Hiking First Aid
- When planning for any kind of hike, it is important to include a first aid kit in your supplies. You can purchase a pre-packaged kit with the basics, or put together your own. Your kit should include sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, band-aids and alcohol pads for minor injuries. You will need an elastic bandage for wrapping any sprains or strains that may occur. Aspirin or ibuprofen are essential for a variety of aches and pains. In the case of burns, you will need an absorbent dressing and safety pins. Latex gloves may be useful for handling any bleeding injuries as well as an antibiotic ointment. Tweezers are another good addition for splinters and ticks. You should also augment your kit with anything necessary for your personal needs such as a bee sting kit and antihistamine for allergies.
- The best preparation for a hiking trip, especially a long one, is a first aid course. The basics such as CPR and the Heimlich maneuver can be indispensable when you can't get help quickly. If no one in your group has taken a first aid course, at least bring a small first aid guide with you and review it before you leave. It's best to be prepared for as many situations as possible. In any emergency situation remember that the most important thing is to stay calm and level headed. Apply basic first aid and call for help using any means available.
- Depending on the difficulty of your hike, you may experience a variety of aches and pains. It's important to know what's normal and what may be a symptom of a more serious problem. On long hikes, muscle fatigue is very common. The sufferer will feel weakness, soreness, and possibly some cramping. The best thing to do is rest for 12 to 24 hours when possible. Ample food and water is also important. Shin splints are another problem that can be caused by excessive walking or hiking. The best treatment is aspirin or another anti-inflammatory. Plantar fasciitis is something long distance hikers may experience, especially if their feet are not properly cushioned or they do not have a good arch support. The sufferer will experience pain on the bottom of the foot that worsens when weight is put on it. To treat this condition, you should place ice packs on the feet and elevate them. An anti-inflammatory may also help. If the sufferer must continue hiking, taping up the foot can help relieve the pain. Apply a strip of tape around the heel in a "U" shape, extending to the base of the toes. Then, lay cross strips along the bottom of the foot, just long enough to meet with the "U" of tape. Lastly, apply a piece of tape which makes another "U" behind the heel, then crosses beneath the foot and meets again on the top of the foot. This should hold the crosspieces in place. Other strains or sprains should be wrapped carefully. Take a first aid guide along on your trip with detailed illustrations if you are unfamiliar with the process for wrapping such injuries.
- Cuts, scrapes and other abrasions can be fairly common when hiking. When dealing with any open wound, the first thing to do is clean it out with soap and water or an alcohol pad. You can then apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Gauze bandages and clear tape can be used for any cut that is too large or oddly shaped for a band aid. Avoid using a tourniquet except in extreme emergencies as the tourniquet itself can cause serious damage. Blisters are another common problem for hikers. These can be prevented by wearing shoes and socks that fit properly. Always stop immediately if you feel something bothering you, as it may be a small rock or clump of dirt that can be removed. If you do get a blister, cover it with a band-aid. For larger blisters, apply duct tape over the band aid to keep it in place.
- Ticks are a small but dangerous problem for hikers. Ticks love tall grasses and will try to burrow into the skin of any unprepared hiker. Since ticks have the potential to carry Lyme Diseas, erlychiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, these bugs can be a serious issue. Your first line of defense is bug spray. Next, be sure to stop often and check yourself and members of your party. Ticks need to burrow deep into your skin before they can transmit diseases, so you want to catch them as soon as possible. If you find a tick, the tweezers in your first aid kit will come in handy. Using your tweezers, grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out. Be careful not to break it into pieces. After successfully removing the tick, pay attention to the spot where it was for the next few weeks. If you observe a rash, signs of infection, joint pain, or fever, see a doctor immediately.
- The best way to stay safe on your hiking trip is to take basic precautions. Always wear shoes and socks that fit well and are broken in. If you will encounter ice, snow, or difficult uphill and downhill climbing be prepared with crampons or a walking stick. Fatigue may be unavoidable, but don't push past your limits and risk exhaustion. Always wear sunscreen, a hat, and lip balm with sun protection to avoid painful burns. Keep a quality bug spray on hand to repel ticks, mosquitoes, and other bugs. Always carry plenty of food and water and try to eat and drink before you feel you need to. Do some research into the trail that you will be taking to ensure that you are well prepared. With these basic precautions you can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable hike.
