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Wilderness first aid
All of us have a responsibility to learn basic wilderness first aid techniques. A participant of your team or you yourself may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. Your responsibility You can treat minor injuries and keep serious casualties stable until further help is available. Although there are innumerable injuries and ailments that could affect you, as long as you learn the basic principles of wilderness first aid, you can apply them to almost any situation. Wilderness first aid training Please keep in mind that the information presented here is only general guidelines. For medical information and advice, consult a physican or take a first aid class. Basic wilderness first aid priorities Anyone practicing first aid must determine the priorities of treatment. First check if the casualty is in any danger, or will you be put into a dangerous position by helping him? Avoid moving a casualty with unknown injuries unless there is a greater danger in leaving them where they are. If necessary, make the area safe, but put your own safety first. Do not move anyone with a suspected neck or spinal injury, unless difficulties in breathing makes it necessary. 1 Breathing Check that the airway is open and that the casualty is breathing. If not, start mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration immediately. 2 Unconsciousness 
Place an unconscious but breathing person in the recovery position. Place the casualty on his or her side, uppermost leg at right angle to the body. Support the head by the hand of the uppermost arm. Tilt the head back to ensure that the airway is clear. 3 Bleeding Stop any bleeding. All types of external bleeding, open wound, are treated in the same way: - Squeeze together the sides of the wound. Apply direct pressure to the wound with your fingers, or preferably a sterile dressing. In an emergency, an article of clean clothing will do. - Lie the casualty down. - Lift the wounded part above the level of the heart. This slows the bleeding. - Bandage the wound firmly but take care not to cut off the circulation to the area. If you suspect that an injury may have caused internal bleeding, the most important thing you can do is to prevent shock from occurring. Urgent medical attention is necessary. 4 Shock Shock is a condition of general body weakness, and is present in all cases of accident to a varying degree. The shocked casualty may feel weak, faint, giddy, may be anxious or restless. Keep the casualty warm and quiet and give all the reassurance you can. Wilderness first aid kit Do not forget to bring your own wilderness first aid kit. Make sure you know what your kit contains and how to use the materials for effective first aid. A good idea is to add an easy-to-read basic first aid instruction. 
Wilderness safety Maintaining health is of primary importance to all wilderness travelers. Avoid any unnecessary risk which could lead to injury. Some reminders!: 1. Be careful not to get a food poisoning. 2. In cold conditions, beware of frostbite or hypothermia. 3. In hot and sunny weather you are vulnerable to heat casualties, especially when water is scarce. 4. Do not panic, you will not function effectively. Back to: Wilderness survival skills homepage
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