BLOG #27 CALL 911 ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY

If you hike long enough, you will come across a scenario that requires you to call for help.
If you have cell coverage call 911 first. Or activate a personal location devise, or other emergency alert system.
By doing this, you will get rescue crews on their way.
When you call 911, they automatically get you coordinance.
But please keep in mind…it may take hours for rescue personnel to reach you.
Make your victim comfortable and listen to every word they say.
AND DO NO HARM!
I carry a pad of paper and a pen in my 13 ESSENTIALS just for this reason, and for the below vitals.
Monitor your victims vitals….heart beat, breathing, temperature, any injuries, and write the time checked and the results.
If your victim is bleeding, do what it takes to stop the bleeding.
A  tourniquet is a great tool, but they MUST BE ADMINISTERED
 CORRECTLY.
Get instructions from a license professional.
An improperly applied Tourniquet can cause more harm than help, and is rarely used in emergency care. 
What you want to do, is restrict the blood flow. Not cut it off.
It would be a very good idea to take a CPR & FIRST AID CLASS.
This way, you have the knowledge to help a victim, hopefully without doing any more harm.
How to treat for shock.
Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly, unless you think this may cause pain or further injury. Keep the person still and don't move the person unless necessary. (Mayo Clinic)
BUT THERE IS SOMETHING I MUST SPELL OUT
Having blisters, and other minor injuries, may not constitute as an emergency.
Emergencies that are life threatening, and require immediate attention.
If you call for help, and it isn’t life threatening, you may be charged for the rescue.
It is all of our responsibilities to have the items needed to treat injuries.
Items you need to have are as follows, but there may be more
13 ESSENTIALS….restock as needed. See our drop-down menu.
First Aid Kit….restock as needed.
Gorilla Tap….put about 3 yards on each of your hiking poles.
Airway Mask….if mouth to mouth resuscitation during CPR or other circumstances are needed, this mask will protect you both from potential contamination. 
DO NOT GIVE ANYONE YOUR PERCEPTION PAIN KILLERS.  
Knowledge…..this is the most important item you can take into the mountains. DO NOT GO UNTIL YOU HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE.
As a member of the Spokane Mountaineers, they offer Wilderness First Aid Classes.
The more you know, the more likely you can help others and maybe even yourself.
Benjamin Franklin once said…
“If you fail to plan…you are planning to fail.”

InlandNWRoutes.com
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Chic Burge     David Crafton