Hiking 411 | First Aid Basics

There are 3 precious skills that hikers can acquire - CPR (Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation), the Heimlich maneuver, and treating fractures. Those are 3 replies to major problems and, after sprains and cuts, broken bones and choking are the next probable issues you'll face. Remember, however, that doesn't exactly mean they're 'likely' to occur - the chances are still quite on the low side.

CPR

A procedure to renew regular breathing is Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation. It's much more beneficial to attend an actual course where you'll obtain hands-on teaching and practice. That notwithstanding, here is some simple information that can save someone's life.

If possible, dial 911 or call a local or park rescue party right away. Shout out for a doctor because it's possible there might be one traveling nearby on the hiking trail. If you must initiate CPR, especially if the victim's face begins turning bluish, you must make sure of many things.

How did the victim come to have this crisis? For instance, if they were swimming in frigid water they may only require warming up. On the other hand, if the person was rescued after going under, you'll want to put the victim on the stomach, then attempt to evacuate the water in their lungs by moderate, quick compression on the diaphragm, which is below the chest and above the stomach.

After that, turn the victim on his or her back and pinch their nose. Breathe into their mouth, by covering it with yours and looking for chest expansion. Then let go of the nose and angle the body to permit discharge of water. Repeat again, giving 2 breaths lasting 2 seconds apiece.

If your efforts are to no avail, attempt compressions of the chest. Push down strongly above the diaphragm along the sternum. Repeat many times, about once every second.

Heimlich

The Heimlich maneuver is intended to dislodge foreign items from air passages. Food or other blockages can hinder breathing. Look for blockages in the throat. Do NOT smack the person on their chest as that will usually wedge the object even farther.

Stand the victim up instead and get behind them. Clasp your wrist with the opposite hand. The bone at the bottom of your thumb must be against the person's body. Failing standing them up, be sure their face is practically down and forward. Let gravity work in your favor.

Give a hard, quick, solid jerk inward against the diaphragm. Do this a few times, and watch for the item to expel. Be careful not to push against the rib cage, only the diaphragm. You do not want to break any bones.

Fractures

Fractures can differ in severity, anywhere from a hidden toe break that just makes walking painful to a compound fracture. Attending a first aid class is better, but here are some guidelines for attending to breaks.

If a bone is sticking out from the skin, this is the most serious, and is called a compound fracture. The bone isn't just severely fractured, but a breach of the skin creates an opening that is susceptible to infection.

Use sterile gauze to cover the injury and get medical help as quickly as you can. Don't try to straighten the break. If you must immobilize the limb, utilize a splint to keep it at the same position.

With hiking walking sticks, a straight branch, or other straight, stiff item, pad the splint and surround with a bandage roll or medical tape. If you don't have any of these items, look for a thin, sturdy vine to tie the splint to the appendage. Tie tightly, but be careful to not completely close off blood flow to the limb. Gangrene can occur.

In all situations, obtain medical help as soon as you can. Don't EVER resume the hike in any of these circumstances.

Hiking Trail

First Aid Basics

CPR

Heimlich

Fractures