So here is my last part on the wilderness first aid article. Enjoy and stay safe!
This is the final installment about the wilderness first aid and safety series, that talked about safety measures when hiking or going to the outdoors as well as how to response to several medical emergencies.
-Hypothermia:
Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature falls drastically down and the body organs loose heat. Hypothermia can start at 35C but it becomes sever when core temperature falls below 26C.
There are many causes for hypothermia but it is mainly from prolonged exposure to cold with wet and windy conditions. This is a life threatening condition and it should be treated immediately, elderly and young children are very vulnerable to it.
How to recognize it: symptoms include:
- Cold pale skin and shivering
- Mental confusion or irrational behavior
- Altered consciousness
- Weak pulse
- Shallow breathing
- Letharg
How to treat: remove victim to a shelter away from the wetness and cold air. Insulate him, in order to prevent further heat loss and keep him warm. Finally, monitor his life sings and prepare to resuscitate.
-Frostbite:
When exposed to cold, blood vessels constrict to prevent further heat loss. When deprived from warm blood, the extremities can freeze leading to frostbite.
How to recognize?
-hands or feet become numb
-skin can become hard and change color turning first white then blue and black.
How to treat:
Slowly warm affected area but gradually using own body heat. Do now rub as it will be painful.
-Shock:
Shock is a circulation system failure where oxygen isn’t reaching all parts of the body.
How to recognize?
-rapid pulse
-shallow and rapid breathing
-pale skin with shivering
-cold, clammy skin
-irritability and mental confusion
-lackluster eyes.
How to treat?
Do not move patient unless necessary and maintain patient’s body temperature by covering him/her with a blanket or shading him/her from the sun. If possible elevate legs. Monitor patient’s lifeline till medical services arrive.
-Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke
Usually occurs when the body looses heat by radiation, accompanied with excessive sweating. Heat stroke is more dangerous as the heat loss compensation mechanism fails.
How to recognize?
-dizziness, confusion and headache
-Nausea.
-sweating with clammy skin.
-Cramps in limbs or abdomen.
During a heat stroke the victim’s condition worsens when he doesn’t respond well and his body temperature passes 40C.
How to treat?
Move victim to cool and shaded area. Replace lost fluid and salt. You may elevate their legs.
In case of a heatstroke, wrap victim in cold wet cloth to lower his temperature. Monitor life signs till help arrives and be ready to resuscitate.
To better prepare for medical emergencies, it is strongly advised to take a first aid/CPR training and regularly maintain your certification.
Finally, keep calm and stay safe!