First Aid in the Wilderness
While hiking in the wilderness, it is inevitable that from time to time we will encounter injuries. There are many emergency situations that could be caused by nature such as animal bites. Hikers could also suffer from injuries induced by weather and terrain conditions. How many fit and healthy persons get unexpectedly sick out in the wilderness because of a fall or too harsh weather?
Since we can’t possibly predict when emergency situations arise, it is recommended that at least two in a group of hikers should have been trained for first aid. Basically, first aid has three goals: to preserve life, prevent any further injuries, and promote recovery.
First aid could be a matter of life and death. Practicing first aid techniques without proper training, may worsen the patient’s condition. In the United States, there are many community organizations that provide first aid training courses. Examples of these organizations include the Red Cross and Medic First Aid Organization.
Basically, first aid provides an injured person with temporary relief from his injury, until proper medical personnel arrive. The techniques are relatively simple and use minimal equipment. Anybody can be trained to handle first aid.
In the wilderness, while the group is far away from civilization, injuries can happen. Somebody might accidentally fall from a cliff and break his leg. Another could suffer from a snake bite. Other wild animals can also be equally harmful. Or if the person isn’t physically fit, he can suffer from his known ailments such as asthma. Infections and other diseases are also rampant in the wilderness.
Because of the constraints imposed upon by harsh terrains and weather conditions, you may not be able to call medical assistance immediately. Or if you did, the arrival of these emergency personnel might be delayed especially if the injured person needs to be evacuated.
Thus, it is very important to be prepared for situations like these. Providing proper first aid treatment would greatly relieve the person for a few hours or a few days. This should be enough until formal medication arrives.
So before you venture out in the woods, make sure that you are well-prepared to handle first aid medications. You won’t need a lot of equipment, so first aid materials shouldn’t add a lot of weight to your backpack.
You can purchase first aid kits at your nearest drugstore. A first aid kit typically includes antiseptic tissues for cleansing, scissors, safety pins and tweezers. You should also check that you have different types of wound dressing or bandages, and don’t forget their adhesive strips. You might also need a few pairs of latex gloves to minimize possible wound infections.
If any accidents occur while trekking in the wilderness, you must first and foremost, remain calm. You won’t be able to properly provide first aid treatment if you don’t. Next, check the extent of the patient’s injuries. Don’t ever try to move him without first knowing how injured he his. This way, you won’t worsen his injuries.
Always check for breathing first. If he’s not breathing, immediately provide mouth-to-mouth respiration. Get somebody who’s well-trained for this kind of job. There’d be no use trying if you can’t properly execute the act.
If your patient is bleeding, try to stop the bleeding immediately. Clean the wound with antiseptic and bandage it firmly. Infection would be the last thing you want. Also check for any fractures and breaks, especially in the neck and spine area. A bandage and a piece of twig could be a perfect sling for any breaks in the arms or legs.
While doing these first aid treatments, it is equally important to assure your patient that he’ll be fine. Make sure that other people in the group don’t crowd him. If there’s a medical facility nearby, decide how you can transport the patient without inflicting further injuries. Most of the time, you might just want to prepare a suitable shelter for him until he gets his strength back.
Going out in the wilderness is risky. There’s still no better way to enjoy the trip than staying safe all throughout. But accidents do happen, thus, you would have to be prepared for emergency situations also.
(No Ratings Yet)