First aid in the mountains

In the mountains the risk of having an accident is there, so you have to have the right preparation to be able to help those affected. Hence the importance of learning about first aid in the mountains, as well as identifying the accidents that are most likely to occur.

Why first aid in the mountains is important

It is different when an accident happens in the city than when it happens in a natural environment. In this case you are more isolated, there are fewer people who can help you, there is probably no communication coverage and access for rescue services is difficult.

Important aspects of first aid in the mountains:

• The mountain is a very isolated environment, which means that the the required assistance will take time to arrive. Because of this, you must have greater stamina and be able to perform more activities while assistance arrives.
• The decisions that are taken will be more important because a bad action When help does not arrive quickly enough, it can have serious consequences, as the situation can worsen.
• It is necessary to have a lot of imagination and to be able to improvise with the elements at hand, since in the mountains you will not have a equipped first-aid kit as the one at home, nor will you have the resources available in the city.
• It is also necessary to know how to report the accident to the rescue services The first step is to be prepared for the emergency and to take the necessary measures to assist the injured person in advance.
• It is important to know working as a teamespecially with the rescue workers. But also with the other members of the group and even with other expeditions that might be in the same area.
• In addition to knowing all the basic first aid techniquesIn the case of the use of the natural environment, it is necessary to learn how to apply them in a natural environment and the consequences that environmental conditions can have on the person concerned.

For these reasons, first aid in mountain activities must be adapted to the natural environment. and are quite different from those usually applied in urban environments.

Adult CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a vital skill that every mountaineer should know, given the remote and often inaccessible nature of the environments in which they venture. In the event of encountering someone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR can be the difference between life and death.

The adult procedure includes two main components: chest compressions and rescue breaths. Firm, rapid chest compressions are recommended in the centre of the chest, at a rate of at least 100 to 120 compressions per minute, and at a depth of about 5 to 6 centimetres.

In mountain environments, where resources are limited and professional help may be far away, omitting ventilations and concentrating on continuous chest compressions may be an effective strategy until rescue arrives.

However, if you feel able and confident, performing rescue breaths after every 30 compressions may offer better results.

Most common mountain accidents

The following is a description of some of the major accidents that usually occur when the following are carried out mountain activities, as well as the first aid necessary in each case.

Bleeding

It is bleeding caused by a severe penetrating wound and is managed as follows:

• The first thing to do is to locate the bleeding site.
• Pressure is then applied with dressings, gauze or a solid object.
• Tourniquets may aggravate the situation due to hypoxia generated by venous and arterial pressure.

Fractures

Signs such as pain, deformity, immobility or swelling of the affected limb should be identified. The basics are to proceed to the immobilisation which will depend on the limb or area affected:

• If there is a fracture of the arms or legs, splinting with a flat, solid object is necessary to reduce damage to the limb.
• In spinal fractures the immobilisation has to be total and its importance is greater.
• In skull fractures, avoid moving the head and check for blood leaking from the mouth, nose, eyes or ear.
• If the fracture is of the thorax, attention should be paid to the movements of the rib cage and that they are not asymmetrical.
• In case of rib fractures, a tight bandage should be applied, without restricting respiratory movements.

Frostbite or hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 36°C and there is a risk of loss of blood circulation in extremities and vital areas.

• Try to provide as much heat as possible to the person to prevent further decrease in body heat.
• In some cases there are freezes in extremities such as the feet because the pressure exerted by tight boots restricts blood flow. In such cases, the boots should be removed until circulation is restored.

READ ALSO: Hypothermia in the mountains

Insect stings or animal bites

This is another accident that occurs quite frequently in natural environments. The measures to be taken are:

• In the case of stings of insects check the affected area, remove any stingers and wash the wound, and administer antihistamine creams.
• For the bites The wound should be cleaned with clean water or oxygenated water and a doctor should be consulted urgently because of the risk of rabies infection.
• If the bite is of snake call for help as soon as possible and transport the patient to the nearest medical facility.

Altitude sickness

It is suffered by people who are not adapted to atmospheric pressure and altitude and presents with nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headache.

• In these cases it is recommended to stop the excursion for ten to fifteen minutes until the symptoms disappear.
• If possible, descend.

READ ALSO: How to identify and treat altitude sickness

Sunshine

In hot areas there is a risk of heat stroke. The measures for an affected person are as follows:

• The first thing is to hydrate the person.
• Apply wet compresses to head, chest, limbs.
• Place in a shaded area until recovery.

Minor accidents

These accidents are not life-threatening and can be treated without complications. What to do in these cases is described below:

• It is essential in these injuries to stop the bleeding.
• Use tweezers to remove any foreign bodies left in the wound.
• Clean the affected area with clean water or hydrogen peroxide.
• If it is possible to clean the wound edges with iodine.
• Place sterile gauze with adhesives over the wound to prevent contamination.

Relocation

Consideration should be given to travel time, as well as assessing the terrain and possible elements along the way. In addition, the rescue services should be notified so that they are prepared.

Conclusion

It is of great importance to know the techniques of first aid in the mountains and the use of a first aid kit. first aid kit.

In addition, basic information is needed on the most common accidents and have the appropriate equipment to provide first aid.

Sources: Fedme