Wilderness First Aid: Handle Medical Emergencies Outdoors

Wilderness vs Urban First Aid

In wilderness:

• Help may be hours away
• Must stabilise for extended periods
• Improvisation often necessary
• Evacuation decisions critical

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Common Wilderness Injuries

Fractures

1. Immobilise above and below injury
2. Check circulation (pulse, colour)
3. Splint with available materials
4. Monitor for shock

Hypothermia

1. Shelter from elements
2. Remove wet clothing
3. Insulate from ground
4. Warm core first (armpits, groin)
5. Give warm drinks if conscious

Sprains

• RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
• Improvise support with bandages
• Assess if can continue or need evacuation

Keep Reading

• First Aid Essentials: Building a Comprehensive Emergency Medical Kit for UK Homes
• Hypothermia Recognition and Treatment: Cold Weather First Aid
• The Chain of Survival: The 4 Links That Decide Who Lives