SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scout-object-in-eye

Something gets in a friend's eye at camp. What should they NOT do?

Don't rub it. Blink, then flush with clean water.

Start playing free

  1. Blink a few times
  2. Rub the eye ✔
  3. Flush it with clean water

Why: Rubbing can scratch the cornea, the clear covering over the colored part of the eye. Blinking may let tears wash it out; if not, flush with clean water.

Huh, didn't know that: Objects stuck in the eye that won't wash out need a doctor, with the eye covered by a dry sterile pad.

The dad joke
Why did the eye doctor love camping? Lots of sights to see.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Rub the eye. Rubbing can scratch the cornea, the clear covering over the colored part of the eye. Blinking may let tears wash it out; if not, flush with clean water.

  1. First Aid merit badge pamphlet filestore.scouting.org/filestore/Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Pamphlets/First%20Aid.pdf
    If a foreign object gets in the eye, do not rub the eye; rubbing might scratch the cornea
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Outdoors & CampingA camper's scald from boiling water forms blisters. What should you do with the blisters?Outdoors & CampingYou find a tick stuck in your skin after a hike. What's the best way to get it out?Outdoors & CampingA friend's fingers are numb, pale, and frostbitten. How should you warm them up?

That's stuff everyone should know.