if mixed at half
normal strength, and will provide "electrolytes" such as potassium,
sodium, citrates, and glucose.

DON'T USE SALT TABLETS!!
Salt tablets can make you sick, and don't provide a "balance of
electrolytes" needed.

DRINK AT LEAST 10 OZ. PER HOUR
10 fluid ounces is about the equivalent of one pop can. You may
need to drink more if it is very hot and humid, or if you are exercising
and losing fluid at a higher rate. Drink WATER often and in small
quantities. Replace the water your body loses in perspiration and
respiration at about the same rate.

DRINKING LARGE QUANTITIES OF WATER ALL AT ONCE CAN MAKE YOU SICK.

It is OK to drink before going to bed, even though you may have
to make a late trip to the latrine. Better to be hydrated. You will
sleep better and feel better the next day.

MINIMIZE POP OR CAFFEINE/SUGAR DRINKS
Caffeinated Drinks such as COLAS, with high sugar content, will
cause you to excrete water at a high rate through your kidneys and lead to
further dehydration. Occasional sodas are OK.

SEVERE DEHYDRATION CAN CAUSE:
HEAT EXHAUSTION OR HEAT STROKE
(See section on recognition and prevention.)
 

HEAT EXHAUSTION/ HEAT STROKE

HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat Exhaustion is a result of severe dehydration and exposure to
high heat and humidity or as a result of prolonged exercise. Many Scouts
have been affected by heat exhaustion.

Signs/Symptoms:
Heat Exhaustion will appear like shock; the victim may be pale,
with clammy moist skin, extreme weakness, mental disorientation,
difficulty walking, dizzy, nauseated, experiencing muscle cramps, chest
pain (** NOTE--CHEST PAIN CAN ALSO INDICATE A HEART ATTACK, ESPECIALLY IN OLDER PERSONS --
MONITOR THE VICTIM CAREFULLY AND GET EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP QUICKLY).
Heat Exhaustion victims should be moved to the nearest Medical
Center if nearby or an ambulance summoned to transport them quickly.

Treatment:
Keep victim cool, in the shade, and provide sips of water if they
are conscious and can swallow. NEVER GIVE FLUIDS IF THE VICTIM IS SEMI-
CONSCIOUS OR UNCONSCIOUS AS THEY CAN ASPIRATE OR CHOKE ON THE FLUIDS.

HEAT STROKE
Heat Stroke is a LIFE THREATENING MEDICAL EMERGENCY requiring
immediate response and transportation by paramedics. VIctims will have a
hot, dry, red (flushed) skin, very high temperature, and may be
semi-conscious or unconscious. Call for Medical Attention immediately,
and keep them cool by removing excess clothing, applying cool, moist
cloths, fanning, and moving them to a shaded area. If unconscious turn
them on their side to prevent aspiration (choking) of fluids or vomitus.
Heat Stroke is more common in older persons, but could occur in younger
persons who are severely dehydrated in a hot environment.
 

COLDS, COUGHS, AND THE 'CRUD" - GETTING SICK IS A "PAIN"
Travel can also expose you to "bugs" which cause colds,
respiratory infections or the "flu." If you feel something coming on, get
help for it right away. Drink plenty of fluids, eat well, rest a lot, and
ask for medication early before it gets out of control. Tylenol and
Ibuprofen (Advil) taken together will relieve pain and control fever.
DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN!! Aspirin can cause Reye's Syndrome
(paralysis) in teenagers who have a virus.
COME TO THE SUBCAMP HEALTH CENTER FOR ASSISTANCE
 

SUNBURN/EYE PROTECTION
AVOID SUNBURN:  "SLIP-SLAP-SLOP"
"SLIP" ON A SHIRT/PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
"SLAP" ON A HAT
"SLOP" ON SPF-15 SUNSCREEN EACH DAY

AVOID "JAMBOREE STRIPE" on your knees..
Remember that you will be exposed to the sun for up to ten or more
hours each day. It is very important to put on a waterproof
"Sports-type" silicone based sunscreen rated at least SPF-15 or SPF-30 if
you have fair or sensitive skin. Be sure to cover sensitive areas such
as nose, lips, face, ears, neck, backs of knees, arms, and any other
areas not protected by your clothing. Even though you may have a "good
tan" your skin will still burn with long daily exposures. Fair skin burns
even more quickly.
SERIOUS SUNBURN CAN MAKE YOU VERY SICK AND CAUSE PERMANENT SKIN DAMAGE WHICH CAN RESULT IN
SKIN CANCER.
PUT ON SUNSCREEN EARLY IN THE MORNING BEFORE YOU GO OUT.
Waiting until you start feeling burned is too late!
WEAR SUNGLASSES THAT ARE RATED FOR UV PROTECTION. SUNBURNED EYES ARE VERY PAINFUL.
WRAPAROUND GLASSES PROVIDE BEST PROTECTION FROM "SIDE RAYS"
 

