Introduction
Recently I completed the 3 day Klipspringer Hiking Trail in the Augrabies National Park in the Northern Cape of South Africa. My blog post about that amazing hike will be coming soon.
The hiking trail is in the desert, so we expected heat, even in autumn (or ‘fall’ if you’re American). The temperature was between 28 – 32 degrees Celsius. The trail is closed during the summer months, since it’s just too hot.
I don’t tolerate heat well at the best of times. Summer is my least favourite season. However, African born and bred, I can manage, I just do not enjoy it.
However, on day 1 of the Klipspringer, once at the rustic hut, charmingly named ‘Visarend’ or ‘fish eagle’, hours after we had finished the trail, I passed out. Now it was a likely a combination of factors, including the heat, my chronic low blood pressure, dehydration, and general fatigue.
I felt dizzy, sat down and then lost consciousness. I remember coming to and asking, ‘Did I pass out?’
This has happened before, about 11 years ago.
I was OK, thankfully, due to some quick reactions from one of our group, a medical professional, to whom I am eternally grateful. But the rest of the group got a bit of a fright. One told me, ‘At least we know you’re human too.” It was a compliment.
But my own health issues aside, the incident did highlight to the others, the importance of basic first aid knowledge, especially when you are confronted with a medical emergency.
According to the doctor, my blood pressure had dropped too low, and the lack of oxygen to my brain caused me to pass out.
They laid me down on a nearby mattress and elevated my legs.
When I regained consciousness I was fed sugar in the form of energade jellies and iron supplements. (I had been remiss in taking my FE supplements. Ooops!)
I was also banned from kitchen duty for the rest of the day.
Another in our group was down with a tummy bug and fortunately we had some anti-diarrheal meds and a course of antibiotics (one of the perks of having a doctor around!) Dehydration and extreme heat are not a good combination.
I do have basic (level 1) first aid training, but my darling Bashe got such a fright, she nearly waterboarded me instead of revived me.
Around the fire that night, after supper, we spoke about how important it is to know what to do in a medical emergency.
Hiking is a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise but it’s important to be prepared for anything that may happen on the trail, including injuries. Knowing basic first aid techniques can help you treat yourself or others in case of an emergency.
In this blog post, we’ll go over some important first aid tips for hikers, including common injuries and how to treat them.
Table Of Contents
- Basic First Aid Kit for Hikers
- Common Injuries and How to Treat Them
- a. Sprains and Strains
- b. Blisters
- c. Sunburn
- d. Insect Bites and Stings
- e. Hypothermia and Heatstroke
- Emergency Situations a. Severe Bleeding b. Snake Bites c. Heart Attack or Stroke
- Prevention
Basic First Aid Kit
It’s important to always carry a first aid kit when hiking. Here are some items to include:
- Bandages of various sizes
- Gauze pads and adhesive tape
- Antiseptic wipes or solution
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Pain relievers
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Antihistamine cream/lotion
- Emergency blanket
Common Injuries & how to treat them
- Sprains and Strains: Sprains and strains are common injuries when hiking. If you sprain your ankle or strain a muscle, follow the RICE method:
- Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured area.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Compression: Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Elevate the injured area to reduce swelling.
2. Blisters: Blisters are another common hiking injury. To treat a blister, clean the area with antiseptic wipes or solution. Then, cover the blister with a moleskin pad (micropore) or adhesive bandage.
3. Sunburn: Sunburn is a serious concern when hiking, especially at high altitudes. To treat sunburn, cool the affected area with a cold compress or cool bath. Apply aloe vera or lotion to soothe the skin.
4.Insect Bites and Stings: Insect bites and stings are common when hiking. To treat a bite or sting, clean the area with antiseptic wipes or solution. It’s also advisable to keep an antihistamine cream in your first aid kit. Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling. If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
5. Hypothermia and Heatstroke: Hypothermia and heatstroke are serious conditions that can occur when hiking in extreme temperatures. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, and fatigue. Symptoms of heatstroke include nausea, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. If you or someone you are hiking with shows signs of either of these conditions, seek medical attention immediately.
Emergency Situations
a. Severe Bleeding: In the case of severe bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage. Elevate the injured area if possible. Seek medical attention immediately.
b. Snake Bites: If bitten by a snake, stay calm and seek medical attention immediately. Do not apply ice or a tourniquet to the affected area.
c. Heart Attack or Stroke: If someone shows signs of a heart attack or stroke, call emergency services immediately. Stay with the person until help arrives.
Prevention
The best way to deal with injuries is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to prevent hiking injuries:
- Wear appropriate footwear with good support.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Dress in layers to protect against changing weather conditions.
- Bring snacks and high-energy foods to keep your energy levels up.
- Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Know your limits and stay within them.
FAQs
1. What should I include in my hiking first aid kit?
Answer: Some essential items to include in a hiking first aid kit are bandages of various sizes, gauze pads and adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes or solution, tweezers, scissors, pain relievers, insect repellent, sunscreen, and an emergency blanket.
2. How can I treat a sprain or strain on the trail?
Answer: Follow the RICE method – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Avoid putting weight on the injured area, apply an ice pack or cold compress, wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage, and elevate the injured area to reduce swelling.
3. What’s the best way to prevent blisters while hiking?
Answer: Wear appropriate footwear with good support, keep your feet dry, and apply moleskin or adhesive bandages to areas that are prone to blisters.
4. What should I do if I get sunburnt while hiking?
Answer: Cool the affected area with a cold compress or cool bath, and apply aloe vera or lotion to soothe the skin.
5. How can I prevent insect bites and stings while hiking?
Answer: Wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent, and avoid wearing perfumes or scented products.
6. What are the symptoms of hypothermia and heatstroke?
Answer: Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, and fatigue, while symptoms of heatstroke include nausea, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat.
7. How can I prevent hypothermia and heatstroke while hiking?
Answer: Dress in layers to protect against changing weather conditions, drink plenty of water, and take breaks in shaded areas to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
8. How should I treat severe bleeding on the trail?
Answer: Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage, elevate the injured area if possible, and seek medical attention immediately.
9. What should I do if I encounter a snake while hiking?
Answer: Stay calm, move away slowly, and seek medical attention immediately if bitten by a snake.
10. How can I prepare for a safe hiking experience?
Answer: Bring snacks and high-energy foods, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return, know your limits, and stay within them.
Conclusion
Hiking is a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise, but injuries can happen at any time.
By carrying a basic first aid kit and knowing some basic first aid techniques, you can be prepared for any emergency on the trail.
Remember to always seek medical attention if you or someone you are hiking with shows signs of a serious injury or condition.
With proper preparation and prevention, you can have a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. Happy trails!
My very personal thanks to Dr Salie for his friendship and professionalism, Bashe for nearly drowning me, Wasielah for feeding me iron supplements and everyone else for refusing to let me lift a finger afterwards. Your love and concern is deeply appreciated.
Hiking Safety Tips
Never hike alone (At least 4 adults)
• Tell someone where you are going, what your intended route is and when you are expected to return. (Click on the WSAR link and sign up for their free tracking service)
• Have emergency numbers programmed into your fully charged cell phone.
• Hike early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat of the sun.
• If you get lost, stop, assess the situation, and reach out for help. Do not panic.
Emergency Numbers
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) 021 937 0300
Emergency Services from cell phone 112
SAPS Flying Squad 10111
Well written and thanks for the Safety Tips