The following is a list of common myths and facts concerning pain:

MYTH: All extensive injuries are associated with severe pain and the more extensive the injury, the worse the pain.

FACT: Severe and even fatal injuries may be considerably less painful than a mashed fingertip, which can cause agony.

MYTH: With similar injuries, everyone experiences the same amount of pain.

FACT: Some feel pain far more severely than others. Also, those who would not be in much pain from a wound when they are rested, relaxed, and confident might experience severe pain from the same wound when exhausted, tense, and fearful.

MYTH: Only people in severe pain go into shock.

FACT: Persons in shock tend to feel less pain; however, pain, unless relieved, can cause or increase shock.

RELIEF OF PAIN

Relief of pain can often be accomplished without the use of drugs. Reassure the injured person and make him realize that his injuries are understood and that he will get the best possible care. He should also be informed of plans to get medical help or plans to move him to a place where medical assistance is available. Pain can often be relieved by furnishing adequate support for an injury. Fractures of bones in which the surrounding tissue swells rapidly are extremely painful when left unsupported. Adequate immobilization of fractures not only relieves pain but prevents further tissue damage and shock. Needless suffering can often be eliminated by unlacing or slitting a shoe or loosening tight clothing in the region of the injury. Often a simple adjustment of a bandage or splint is of much benefit to the casualty, especially when accompanied by a few encouraging words.

HEAT EXPOSURE INJURIES

Excessive heat affects the body in a variety of ways. When a person exercises in a hot environment, heat builds up inside the body. The body automatically reacts to get rid of this heat through the sweating mechanism. When the body loses large amounts of water and salt from sweating, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely to follow. When the body becomes overheated and cannot eliminate the excessive heat, heatstroke will result.