First-Aid 101: Tips From Hartley Nature Center

Before you grab your gear and head out on a fall excursion, take some time to familiarize yourself with some wilderness first-aid basics.This list was compiled with a lot of help from Hartley Nature Center’s own Tiffany Smith, who has been a certified Wilderness Responder for eight years through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Wyoming.We hope this information will help prepare you for the worst, while you enjoy the best of the Northwoods.

Remember, the two most important rules of safety to consider before setting out are:

1) Never Go Alone!

Without someone to help you, something as simple as a sprain can lead to dire circumstances.

2) Make Sure When You Pack, You’re Well Prepared

Bring a wilderness rst-aid kit, proper clothing, plenty of water, and a cell phone.

Weather-Related Ailments

Heat Exhaustion

Prevention: When you and your pals are hiking, portaging, or paddling on a hot day, stay in the shade whenever possible. Even in the fall, days can be humid, and when mixed with strenuous exercise, can lead to exhaustion. Wear a sun-blocking hat to keep your head, face, and neck out of the sunlight.You can also be intentional about traveling during the cooler parts of the day. If that’s not an option, try wearing a bandana soaked in cool water around your head – it’ll help with evaporative cooling.

Signs & Symptoms: Fatigue Nausea and/or vomiting Loss of appetite Heat cramps Dizziness and/or fainting Elevated heart rate and respiration

Treatment: If you or any of your friends are experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, have the group take a long rest in some shade and avoid any further heat stress. For those experiencing cramping, take some time to stretch. It’s also important to consider that you can be well-hydrated and still experience heat exhaustion. Left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke (when body temperature exceeds 104 degrees), which would require immediate evacuation.

Read the full article here.