First Aid Prep

The ninth circle of hell, the most foreboding doom of Dante’s Inferno is not a fiery furnace, but a place of special danger — darkness, a frigid sky, an icy lake, sinners in various states of frozen eternity.  Surely, this literary example is a reminder to us all that humanity appreciates the outdoors in a very narrow temperature range, and enjoys it most in an even smaller band of perhaps just a 50-degree margin. Extreme heat or cold scurry us indoors, where we can again comfortably appreciate the temperature “norms” we all take for granted.

Winter adds other perils; and a Montana winter can be a special hell for the unlucky or unfortunate.  Walking or hiking is more challenging, with sudden stumbles or tumbles creating difficult or dangerous situations that may be of little bother on warmer days. Outdoor enthusiasts on skis, snowboards, sleds, snowmobiles, skates, fat-tire bikes, and other forms of motion are especially susceptible to all manner of mishaps. Even time becomes a factor as the sun settles in early and temps fall quickly, with a precipitous loss of light and heat.

As much as winter is different from summer, so does “winter first aid’ vary from November through April (some would say June!) in Montana.  So, what kinds of mishaps or accidents are the most common?  And how to are they best treated while in winter’s grip?

General Treatment for Outdoor First Aid 

Shock: Lay the victim down with feet about 12 inches above head unless head, neck, back, or bone injury is suspected.

ABC’s: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.  Ensure the patient has a clear, unobstructed airway, and that he or she is breathing.  Administer CPR if necessary.

Stop-Gap: Stop the major bleeds or fluid losses immediately with available material.

Warm: Keep the victim as warm and comfortable as possible.

Signal: By cell phone, radio, or visual displays if you and the victim are unable to leave the immediate vicinity where the injury has occurred.

Security: Establish safety as possible from animals and especially weather, avoiding further harm to the victim and yourself

Shelter: If overnight or extended wait is expected, create shelter and campfire.  

Please note that the treatments reviewed in this article are temporary and to be used only as a guide to assisting victims under significant duress. In ALL cases, evacuate and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Common Winter Injuries and First Aid Treatments

Slips and falls

Sudden, accidental collapse, rapidly and without control.

Symptoms  Signs of concussion-confusion, disorientation, loss of consciousness vision problems, vomiting, broken bones, bleeding.

Treatment  Keep victim’s body still and warm; examine and restrain any blood loss; administer CPR if victim is not breathing.

Chilblain or frostnip

Prolonged exposure of bare skin to low temperatures.

Symptoms  Redness or pallor of exposed areas; hot, tender, itching skin

Treatment   Warm the affected area slowly with warm breath or body warmth, such as armpits or hands.

Frostbite 

Extreme exposure of bare skin to low temperatures.

Symptoms  Tingling and numbness; sudden whitening of skin; frozen area feels solid to touch; pale, waxy appearance of skin; loss of feeling pain

Treatment   Loosen clothing and jewelry; cover with blankets or other available wear; give warm liquids if possible; DO NOT rub affected areas with snow and ice; DO NOT expose affected areas to extreme heat; DO NOT massage; DO NOT soak in water.

Snowblindness 

The effect on eyes from severe glare of an ice or snow field

Symptoms  Scratchy or watery feeling in the eyes; eye redness; headache; pain with light exposure.

Treatment  Cover eyes with a dark cloth; lead to safety

Hypothermia 

The gradual destruction of the body due to lowering body temperatures; water, perspiration, wind, physical exhaustion and lack of food may exacerbate symptoms.

Symptoms  Apathetic or lethargic responses; shivering; pale, cold skin; slurred speech; poor muscle coordination; weak pulse; slow and shallow breathing.

Treatment  Rewarm the body evenly with another body or heat or fire source (covering with blankets, etc. will not help); protect from the elements; warm or hot drink if available.

Cold weather dehydration 

Body loss of fluids, salt and minerals, often difficult to assess in cold weather. Often brought on by strenuous exercise or activity.

Symptoms  Parched mouth, tongue and throat; nausea; dizziness, muscle cramping; feeling of tiredness and weakness.

Treatment  Keep warm; loosen clothing; give liquids; rest.

Foot Immersion 

Wet or damp conditions of the feet and porous footwear

Symptoms  Cold; numbness; shooting pains; pale or bluish cast of foot or feet.

Treatment  Gradually rewarm and dry feet; elevate the feet; DO NOT moisten or massage the feet.

Active People Prevent Problems

Do Your Warm-up Exercises

 If nothing else, start out on your adventures slowly before going “all-out.” 

Use Protective Equipment

From your clothing to your boots, gloves, goggles and helmet — button it down! 

Know Your Activity and Ability

And know your limits too…learn, train, and take your time to achieve proficiency.

Don’t Go It Alone — especially in Montana   

 If you do go it “alone” let someone know where you are headed. 

Where Am I?

Soooo easy to get lost in Montana.  Don’t underestimate the snowy confusion or the forested foolery of Big Sky country.  Keep track of where you are, and where you’ve been.

<<[Video: Emergency First Aid Skills for the Backcountry]