Wilderness First Aid is crucial for handling injuries and emergencies in remote outdoor settings or an emergency where professional medical help is not immediately available. Here’s a guide to help you effectively manage First Aid situations in austere environments:
Preparation and Training
- First Aid Certification: Take a Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder course to gain specialized knowledge and skills for handling emergencies in remote areas.
- Stop The Bleed: Learn how to control life-threatening bleeding
- Emergency Plan: Develop and share an emergency plan with your group, including procedures for contacting emergency services and evacuating if necessary.
Essential First Aid Kit Supplies: Pack a comprehensive first aid kit tailored for wilderness use, including:
- Adhesive bandages: Various sizes for minor cuts and blisters.
- Sterile gauze pads and rolls: For wound care and bleeding control.
- Pressure Dressings: For controlling serious bleeding.
- Tourniquets: For controlling life-threatening bleeding on extremities.
- Adhesive tape: To secure gauze and bandages.
- Antiseptic wipes or solution: For cleaning wounds.
- Elastic bandages: For sprains or strains.
- Trauma shears: To cut clothing and bandages.
- Splints: For immobilizing suspected fractures or dislocations.
- Burn dressings: For treating burns.
- CPR face shield or mask: For performing CPR safely.
- Medical gloves: For hygiene and protection.
- Tweezers and needle: For removing splinters or ticks.
- Thermometer: For monitoring body temperature.
- Pain relievers: Such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Cold pack and heat pack: For managing swelling and pain.
Assessing and Managing Injuries
- Initial Assessment: Evaluate the scene for safety and assess the patient’s condition. Check airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
- Wound Care: Clean wounds with clean water or antiseptic. Apply sterile dressings and bandages. For severe bleeding, use direct pressure.
- Fractures and Sprains: Immobilize the affected area with a splint or makeshift splint using materials like trekking poles, clothing, or sticks. Avoid moving the person unnecessarily.
- Burns: Cool burns with running water for at least 10 minutes. Cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing. Avoid using ice or ointments.
- Hypothermia and Hyperthermia:
- Hypothermia: Warm the person gradually using dry, insulated clothing and blankets. Avoid rapid warming methods. Seek medical help if symptoms are severe.
- Hyperthermia: Move the person to a cooler environment, provide hydration, and use cooling methods like wet cloths or fans.
Special Wilderness Considerations
- Altitude Sickness: Symptoms include headache, nausea, and dizziness. Encourage gradual ascent, stay hydrated, and seek lower altitudes if symptoms worsen.
- Insect Bites and Stings: Remove stingers if present, clean the area, and apply a cold compress. For severe allergic reactions, use an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed.
- Animal Bites: Clean the wound, apply a sterile dressing, and seek medical attention. Watch for signs of infection or rabies.
Navigation and Communication
- GPS and Maps: Carry a map and compass or GPS device. Know how to use them for navigation.
- Emergency Communication: Have a means of communication like a satellite phone or emergency beacon. Know how to use it and be aware of its limitations.
Shelter and Environmental Protection
- Shelter: Build or find shelter to protect from the elements if stranded or injured.
- Hydration: Ensure access to clean water. Use water purification methods, such as filters, purification tablets, or boiling if necessary.
Evacuation and Transport
- Plan for Evacuation: Have a plan for evacuating injured individuals, including how to move them safely if necessary.
- Improvised Stretchers: Use a makeshift stretcher or carry device, such as a tarp or blanket, to transport injured individuals.
Documentation and Follow-Up
- Document Injuries: Keep records of injuries, treatment provided, and all changes in the patient’s condition.
- Follow-Up Care: Seek professional medical help for further treatment and assessment as soon as possible.
Mental and Emotional Support
- Provide Reassurance: Offer comfort and reassurance to injured individuals and companions. Stress can exacerbate physical symptoms and hinder effective response.
Practice and Review
- Drills and Scenarios: Regularly practice wilderness first aid scenarios and review your first aid skills.
- Update Kit: Regularly check and update your first aid kit to ensure it contains necessary and current supplies.
By preparing thoroughly and understanding how to handle various injuries and emergencies, you can improve your safety and effectiveness in wilderness settings.
Stay Vigilant and Be prepared
In addition, take these steps to ensure you and your loved ones are better prepared to handle emergencies effectively. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive for safety and preparedness.