Safety and First Aid
Hiking is a relatively safe outdoor Activity once you have an understanding of the basics, maintain a heathy respect for the environment and keep your aspirations within the boundaries of common sense. Hiking is a wilderness and sometimes mountainous activity so there is the risk of encountering potentially dangerous conditions in locations where medical help is not easily accessible. Being able to recognize these adverse conditions and knowing how to handle them when they cannot be avoided, is essential in in the interest of safety and survival.
As a hiker, the safest option is to always hike with at least one other person. That way, if the worst does happen, there is someone right by your side to give you a hand if you need it. Even when taking someone along, let people know what the planned route and return times are. It may be tempting to wear camouflage colors to blend in with surroundings and therefore enjoy nature scenery more, but it is better for safety to wear bright colors that can be picked out from the greenery easily. Bright colors are easy to spot even from a distance, so stick with these to make sure you are easily recognized as human.
Carry enough water so you don’t run the risk of drinking contaminated water or becoming dehydrated. Consider investing in a water purifying filter for longer hiking trips so that water supplies can be easily replenished. Stay on the trails especially if you are an amateur hiker and know little or nothing about navigation. Staying on the trail reduces the likelihood of getting lost in the first place. The trail is also going to be where most other hikers are, so if you do get injured, being on the trail means there is a higher chance of others being able to find you quickly.
Even after all safety precautions are taken things do happen. There is always the chance for the everyday scrape or cut, and sometimes more serious injuries too. It is therefore important to have some first aid training if you plan to engage in such outdoor activities. Learn the basics of first aid and always have a first aid kit packed in your hiking kit. If anything does happen, the first aid kit will be a backup until help is received.
The first aid kit should have the basics
[column size=”one-half”] · Band aids
· Gauze pads
· Disinfectant
· Ace wrap
· Pain relievers
· Gloves
· Whistle
[/column] · Rain poncho
· Moleskin
· Space bag
· Antibiotic ointment
· Tweezers
· Breathing barrier
· Scissors
