Anything can happen in the outdoors. Make sure you know before you go. There might not be help at hand when you need it.
The terrain, weather conditions or a person's personal health can all come into play and require immediate medical attention. Learning basic outdoors first aid is key to any outdoor adventure so you and your friends make it home.
Before you start your trip, prepare a safety plan listing things that could go wrong (e.g., loss of track, river levels up) and detail steps that could be taken to minimise or deal with each situation. Make sure the safety plan addresses accidents and medical emergencies, and includes details such as escape routes, communication and how to get help.
You need to know when and how to get help if something is seriously wrong. Make sure you read the emergencies section of our website before you go.
With the majority of injuries occurring on people’s legs there are some simple steps you can do each day to help you prevent this happening to you:
Explore the types of injuries below.
Stop at the indication of a blister. If a blister has formed, cover with gauze or gel dressing and tape. If the blister is enlarged with fluid, drain the fluid by piercing, and then cover it to prevent infection. Remember RICE: Headaches are often indicators of dehydration. Drink regularly, understand your limits and take regular breaks. The effects of a sting will be at their worst 15-20 minutes after the incident. Place the patient in the recovery position. Monitor their level of consciousness: AVPU - alert, responsive to voice, responsive to pain, unresponsive. This information is taken from the MSC Bushcraft Manual. These safety tips are for guidance only. It is recommended that you undertake an Outdoor First Aid course. Find a suitable provider on our courses page. Remember your DRS ABCs - When you find someone unconscious: If you are unable to do mouth to mouth, do chest compressions. In an urban environment, send for an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), attach and follow voice prompts. Hypothermia is when the core body temperature drops to a level where normal brain and muscle function is impaired - usually at or below 35°C. When the body cannot cope, it goes into survival mode, shutting down non-essential functions. Hypothermia occurs when the body cannot make up for the amount of heat lost. Video: Lachlan Forsyth tries to get hypothermia so you don’t have to.
Preventing Hypothermia
Effective Planning
Recognising the symptoms
Treatment
If the patient is conscious and still talking (can swallow safely), the first thing to do is prevent further heat loss.
If they are semi-conscious or unconscious: Prompt evacuation must be organised (activate your PLB)
Each person should carry the recommended items in a waterproof container. If you are going on a long trip, or to a very isolated place, you may decide to carry a more comprehensive first aid kit (although you do need to keep your pack weight down). Discuss your requirements with a chemist and members of your group. A basic First Aid Kit should have the following items and a First Aid Course is a great way to get the skills required in an emergency in the outdoors.
Continue your preparation with our online resources, there is still plenty to learn to ensure for a safe and enjoyable trip!