One of the best parts about camping is being far from everything so you can truly commune with nature. However, that’s a double-edged sword because if you are injured, you are also far from help. This is why it’s so essential to learn a few skills to help in case of an emergency. Most people will learn things like how to find water, or build a shelter, but treating injuries should also be on the list.
Accidents like cuts, sprains, and burns can happen. Knowing how to deal with them is essential. It’s important to know how to stabilize an injury to buy time until you can get to civilization or until rescue crews arrive. In this article, we will go over some of the things you should learn in case of an emergency.
1 – Stopping severe bleeding
Most injuries you’ll encounter will only require some help with a first-aid kit. Others are more serious and might have a lot of bleeding. How you deal with this is very important which is why having some knowledge will go a long way.
This could happen from a deep cut, a fall, or an encounter with sharp objects or animals. In the wilderness, these types of injuries can be more serious because medical help is not nearby.
The first step is to apply pressure to the wound. This helps slow down or stop the bleeding, giving you time to take further actions. Sometimes, pressure alone isn’t enough to control the bleeding. In these cases, using a tourniquet can be a lifesaver. A tourniquet is a device that you tie around a limb to stop blood flow to a severe wound, which you can learn how to do here.
2 – Treating burns
With campfires burning close to tents, or in areas where they are a tripping hazard, it is very common for burns to occur. It’s essential to know what to do right away to reduce pain and avoid complications.
If someone gets burned while camping, start by cooling the burn with cool (not cold) water. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Don’t use ice or very cold water because they can damage the skin even more.
Avoid common mistakes, like putting butter, oils, or creams on a burn. These can trap heat and make the burn worse.
3 – Handle hypothermia
When camping in cold weather, hypothermia and frostbite are serious risks. Knowing how to spot the symptoms and understand what increases the risk can help you stay safe and treat these conditions if they happen.
Hypothermia happens when your body gets too cold and can’t warm up. Early signs include shivering, feeling confused, being very tired, and slurring your speech. If you suspect someone has hypothermia, get them out of the cold immediately.
Also, take off any wet clothing and replace it with dry, warm clothes. Cover the person with blankets, sleeping bags, or any available dry materials to retain body heat.
