So you’ve got your stockpile of canned beans, a basement full of bottled water, and enough batteries to power a small city. But let me ask you this: if push comes to shove, do you know how to stitch up a wound or treat a burn? In the grand scheme of prepping, knowing first aid survival skills isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. After all, what’s the point of surviving the initial catastrophe if a simple injury takes you out later?

The Real Deal About First Aid Survival Skills

Imagine you’re out in the wilderness, miles away from the nearest hospital, and your buddy slices his hand open while chopping wood. Panic? Not on your watch. With the right first aid skills, you’re ready to handle whatever comes your way.

First aid isn’t rocket science, but it does require some know-how. It’s like changing a tire—you might not do it every day, but when you need to, you’d better know how. So let’s dive into the essential first aid skills every prepper should have up their sleeve.

Stop the Bleed: Controlling Hemorrhages

Blood belongs inside the body—that’s a no-brainer. But accidents happen, and when they do, knowing how to control bleeding can be a real lifesaver.

Pressure and Elevation

First things first, apply firm pressure directly on the wound using a clean cloth or bandage. If possible, elevate the injured area above heart level to slow down the bleeding. Think of it like turning down the faucet on a leaky pipe.

Tourniquets

In cases of severe bleeding where pressure isn’t cutting it, a tourniquet might be your best bet. Place it about two inches above the wound—not over a joint—and tighten until the bleeding stops. But remember, tourniquets are a last resort. They’re the big guns you bring out when all else fails.

The Art of Wound Care

A small cut can become a big problem if not properly cared for. Infection is the enemy, and cleanliness is your best defense.

Cleaning the Wound

Rinse the wound with clean water to flush out any debris. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol—they can damage tissue and slow healing. Stick to good old-fashioned soap and water.

Dress It Up

After cleaning, apply an antibiotic ointment if you have it, then cover the wound with a sterile bandage. Change the dressing daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty. It’s like giving your injury a cozy little blanket to heal under.

Burns: Handling the Heat

Whether it’s a campfire gone awry or a kitchen mishap, burns are common injuries that need prompt attention.

Cool It Down

For minor burns, run cool (not cold) water over the area for about 10 minutes. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Resist the urge to apply ice—it can cause more damage.

Cover Up

Gently pat the burn dry and cover it with a non-stick, sterile dressing. Avoid popping any blisters; they’re nature’s band-aids.

While this tip is probably not taught in first aid classes, it is one I swear by for minor burns like kitchen cooking burns. Aloe Vera contains a wonderful, soothing gel that will take the sting out of burns. Simply break a small leaf off your Aloe plant and smear the clear gel over the burn area. I keep an Aloe Vera plant on my kitchen windowsill specifically for any kitchen burns that may happen.

The Prepper Lady

Splinting: Keeping It Together

A broken bone can throw a real wrench in your survival plans. Knowing how to immobilize a fracture can prevent further injury.

Making a Splint

Use sturdy materials like sticks, rolled-up newspapers, or even a folded blanket. Place the splint so it supports the joint above and below the injury. Secure it with tape, strips of cloth, or whatever you have on hand.

Don’t Move It

Once the splint is in place, avoid moving the injured area. Think of it as putting a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the injury.

Recognizing and Treating Shock

Shock isn’t just something that happens when you find out your favorite show got canceled. In medical terms, shock is a serious condition that can follow severe injuries.

Signs of Shock

• What to look for:
• Pale, clammy skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shallow breathing
• Confusion

If someone looks like they’ve seen a ghost, they might be going into shock.

What to Do

Have the person lie down with their feet elevated about 12 inches unless it causes pain. Keep them warm and comfortable, and loosen any tight clothing. It’s all about making them feel like they’re wrapped in a warm hug.

Hypothermia and Hyperthermia: Temperature Troubles

Maintaining body temperature is crucial. Too cold or too hot, and you’re in a world of trouble.

Dealing with Hypothermia

If someone is shivering uncontrollably, slurring their speech, or seems confused, they might be hypothermic. Get them to a warm place, remove any wet clothing, and wrap them in blankets. Warm beverages can help, but skip the alcohol—it’s not the time for a hot toddy.

Handling Hyperthermia

On the flip side, signs of overheating include dizziness, nausea, and heavy sweating. Move the person to a cool place, give them water, and use damp cloths to lower their body temperature.

Condition	Symptom
Hypothermia Symptoms
Hypothermia	Shivering
Hypothermia	Slow, shallow breathing
Hypothermia	Confusion or memory loss
Hypothermia	Slurred speech or mumbling
Hypothermia	Weak pulse
Hypothermia	Drowsiness or very low energy
Hyperthermia Symptoms
Hyperthermia	Excessive sweating (early stages)
Hyperthermia	Dry skin (later stages)
Hyperthermia	Rapid heartbeat
Hyperthermia	Nausea or vomiting
Hyperthermia	Headache
Hyperthermia	Dizziness or fainting

Allergic Reactions: When the Body Overreacts

Allergies can be more than a seasonal nuisance. Severe reactions, or anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening.

Recognizing Anaphylaxis

Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, and a rapid pulse. It’s like the body’s alarm system going haywire.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It can happen seconds or minutes after you’ve been exposed to something you’re allergic to. Peanuts or bee stings are examples. 

Mayo Clinic

Using an EpiPen

If an EpiPen is available, administer it immediately by pressing it firmly into the outer thigh. Hold it in place for about 10 seconds. Remember, epinephrine is a temporary fix—medical attention is still necessary.

CPR: The Ultimate First Aid Survival Skill

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most important first aid survival skills and can keep someone alive until professional help arrives. It’s the bridge between life and death.

Hands-Only CPR

If you’re not trained, stick to hands-only CPR. Place the heel of your hand on the center of the person’s chest, put your other hand on top, and press hard and fast at a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Think of the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees—that’s your rhythm.

Building Your First Aid Kit

All the first aid survival skills in the world won’t help if you don’t have the right tools. A well-stocked first aid kit is like having a mini hospital in your backpack.

Must-Have Items

• Bandages and Dressings: Variety of sizes
• Antiseptics: Alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment
• Medications: Pain relievers, antihistamines
• Tools: Tweezers, scissors, safety pins
• Other Essentials: Gloves, face masks, a CPR mask

Customize your kit based on your needs and the specific risks you might face. If you’re allergic to bee stings, for instance, an EpiPen is a must.

Training: Practicing First Aid Survival Skills

Knowing the theory is one thing; putting it into practice is another. Consider taking a certified first aid course. It’s an investment in yourself and your loved ones.

Hands-On Experience

Courses often provide mannequins for CPR practice and simulations of real-life scenarios. It’s like a dress rehearsal for when the curtain goes up.

Mental Preparedness: Keeping Calm Under Pressure

All the gear and training won’t help if you panic when an emergency strikes. Staying calm is half the battle.

Mind Over Matter

Take deep breaths, assess the situation, and prioritize. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but remember, slow and steady wins the race.

The Bottom Line About First Aid Survival Skills

Being a prepper isn’t just about hoarding supplies; it’s about being ready for whatever comes your way. First aid survival skills are the unsung heroes of survival preparedness. They’re the tools that turn you from a passive observer into an active responder.

So, next time you’re updating your prepper checklist, make sure “Master First Aid Skills” is right up there at the top. Because when the chips are down, it’s not just about surviving—it’s about thriving.

Stay prepared, stay safe, and remember: knowledge is the best prep you can pack.