Medical Incidents on walks are uncommon, but being prepared can make a real difference if one does occur.
Understanding basic first aid, knowing what to do in an emergency and being aware of the support available can help walk leaders respond calmly and effectively if someone becomes unwell or injured.
- What to include in your first aid kit.
Carrying a first aid kit while out walking can help keep you and your fellow walkers safe. Items you need to carry will depend on the type of walking you are leading especially in relation to to terrain, weather conditions and how far from help you are if an incident occurs, and should be an integral part of your walk planning.
Ready made kits are available, but you should add to them to create your own depending on the above factors.
Basic kits should include;
- Latex free plaster and blister plasters, useful for minor cuts and blisters;
- Disposable gloves, to reduce risk of infections when dealing with any bodily fluids;
- Cleansing wipes, handy for cleaning hands before dealing with any cuts and grazes;
- Wound Dressings, required to cover and protect a wound to reduce infection;
- Triangular bandage, useful to craft a sling for an arm, wrist or shoulder injury;
- Zinc oxide tape, useful for blisters, wound dressings, providing extra support for small joints, e.g. fingers;
- Tablets, Painkillers, paracetamol & ibuprofen.
Additional Items identified in the planning stage could include;
- Tick Tool, to remove ticks;
- Instant ice pack, to reduce swelling and help pain relief;
- Thermal blanket, to keep patient warm.
2. Managing Incidents
Assess
As soon as you become aware that something has happened, remain calm and stop the walk. Move those walkers not in the vicinity of the injured / unwell party away from the injured / unwell individual. Ascertain from individual or those who witnessed the issue the nature of the problem.
Protect
Protect yourself, the group and the injured walker from any escalating danger. If in doubt about any injuries, only move the walker if leaving them would cause more harm. Explain to the wider group what you need them to do to keep safe and warm.
Contact Emergency Services if Needed – Make this assessment your priority – delays can be crucial
Always carry a charged mobile phone in case of emergency.
- In areas with road access: call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
- In remote areas: call 999 and ask for the police, who will put you through to Mountain Rescue
- In areas with a reduced phone signal: try using Emergency SMS to text a message to 999.
Information that will help the emergency services help you
- Location, grid reference, OS phone map, What 3 Words.
- Nature of Emergency, type of assistance (medical) / mountain rescue
- Casualty Details, name, gender, age, injuries
- Party details, number of walkers
- Your Name and phone number, for updates.
First Aid
In many incidents walkers may be able to administer their own first aid. Remember to prevent infection, the first aider must sanitise hands and wear protective gloves, dispose of any waste in a sealed plastic bags. If more than one person injured, prioritise the more serious condition first.
Reassure
Always treat people with dignity and respect. Listen and give as much privacy as possible to anyone who is injured / unwell. Explain the situation and what will happen next to both the injured and rest of the group.
Work Together
Ask other walkers in the group for their help. Ascertain what skills other members can bring to the situation in terms of first aid experience, knowledge of the area for emergency services access. Try to keep everyone informed and calm, if the injury is of a serious nature, ask for help managing the wider group which may entail leading them back and abandoning the walk in a safe manner
