Wilderness activities like camping and hiking can make for relaxing vacations, but can also result in accidents, even for careful participants. Getting basic first aid and CPR training before you head out into the wilderness can help you to stay calm in an emergency situation. If a member of your group gets injured on the trail, keep the victim calm, warm and sheltered to reduce the possibility that shock will set in, and get medical help as soon as you can.
Respiration
If the victim is not breathing, start artificial respiration immediately. A person trained in CPR should perform artificial respiration to avoid further injuring the patient. This person will open the victim's airway by tilting his head back and keeping the neck elevated. She will then pinch the victim's nostrils closed, place her mouth completely around the victim's mouth and blow, watching to make sure the victim's chest expands. Continue artificial respiration, breathing for the patient 12 to 15 times per minute, until he starts breathing on his own or help arrives.
Bleeding
To treat an open wound, elevate it and put direct pressure on it with gauze or a clean article of clothing. The victim should lie down and lift the affected area above the level of her heart to help slow the bleeding. Bandage the wound firmly but not so tight as to cut off circulation. If you suspect the victim may have any internal bleeding, keep her warm, sheltered and calm to help prevent shock, and get medical help right away.
Fractures
Fractures occur in two forms: simple fractures, which remain closed; and compound fractures, in which the bone sticks out through the skin. Symptoms of a fractured bone include pain and possible deformity in the area, a grating sensation or sound when the victim moves his limb, and an inability to put any weight on the limb without pain. If you are not sure whether an injury is a fracture, treat it as if it is. Apply a splint that extends past the joints above and below the fracture, padding the splint for extra protection. You or the victim should check the splint at frequent intervals to make sure it is not cutting off circulation to the area.
Snake Bite
A snake bite is one of the more frightening wilderness injuries you can receive. Your most important job when treating a snake bite victim is to keep her calm and still, with the bitten area below her heart to slow the flow of venom. Have her remove rings or other jewelry, since snake bites tend to cause swelling. If she exhibits any sign of shock, such as a weak, rapid pulse or clammy skin, have her lie flat on her back with her feet elevated. Cover her with a blanket to keep her warm.
Shock
Shock can be the most dangerous aspect to an injury in the wilderness. Symptoms include weakness, a faint or giddy feeling, anxiety or restlessness, clammy skin and a weak, rapid pulse. Help prevent shock by keeping the victim warm and quiet with legs elevated to help the heart circulate blood to the brain, lungs and other vital organs.