DIARRHEA AND CONSTIPATION - KEEPING "REGULAR"
Travelers complaints of diarrhea or constipation often result from a change in food, water, getting dehydrated, tired, or eating too much of the wrong foods. If you are have a problem with--

DIARRHEA
Drink clear liquids, eat light foods such as chicken noodle soup, broth; rest, and medications such as Immodium or Kaopectate. Come to the Subcamp health center for help.
If you have abdominal pain or cramping you need to be seen by a doctor!

CONSTIPATION
Drink lots of fluids, eat fruits and vegetables or high fiber bran, cereals. Come to the subcamp medical center for help if you need it.
 

"CHAFING" AND HEAT RASH
SHOWER DAILY
Take a shower at least once per day. Change into clean dry
clothes. Launder soiled clothes often. Remember that Cotton clothing
dries very slowly in humid climates, so non-cotton fabrics are preferable.

CHAFING:
Chafing is caused by sweaty cotton clothing rubbing against
skin, usually near the groin area. It can be prevented by wearing
non-cotton boxer style underwear such as polyester or supplex nylon.
Athletic running shorts or compression/biking shorts also minimize rubbing
and wick moisture away. If you experience "chafing" try using a drying
powder such as talcum or corn starch. SERIOUS CASES SHOULD BE TREATED AT THE SUBCAMP HEALTH CENTER.

HEAT "RASH":
Heat "Rash" is usually an outbreak of "pimples" or "zits" on pores
and hair follicles, usually on the chest, back, and legs, which occurs
when you are sweating heavily each day in a humid and hot climate. It can
best be prevented by daily showering. Use an ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP such as
LEVER 2000 containing TRICLOSAN, to help control bacterial growth. Do NOT
break pimples as you may spread the infection. Serious cases should be
treated at the SUBCAMP HEALTH CENTER.
 

PREVENT INJURIES--
WATCH OUT FOR HAZARDS
Most Jamboree injuries are preventable. You can avoid getting
injured by using caution and thinking about avoiding dangerous activity.

INJURIES ARE MOSTLY CAUSED BY:
Running, jumping, in the dark, and tripping on tent stakes, ropes,
or holes in the ground. Scouts have sprained and broken legs, ankles and
arms. Running/walking without shoes is a good way to get cuts, slivers,
and abrasions.

SHARP KNIVES:
Remember your "TOTIN CHIP" RULES.
"FINGER WHITTLING MERIT BADGE" IS NOT A GOOD IDEA.
TAKE CARE OF SMALL INJURIES:
Clean and dress cuts, scrapes, slivers. Get help from subcamp medical centers.
 

PREVENT INFECTIONS
SAVE YOUR FEET AT JAMBOREE
One of the worst experiences a Scout or leader can have on a Jamboree trip
is sore feet and blisters. By the nature of the event, Jamborees involve a lot of walking,
both on the pre-jamboree tours, and at the Jamboree itself. Although most Scouts are
in good physical condition, very few are conditioned to suddenly begin
walking miles each day. Often the result is sore feet and blisters.
Fortunately, these maladies are largely preventable by simply taking good
care of your feet. The best way to do that is:
WEAR COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES
Take comfortable, well-fitted, well-broken in athletic shoes or walking shoes. NEVER USE BRAND NEW SHOES THAT ARE NOT BROKEN IN. Hiking boots are generally not as good due to the high heat and humidity of the area.
WEAR SYNTHETIC SOCK LINERS
Buy about 4-6 pairs of athletic polypropylene synthetic socks to wear under your regular Scout socks each day. (high bulk acrylic socks such as ìThorloî are also very good to wear) Polypropylene wicks moisture away from skinand limits the friction caused by cotton Scout socks when they are moist with prespiration.
Never wear cotton socks alone.
Put on clean, dry socks each day and wash socks frequently.
Wash your feet regularly and use foot powder. If you have an athleteís foot infection, be sure to bring a small bottle or tube of antifungal powder or ointment such as Micatin, Lotrimin, or Tinactin.
If you start to get a hot spot or blister, treat it immediately or get some help before it gets bad. Use Moleskin or Molefoam and make a donut shaped cushion to go around the blister. Coat the skin around the blister with tincture of benzoin to help the molefoam stick. Do not puncture blisters; get medical attention promptly.
DON'T LET SORE FEET SPOIL YOUR "ONCE- IN-A-LIFETIME JAMBOREE
EXPERIENCE. BE PREPARED!!
 

