First Aid & Hygiene Decision Flowchart
Step 1: Are You Injured or Sick?
➡ Yes → Proceed to Step 2.
➡ No → Maintain good hygiene and monitor for potential issues. Continue safe practices to prevent problems.
Step 2: What Type of Injury or Illness?
➡ Minor Wound (Cut, Blister, Scrape) → Proceed to Step 3.
➡ Serious Injury (Severe Bleeding, Sprain, Fracture) → Proceed to Step 4.
➡ Illness (Dehydration, Heat Exhaustion, Hypothermia, Infection, Stomach Issues) → Proceed to Step 5.
Step 3: Treating Minor Wounds
☐ Cuts & Scrapes: Clean with antiseptic wipe, apply antibiotic ointment, cover with bandage. Monitor for infection.
☐ Blisters: Cover with moleskin or hydrocolloid bandage. Avoid popping unless necessary.
☐ Monitor: Change dressings as needed, ensure wound remains clean and dry.
Issue Resolved?
➡ Yes → Resume normal activities while monitoring.
➡ No (Signs of Infection, Worsening Condition) → Proceed to Step 5.
Step 4: Treating Serious Injuries
☐ Severe Bleeding: Apply direct pressure, elevate, use a sterile dressing. If bleeding doesn’t stop, seek help.
☐ Sprain/Strain: Use R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Support with a bandage if necessary.
☐ Fracture/Broken Bone: Immobilize, splint if possible, and seek emergency help immediately.
Can You Safely Continue?
➡ Yes (Injury is Stabilized, No Further Risk) → Proceed with caution.
➡ No (Severe Pain, Mobility Issue, Bleeding Won’t Stop) → Activate emergency plan, signal for rescue.
Step 5: Managing Illnesses
☐ Dehydration: Drink water with electrolytes, rest, monitor urine color.
☐ Heat Exhaustion: Move to shade, cool down with wet cloth, drink fluids.
☐ Hypothermia: Add dry layers, insulate from cold ground, drink warm fluids.
☐ Stomach Issues (Diarrhea, Nausea): Stay hydrated, take anti-diarrheal if necessary, avoid contaminated food/water.
Condition Improving?
➡ Yes → Continue monitoring while resting.
➡ No (Worsening Symptoms, Unable to Walk, Severe Pain) → Proceed to Step 6.
Step 6: Emergency First Aid & Evacuation
☐ Use whistle (three blasts) or satellite communicator to call for help.
☐ Signal for rescue with bright clothing or reflective gear.
☐ Stay in place if moving would worsen injury or illness.
☐ If possible, stabilize condition and prepare for potential evacuation.
Final Check: Are you prepared for an emergency, and do you have the means to signal for help if needed?
First Aid & Hygiene Decision Flowchart
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