March - Vol 70, No 6 - International Technology and Engineering ...

The Challenge
The challenge is to design a portable first aid kit that is
normally carried in an RV, but can also be hand-carried
or backpacked off road for distances of approximately 1-2
miles. The limit on the weight of this kit is 20 pounds.
Consider bringing in members of the community who are
knowledgeable in first aid materials, equipment, and techniques.
These presenters can provide lots of experiential knowledge
about first aid, giving tips about remaining calm and
concentrating on the most important aspects. They will
be able to provide guidance on the types of injuries most
likely to be encountered and the important and potentially
dangerous post-injury conditions that can often follow, such
as shock and trauma.
Other sources of firsthand information to consider,
especially as they apply to injuries in the outdoors and
backcountry areas are:
• Forest rangers
• Forest firefighters
• National Park Service rangers
• Military branches (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force)
• Boy and Girl Scout organizations
This phase of the challenge is about gathering important
information and background knowledge about first aid
techniques and when and how to apply them. The students
can summarize the information and experience they gain on
cards and posters that can show other students what they
have learned. You can also use this activity as a way to study
how first aid techniques and procedures have changed over
the decades.
The most critical aspect of first aid is to boil it down to its most
essential elements to preserve life in the event of emergencies in
isolated areas.
It seems most prudent, based on what the students have
learned in the previous section, to identify the kinds of
injuries most likely to occur out in the wild and prepare to
include the necessary first aid supplies in their kit to address
these problems. For instance, the injuries listed below might
be some likely candidates:
• Broken bones
• Deep cuts
• Falls
• Eye injuries
• Puncture wounds
• Sprained ankles/knees
• Heat exhaustion/heat stroke
• Head trauma
• Back injuries
• Temperature exposure
• Water-related injuries/trauma
• Snakebites
• Bee stings
• Allergic reactions
19 • Technology and Engineering Teacher • March 2011