WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET INJURED ON A HIKE

When you go out on a hike, you always want everything to go smoothly. However, even the most experienced hikers can get injured. Whether it's a sprained ankle or a more serious injury, it's important to know what to do to ensure that you stay safe and get the help you need. In this article, we'll outline the steps you should take if you get injured on a hike.

Assess the Injury

The first thing you should do if you get injured on a hike is to assess the injury. Try to stay calm and take a deep breath. Take a moment to sit down and examine the injury. If it's a minor injury, like a cut or a scrape, you can likely treat it on your own. However, if the injury is more serious, like a broken bone, you'll need to seek medical attention.

Determine the Severity of the Injury

After you've assessed the injury, you'll need to determine the severity of the injury. If you're unsure of the severity, it's always best to err on the side of caution and assume it's serious. Look for signs of swelling, bruising, or bleeding. If you're experiencing severe pain, difficulty moving, or have lost consciousness, seek medical attention immediately.

Call for Help

If you've determined that you need medical attention, you should call for help right away. If you have cell phone service, call 911 or the local emergency services number. If you don't have cell phone service, try to find someone who can help you call for help.

Give Your Location

When you call for help, be sure to give your location. If you're on a marked trail, give the name of the trail and the nearest mile marker. If you're not on a marked trail, try to describe your location as best you can. Look for landmarks or distinctive features that can help emergency services find you.

Stay Calm and Stay Warm

While you're waiting for help to arrive, it's important to stay calm and stay warm. If you're injured and can't move, try to find a comfortable position and stay still. If you're able to move, try to find a sheltered spot where you can stay warm. If it's cold, try to stay dry and wrap yourself in warm clothing or a blanket.

Keep Yourself Occupied

While you're waiting for help to arrive, try to keep yourself occupied. Play a game on your phone, read a book, or talk to someone to keep your mind off your injury. This will help you stay calm and make the wait seem less stressful.

Get Medical Attention

When help arrives, it's important to follow their instructions carefully. They may need to immobilize your injury or provide other treatment before transporting you to a medical facility. Once you arrive at the medical facility, be sure to provide them with as much information as possible about your injury and how it occurred.

Follow Up Care

After you've received medical attention, be sure to follow any instructions you've been given for follow-up care. This may include physical therapy, follow-up appointments, or medication. Follow-up care is important to ensure that your injury heals properly and that you can return to your normal activities as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Getting injured on a hike can be scary, but it's important to know what to do to stay safe and get the help you need. Remember to assess the injury, call for help, stay calm and warm, and get medical attention as soon as possible. With these steps, you can stay safe and get back to enjoying the great outdoors.