Knowing Wilderness First Aid Can Save Lives in the Wild

Those planning to spend anytime in the outdoors should consider the needs for safety while hiking on unfamiliar trails. There is a great deal of difference in helping someone with a broken arm or deep cut at home than providing wilderness first aid for all the potential dangers present. Groups planning to head into the wild might consider having someone trained in wilderness first aid accompany them on the trip.

There are places that offering training for those wanting to learn wilderness first aid, which takes more than a couple of hours to learn how to treat all the potential injuries. The person in charge of providing medical assistance will have the knowledgeable in patient assessment and the proper means to examine a person for hidden injuries. They should also be adept at taking vital signs, and how to document those signs and create a history of the person’s condition following an accident.

Head injuries and spinal cord injuries are always a potential hazard when in the wilderness and knowing how to assess and treat these types of injuries can be an extremely important aspect of wilderness first aid. They will also need to know how to recognize when a person is going into shock as well as how to treat them.

Accidents And Illnesses Happen Suddenly

Fractures and dislocations are always possible while in the middle of nowhere hiking or mountain climbing and understand what needs to be done in those situations is part of many wilderness first aid training classes. While these procedures are also used during other times, knowing them while hiking can provide the help and comfort needed by the injured member of the party.

Other potential problems that may be faced include injuries due to the heat and the cold and wilderness first aid training can teach how to properly help someone with burn, either sun or fire as well as how to protect against frostbite. Hiking in the mountains may also present the need to know how to deal with sicknesses caused by high altitudes and a decreased supply of air.

In addition to accidents and injuries, illness can often sneak up on a group of hikers or campers and wilderness first aid should be available in the even of anaphylaxis as a result of an allergic reaction to food or insect bite. Although the person who knowingly may contract this problem should make everyone aware before leaving on the trip.

Additional dangers may include lightening strikes and a person that simply passes out and is unresponsive. Knowing how to provide many types of wilderness first aid will be necessary before heading out into the great unknown