SPRAINED ANKLE

A sprained ankle occurs when you bend your foot far enough to strain tendons and ligaments. Minor sprains cause only mild discomfort, hut more serious twists can temporarily disable you.

HEAD INJURIES

A head injury can be very serious and should he handled with extreme urgency and care. A cut to the head can cause severe bleeding; call for help immediately. If the victim is bleeding hut conscious, have the victim hold a clean cloth over the wound and apply pressure. Keep the victim as comfortable as possible and wait for help to arrive. Use the triangular bandage, described below, when the entire scalp must he covered.

FIRST AID For a SPRAINED ANKLE

If you suffer an ankle sprain during a hike and must keep walking, don't remove your shoe or boot. It will support your ankle. and if you do take it off, the iniury might swell so much you won't he able to get your footwear hack on. Reinforce the ankle by wrapping it, boot and all. with a triangular bandage, neckerchief, or some other strip of cloth. As soon as you no longer need to walk, take off your shoe and rest with your leg raised. Reduce swelling with cold, wet towels or an ice pack. The compression of an athletic bandage might also help. Seek medical care.