The world of hiking offers limitless potential to explore all the natural wonders the world has to offer. Hiking, however, isn’t all about sunshine and beautiful landscapes as it poses the risk of an array of injuries. Equip yourself with EMCARE’s comprehensive first aid courses.
Common Hiking Injuries
Hiking can be a wonderful opportunity to explore the natural beauty our world has to offer. However, hiking also exposes you to a number of risks. Here are a few medical situations you may encounter on your adventure:
- Sprains And Strains:
Slips and falls are common on hiking trails, as the ground is often rocky and uneven. This can lead to ankle sprains and strains in the body’s musculature.
- Blisters:
Friction from shoes that don’t quite fit right can lead to painful blisters. One can prevent this by wearing proper socks and making sure your shoes are an appropriate size, and treatment is as simple as using blister pads.
- Heat-Related Complications:
High temperatures can pose a particular risk to outdoor seekers. Extended physical activity in the heat of the day can cause heat exhaustion, and eventually if left unresolved, heatstroke. Ensure you are staying hydrated throughout your hike and take regular breaks in the shade to avoid extended exposure to heat.
- Altitude Sickness
Ascending to high altitudes can trigger altitude sickness, with symptoms ranging from headaches to confusion. Descend and take regular breaks if symptoms do not improve. Specifically, EMCARE’s Level 3 first aid course has special training in oxygen therapy which may be relevant in this context.
Level 1: Basic First Aid Course For Novice Hikers
No matter how much you love a trail run – safety always comes first. EMCARE’s Level 1 course is your entry point to emergency preparedness. You can complete this course in a day and a half, as you explore the foundational principles of emergency care.
- Key Skills:
When it comes to the basics of first aid training, especially for new hikers, there are a few skills that a level 1 course will teach you that can be incredibly helpful in emergency situations. These include: The handling of minor wounds and excessive bleeding effectively, being able to recognise and respond to heart-related medical complications, perform one-rescuer CPR effectively and we even teach the ethics and legal ramifications relative to emergency care at this level.
- Applications:
As hikers generally find themselves in situations where they are isolated from civilization. If one had to sprain one’s ankle or even encounter someone suffering from heat exhaustion – the Level 1 first aid course equips you with the necessary knowledge to tackle these scenarios. You are guaranteed to enjoy your hike a lot more knowing you are fit to handle basic emergency medical situations.
Moreover, Level 1 first aid course will cover them with a comprehensive set of emergency care basics. From treating burns to managing unconsciousness, participants will gain practical knowledge vital for a quick response on a trail run.
Level 2: Intermediate First Aid Course For Overnight Mountaineers
If you are a more advanced hiker and outdoor enthusiast that likes going on multi day hikes – then maybe you should consider EMCARE’s Level 2 first aid course. Now diving deeper into emergency medical care basics, you can complete this course in two and a half days. Expect a new avenue of paediatric care and a more nuanced approach to trauma management.
- Key Skills:
At an intermediate level and with the base level 1 training provides you, level 2 goes more in depth and trains you to effectively deal with more serious issues. These can include everything from: Effectively taking care of environmental illnesses and joint injuries, to learning how to administer EPR on children and infants and even being taught the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology.
- Applications:
Picture being on a multi-day hike with a family, where suddenly one of the children along on the hike fractures their arm on the trail. EMCARE’s Level 2 arms you with the necessary skills to handle such a situation with the utmost confidence. You can be the safety-keeper on your extended hikes.
Level 2 training is expected to diver deeper into more complex medical scenarios encountered during overnight hikes. Participants will learn to analyse a medical emergency and respond to various injuries and illnesses. This includes chest pain, diabetic emergencies, and environmental hazards applicable to a wilderness setting.
Level 3: Advanced First Aid Training For Remote Exploring
For the ultimate nature lover and adventurer who loves fully disconnecting from modern society, you might need a more solid foundation in emergency first aid care. EMCARE’s Level 3 First Aid course can be completed in four days, where you will gain advanced expertise in handling water-related emergencies, behavioural crises, and even emergency childbirth.
- Key Skills:
The most advanced levels of the first aid course will look to provide you with more information on a variety of different emergency scenarios, including: Being fully trained to handle water-related emergencies. Effectively managing potential stress and panic in the remote wilderness and providing specialised care with emergency oxygen therapy.
- Applications:
No matter how isolated you are from civilization, EMCARE’s Level 3 first aid course is sure to come handy in a wide range of medical emergencies. You will be prepared to assist with a hiker who is suffering a panic attack or altitude sickness.
EMCARE’s Level 3 first aid course is perfect for remote explorers who may encounter critical medical emergencies far from any other medical assistance. Participants will undergo rigorous training that include hands-on simulations and expert instruction. All hikers will have confidence in their stride if they have this first aid course under their belt – ultimately guaranteeing you safer outdoor exploration.
Conclusion
Take the next step and take your hiking experience to the next level, knowing you are prepared for an array of medical emergencies. With EMCARE’s three-tiered first aid training, you will tackle your next mountain with the utmost confidence. Experience basic safety to more advanced medical care, to help you feel empowered and face any trail with confidence.
Are you looking to diversify your hiking safety? Visit EMCARE’s website to enrol in our first aid courses today. And if you decide to tackle all three levels in one go, you will be granted a special discount. Take the next step on your adventure with the confidence of being a safety trailblazer – for yourself and your fellow hikers!
