Injuries and emergencies are a fact of life at a big event such as a National Jamboree, but participants can prevent many problems.

Dehydration and other heat-related injuries occur when participants don’t drink enough water, so carry — and use — a water bottle at all times. When someone starts to feel thirsty, he or she already is dehydrated.

At adventure program areas, follow all safety precautions. Injuries that can result from not following these precautions include strains, sprains and fractures.

Since most of the Summit is largely covered by tall grasses and forested areas, watch out for wildlife, primarily snakes. Some local snakes are venomous, and a bite could be lethal. Someone who was bit by a snake should remain calm and not move. Movement could increase the rate at which the snake venom travels through the individual’s bloodstream.

If any injury results in a large amount of blood loss, apply direct pressure to the wound and pack it. If a major injury is on an extremity, apply a tourniquet to the extremity first, then begin to pack the wound followed by applying direct pressure.

For a severe injury, try to get the injured individual to the nearest first aid station. If injured individual cannot get to a first aid station, call the Jamboree dispatch center at 304-465-2900.

The Jamboree is staffed with a full complement of emergency medical services workers. Members from the 142nd Area Support Medical Company Connecticut National Guard, the Mount Hope Fire Department and other EMS workers from across the United States have all joined forces as Jamboree Rescue EMS to help ensure everyone at the 2017 National Jamboree has a fun and safe time at the event.