Life Threatening Wilderness Medical Emergencies & What To Do
Bleeding - Apply direct pressure and elevate the wound until the bleeding stops. Cover wound with a sterile dressing. Seek medical attention.
Drowning - Remove the victim from the water by the safest method possible; reach, throw, tow, row, go. Assess breathing and pulse, and start CPR if necessary. Seek medical attention even if the patient appears to have recovered.
Shock - Treat cause when possible. Maintain adequate airway. Keep patient physically and emotionally calm. Keep patient lying down. Maintain body heat. Raise feet no more than 12 inches above heart level. Seek medical attention.
Head/Neck/Back Injury- Keep the patient as still as possible. Maintain an adequate airway, Get help as soon as possible.
Heat Stroke - Cool the patient as fast as possible: move to a shady spot, remove clothing, wet and fan, massage extremeties, apply cold packs to neck, armpits, groin,. Seek medical attention.
Hypothermia - Handle gently. Remove damp clothing and replace with dry clothing. Shelter from wind, rain, snow. Apply heat packs to neck, armpits, groin, palms of the hands. If patient can drink, give warm sweet fluid. Seek medical attention for unconscious patient.
