When providing first aid in the wilderness, the priority is to ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the injured person. Follow these steps to effectively manage the situation:
- Assess Safety: Ensure no further danger to either the rescuer or the injured person.
- Calm and Assess: Stay calm, quickly check the injured person, and prioritize the injuries.
Immediate Actions
1. Control Bleeding:
- Apply pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or bandage.
- Elevate the injured area if possible to reduce blood flow.
2. Ensure Breathing:
- If the injured person is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
- Give four quick breaths initially, then continue with artificial respiration if needed.
3. Restore Circulation:
- If there is no heartbeat, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately.
4. Treat for Shock:
- Elevate the legs 20-30 cm to improve blood flow to vital organs.
- Keep the injured person warm with blankets or clothing.
5. Address Other Injuries:
- Manage wounds, fractures, poisoning, and burns as required.
Specific Scenarios
1. Move to Safety:
- If the environment is unsafe (e.g., exposure to elements), move the injured person to a sheltered area like a tent or natural cover.
2. Proper Positioning:
- For head and chest injuries, use a supine position with knees bent.
- For unconscious individuals who are breathing normally, use the recovery position.
- For shock, keep the person lying down with legs elevated.
3. Avoid Giving Food or Drink:
- If internal injuries or need for anesthesia is suspected, do not give food or drink.
- Transport the injured person to medical help as quickly and safely as possible.
4. Monitoring and Support:
- Continuously monitor the injured person’s condition.
- Provide reassurance and comfort to alleviate fear and anxiety.
Common Wilderness Injuries
Hypothermia:
- Causes: Exposure to cold, wet conditions, and exhaustion.
- Symptoms: Confusion, uncontrollable shivering, muscle stiffness, slow pulse, and unconsciousness.
- Treatment: Move to a warm environment, remove wet clothing, wrap in warm blankets, and provide warm, sweet drinks if conscious. Avoid alcohol and vigorous rubbing.
Frostbite:
- Causes: Prolonged exposure to cold, especially affecting extremities.
- Symptoms: Numbness, pale or blue skin, stiffness, and blisters.
- Treatment: Gradually warm the affected area using body heat or warm water (not hot), avoid rubbing, and keep the area elevated. Do not re-expose to cold.
Snow Blindness:
- Causes: Overexposure to UV rays reflecting off snow.
- Symptoms: Eye pain, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
- Treatment: Rinse eyes with cool water, cover with a clean cloth, rest, and avoid further eye strain. Healing usually takes several days.
Key Points for Wilderness First Aid
- Always ensure safety first.
- Act swiftly but calmly to assess and prioritize injuries.
- Be prepared with basic first aid supplies and knowledge.
- Monitor and provide support to the injured person until professional help arrives.
Having a thorough understanding of these principles can significantly improve the outcomes of wilderness first aid situations.