Injuries and Afflictions on the Trail
Injuries and Afflictions on the Trail
Falls account for more fatalities in the Presidential Range than any other direct cause.
Accidents happen to even the most experienced and best prepared hikers. A fall can result in a few scrapes minutes from the trailhead or life-threatening injuries miles - and hours - from help. This is why it's especially important to never hike alone.
If you do become injured (or ill) on the trail, know how to rescue yourself.
• Be prepared with knowledge: of the terrain, first aid, how to stay warm and dry.
• Be prepared with gear. If you take a fall on a day hike, you may have to spend the night. Have what you need to stay warm, dry, hydrated. Matches, flashlight, whistle and other items in your pack you thought you'd never need may mean the difference between getting home quickly and safely - or not at all.
Remember: if you're prepared to rescue yourself, you'll also be able to help another hiker, too.
SOME COMMON INJURIES ON THE TRAIL:
HEAT:
Overexertion on hot summer days can lead to heat-related injuries.
Heat exhaustion will leave you feeling tired, nauseous, dizzy and headachy. Rest, rehydration, food and a good night's sleep are the treatment.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening illness. Symptoms include confusion, delirium and loss of consciousness. The skin feels hot as the body's cooling mechanism fails. THIS IS A TRUE EMERGENCY. Cooling the patient immediately is essential.
Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be prevented by avoiding overexertion on hot days. Pace yourself, rest often, drink plenty of water and eat regularly throughout your hike.
COLD & HYPOTHERMIA:
The lowering of your body's core temperature below normal can lead to poor judgement and confusion, loss of consciousness and death - even in summer! Early signs of hypothermia may be as mild as poor judgment, a slight sensation of chilliness, and trouble using your hands for simple tasks. Later signs can include uncontrolled shivering, unconsciousness and death.
Prevent hypothermia by having warm clothes and dressing in layers to adjust temperature as needed. Keep dry with good wind and rain gear: your body loses heat three times as fast when it's wet. Drink plenty of fluids, eat many small meals throughout the day, and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Accidents happen to even the most experienced and best prepared hikers. A fall can result in a few scrapes minutes from the trailhead or life-threatening injuries miles - and hours - from help. This is why it's especially important to never hike alone.
If you do become injured (or ill) on the trail, know how to rescue yourself.
• Be prepared with knowledge: of the terrain, first aid, how to stay warm and dry.
• Be prepared with gear. If you take a fall on a day hike, you may have to spend the night. Have what you need to stay warm, dry, hydrated. Matches, flashlight, whistle and other items in your pack you thought you'd never need may mean the difference between getting home quickly and safely - or not at all.
Remember: if you're prepared to rescue yourself, you'll also be able to help another hiker, too.
SOME COMMON INJURIES ON THE TRAIL:
HEAT:
Overexertion on hot summer days can lead to heat-related injuries.
Heat exhaustion will leave you feeling tired, nauseous, dizzy and headachy. Rest, rehydration, food and a good night's sleep are the treatment.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening illness. Symptoms include confusion, delirium and loss of consciousness. The skin feels hot as the body's cooling mechanism fails. THIS IS A TRUE EMERGENCY. Cooling the patient immediately is essential.
Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be prevented by avoiding overexertion on hot days. Pace yourself, rest often, drink plenty of water and eat regularly throughout your hike.
COLD & HYPOTHERMIA:
The lowering of your body's core temperature below normal can lead to poor judgement and confusion, loss of consciousness and death - even in summer! Early signs of hypothermia may be as mild as poor judgment, a slight sensation of chilliness, and trouble using your hands for simple tasks. Later signs can include uncontrolled shivering, unconsciousness and death.
Prevent hypothermia by having warm clothes and dressing in layers to adjust temperature as needed. Keep dry with good wind and rain gear: your body loses heat three times as fast when it's wet. Drink plenty of fluids, eat many small meals throughout the day, and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
