The outdoor adventure market has grown leaps and bounds in the past decade. More and more people are now heading outdoors simply as a favourite pastime or to escape the stresses in their lives. However outdoor adventures do come with environmental threats and risks. METT Ltd is a professional training provider that offers a QA Level 2 Award in Activity First Aid (RQF). This is a regulated and nationally recognised qualification designed for those who have a responsibility to provide first aid in outdoor and activity based environments.

In this article we discuss three very basic first aid principles. These are

• Hypothermia
• Shock
• How to prevent injuries in the outdoors

Hypothermia

In the event of hypothermia our body temperature begins to drop dangerously low. If this is not treated in a relatively short space of time this can have some serious consequences and can even result in death.  It is imperative that action is taken quickly.

So how can you help?

• Firstly remove them from the elements causing hypothermia
• You may need to call 999
• Put them in a tent out of the elements
• If the victim is wet remove all the clothing
• Cover them in a dry insulated material, sleeping bag and emergency foil blanket.
• Consider other members in the group, as well as yourself, are you all protected from the cold
• Make a warm drink if you have a camping stove

Shock

On experiencing a severe injury the human body can go into shock. There are some common symptoms associated with shock such as a rapid pulse, cold clammy skin and rapid breathing.

Here are some steps to follow when a person is in shock, regarding blood loss (Hypovolemia)

• Start treating the injury
• Lay the person down
• Elevate the legs of the casualty
• Do not elevate their head
• Nil by mouth, no food or drink
• Keep the person warm and comfortable, but don’t over heat, but do shield from the elements

How to prevent injuries in the outdoor environment

The outdoors is a very safe place providing you follow simple basic rules;

• Know and plan your route, activity
• Is the terrain suitable for what you want to achieve?
• Learn to navigate in extreme weather, a great deal of outdoor injuries happens due to poor navigation
• Poor leadership, unqualified staff leading young people and not appreciating the ever-changing risk. You need to dynamically assess the situation.
• Clothing, the amount of times people are seen ascending Mount Snowdon or Ben Nevis wearing jeans and t shirt in summer, not realising how cold it will be at the summit, a prime case for becoming a hypothermic casualty.
• Equipment, ensuring you have enough personal equipment to keep you warm and safe, even if you are only going out for a few hours.
• Have you got an appropriate first aid kit?
• Have you got enough water, or purification tablets if you are out for more than one day, away from a fresh water source?
• Have you got a phone and phone charger, will there be a signal where you are going?

Plan your adventure or outdoor pursuit, appreciate the weather may change rapidly. The outdoors is an ever-changing environment to be respected and enjoyed. If you plan what you’re about to do it’s an extremely safe and wonderful place to be. Children from the age of 14 doing their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award, walk safely in groups and gain a respect and appreciation for the outdoors.