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Trailside
First Aid |
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Exposure is the most common cause for rescue
call-outs: |
Look out for >
Complaints of fatigue, Visual abnormalities, Lethargy,
Lack of interest, Cold Clammy skin, Skin pale in
colour, Slurred speech, Cramps, Clumsiness, Odd
behaviour, Out of character actions, Collapse.
~ What to do ~
STOP,
Do not carry on in the vain attempt of finding
shelter.
Warp the victim in extra clothing & put them in a
survival bag (with someone else if possible)
Warm up the victim with body heat & a warm drink if
possible. Easy to digest foods like energy gel will
help (provided the victim is not to drowsy) Cheer the
victim up low moral is a contributory factor. Rest the
victim for prolonged periods. (If in doubt about
victims ability to recover send for help)
Do not: Rub the victim to restore blood
circulation.
Do not: Give the victim alcohol it may cause
collapse.
In extreme cases the victims sometimes stop breathing
so be prepared to give mouth-to-mouth, & if the
victims lose consciousness place them in the recovery
position.
Seek medical help:
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Long downhill's & winds in the winter are common
cause: |
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Look out for >
Prickling pains,
Numbness, Skin may discolour, Skin may go blue or
white, Skin may feel hard.
~ What to do ~
STOP,
Do not carry on riding.
Warm the affected area with additional body heat
only. Toes & hands are commonly affected areas & can
be placed in the armpits or crotch. Face can be
covered with dry gloved hands. Remove rings, watches,
boots etc to ensure free blood flow.
Do not: rub the affected area.
Do not: apply heat from an artificial source.
Do not: use a revitalized limb or the affected
tissue will tear.
Seek medical help:
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Common during periods of sustained hard work: |
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Look out
for > Pale & sweaty
skin, Complaints of dizziness, Fatigue & headache, Cramps,
Rapid but weak pulse, Shallow breathing, Fainting.
~ What to do ~
STOP,
Do not carry on riding.
Shade the victim (find a cool spot & lay the victim
down)
Apply cold drinks of water (slightly salted & with sugar
if possible will help)
Seek medical help:
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This is
severe heat exhaustion: |
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Look out
for > Restlessness,
Frequent passing of urine, Complaints of dizziness,
Complaints of headache, Hot flushed dry skin, Rapid strong
pulse, Fainting.
~ What to do ~
STOP,
Do not carry on riding.
Cool the victim down by placing them in the shade &
removing clothing.
Bathe the victims body in water until their body
temperature drops & they appear to recover.
Seek medical help immediately:
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This is
present in almost all cases of traumatic accidents: |
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Look out
for > Pale & pallid skin, Especially the lips, Rapid
weak pulse, Rapid shallow breathing, Cold sweaty skin,
Complaints of dizziness & blurred vision, Restlessness,
Yawning, Pronounced sighing, Fainting.
~ What to do ~
STOP,
Do not carry on riding.
Reassure the victim, External bleeding or other
injuries should be treated simultaneously. Lie the victim
down & keep warm, avoid unnecessary movement. Turn the
victims head to one side & raise the feet, loosen tight
clothing.
Do not: Give food or drink to the victim
Do not: Apply heat from an artificial source.
Do not: Allow the victim to smoke.
Seek medical help immediately:
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The
main areas are elbows, shoulders, and knee joints they
all take a pounding: |
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Look out
for > Deformity of the joint, (joints do not match
other one) Swelling around the joint, Lack of mobility,
Severe pain associated with the joint.
~ What to do ~
STOP,
Do not carry on riding.
Support the injured limb in a comfortable position.
Do not: Move the injured limb (twisting & turning)
Do not: Move the injured joint or limb
unnecessarily.
Seek medical help immediately:
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The
most common mountain biking fracture: |
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Look out
for > Victim supports injured arm against the body,
Head leaning towards the injured shoulder, Lack of
mobility, Swelling at the front of the injured shoulder.
~ What to do ~
STOP,
Do not carry on riding.
Position arm of injured side with fingers up towards
the opposite shoulder. Palm flat against the body. (so far
as the victim will allow) Place soft padding between the
upper arm & body. Support the arm in some kind of sling.
(with the good shoulder)
Do not: Move the injured joint or limb
unnecessarily.
Seek medical help immediately:
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This
occurs after deep incision or laceration in the skin:
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Look out
for > Evidence of major external blood loss, Symptoms
& signs of shock, Victim feeling faint, Face & lips pale,
Skin feels cold & clammy, Pulse becomes faster but weaker,
Victim may complain of thirst.
~ What to do ~
STOP,
Do not carry on riding.
Aim to control the bleeding & minimize the risk of
infection. Expose the wound & look for foreign bodies.
Apply direct pressure to control blood loss. (use your
fingers or palm) If no dressing is available use your own
kit or the victims or hands. If the bleeding continues, do
not remove the dressing apply new dressing on top of the
old.
Do not: Apply indirect pressure for any longer than
10 minutes.
Seek medical help immediately: |
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