TICKS, BEES, AND POISON IVY
TICKS:
Ticks are a serious problem. They carry serious diseases such as:
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease. They are often very small, and get on clothing, while you are walking through grassy or bush areas.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT:
Use an insect repellant such as DEET around your feet, and on clothing. Check your clothes and bedding for ticks often. If you find ticks, put them in a plastic "ziplock" bag and bring them into the subcamp medical center for testing.
CHECK YOURSELF AND EACH OTHER WHEN YOU GET BACK TO CAMP BEFORE GOING TO BED! Ticks bite in your scalp, behind knees, armpits, and just about anywhere. You and your tentmate should check each other for ticks in areas such as the scalp which you can't see yourself.

IF YOU HAVE A TICK ATTACHED:
Come to the SUBCAMP HEALTH CENTER TO HAVE IT REMOVED and sent to testing for diseases. Don't try to remove it yourself as you may leave
parts of the head in the wound. Don't use "heat" or oil to try to get it to back out.

BEE AND WASP STINGS:
Bee and wasp stings can be very serious if you are allergic. Anaphylaxsis can cause your breathing passages to close and your blood pressure to drop. If you are stung and have a reaction with hives 9red and white blotches that itch) shortness of breath and dizziness, you are having an allergic reaction. Get someone to take you to the subcamp medical center immediately, or call for an ambulance. Bee stings that are not causing an allergic reaction can also be treated at the subcamp medical center.

POISON IVY
Poison Ivy is common in the Jamboree area. It is identified by
three bright green waxy leaf clusters and sometimes white berries. Don't
touch it or get it on your clothing. If you do get exposed to it, removed
clothing that may have the poison oil on it; Clean the area exposed with
soap and water, taking care to not expose other skin surfaces. Clean the
skin with rubbing alcohol.
COME TO THE SUBCAMP HEALTH CENTER FOR TREATMENT, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC

ASTHMA:
ASTHMA CAN BE AGGRAVATED AT JAMBO
Asthma can flare up at the jamboree due to dust and pollen/plant
matter. It is especially a problem during arena shows when the dust is
stirred up by many thousands of Scouts and visitors.
Be sure to keep your asthma medications with you at all times, and
use them whenever indicated.
If you are having problems, or a severe reaction, COME TO THE
SUBCAMP HEALTH CENTER RIGHT AWAY OR CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE IF THE REACTION IS SEVERE.

SPECIAL MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
DIABETICS AND OTHER SPECIAL MEDICAL CONDITIONS:
Be sure you have an adequate supply of your medications.
Be sure to check in with the SUBCAMP MEDICAL CENTER.
INSULIN SHOCK: Diabetics may have insulin shock if their blood
sugar drops quickly. IF CONSCIOUS, THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN LIQUIDS
CONTAINING SUGAR SUCH AS FRUIT JUICE WITH SUGAR ADDED. GET MEDICAL HELP RIGHT AWAY!

EMERGENCIES AND SAFETY:
ALL MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
BEFORE JAMBOREE - DIAL 911
AT JAMBOREE:
CONTACT SUBCAMP OR PROGRAM AREA MEDICAL CENTERS
 

ITINERARY:
Each Family should post a copy of the Troop Itinerary at their home and make sure that a friend or relative authorized to act for the parent(s) is also aware in case parents are unavailable and an emergency contact has to be made.
 

BUDDY SYSTEM:
Always travel with a buddy or in groups as a patrol both on tour and at the jamboree. Stay together especially in public restrooms. Have a plan if you get separated.
WATCH: Know where to be and when. Don't be late, and hold up your
troop.
DAY PACK: Always carry a day pack with emergency supplies:
extra water bottles; bandaids, moleskin/molefoam, personal medications
such as asthma inhalers, maps of area, jamboree pocket guidebook.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER TO REACH SCOUTS AT JAMBOREE: (804) 633-9861


Last Updated: June 21, 1998