When you are out exploring the wilderness on foot, the unexpected can strike at any time. From bee stings and snake bites to more critical emergencies, it is important for hikers to be prepared with life-saving skills like CPR and basic life support. Whether you’re navigating solo or in a group, knowing how to perform these procedures could mean the difference between life and death. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of basic CPR and life support techniques that all hikers should know.
Becoming More Aware of Your Surroundings
First and foremost, it’s important for hikers to become more aware of their surroundings and the potential hazards they could encounter while out in the wilderness. Factors like weather, wildlife, terrain, and the amount of people in your group can all have an impact on your safety. Having a basic understanding of these factors can help reduce the chances of potentially critical incidents occurring.
Understanding Signs of Trouble and Immediate Actions
Once you have a better understanding of your surroundings and potential
threats, it’s important to also learn to recognize the signs of trouble. These signs can include things like difficulty breathing, blue or pale skin, loss of consciousness, no pulse, or an open wound that won’t stop bleeding. If you notice any of these red flags in yourself or another hiker, it’s crucial to take immediate action.
Basic First Aid and CPR for Hikers
The American Red Cross has made it easy for hikers to learn the basic first aid and CPR skills they need to respond to a life-threatening emergency in the backcountry. The Red Cross offers a variety of certification and training classes that can help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary for helping someone in need. In addition, the Red Cross also provides online courses and helpful resources for learning and refreshing these skills.
Some of the basic first aid and CPR techniques that hikers should make sure they are up-to-date on include
- Begin by assessing the situation and calling for help.
- Move the injured party to a safe area if needed.
- Check for consciousness, breathing, and a pulse.
- If there’s no breathing, perform rescue breathing
- If there’s no pulse, perform CPR right away.
- Expose the wound and apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding as best as possible
Staying Calm and Clear-Headed in Emergencies
Of course, learning the techniques and having the proper equipment, like a first aid kit and communication device, are essential to being prepared for a backcountry emergency. However, it’s just as important for hikers to stay calm and clear-headed when a life-threatening emergency situation arises. Gathering all necessary information and relaying it to the appropriate emergency responders will help ensure as quick and efficient a response as possible.
The Importance of Preparing in Advance
While some wilderness areas may be more remote than others, it’s crucial for hikers to prepare prior to heading out. Preparing for the unexpected can include letting someone know your anticipated route and return time, packing a fully stocked first aid kit, and knowing where the closest medical facility or emergency contact is located. Additionally, it’s important for all hikers to take a CPR certification course to equip themselves with the necessary tools in the event of an emergency.
Luckily, with the advancements in technology and an abundance of resources available, all hikers can gain the skills they need to help in an emergency situation. By staying aware of their surroundings and learning basic first aid and CPR, hikers can better prepare themselves and their group for any unexpected events that may occur out in the wilderness.
Conclusion
CPR and basic life support skills are essential for hikers navigating the unpredictable terrain and weather of the wilderness. In some cases, being prepared with these life-saving skills could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Therefore, it’s important for all hikers to stay aware of their surroundings, learn what to look for when it comes to identifying potential emergency situations, and always be prepared with a fully-stocked first aid kit and properly equipped with the skills necessary to respond to a life-threatening situation. By being properly prepared, all hikers can feel more confident in their ability to stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors.