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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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of crashing into each other, so why not learn some of the
basic first-aid tips. You never know it may one day save
someone's life, or even yours.
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