| # Denotes the tip is on our 'Emergency Action Card' or 'Accident Procedures' card.
# If you forget your
gloves and your hands are cold (or a casualty's), your spare socks
will make a nice pair of gloves.......you do carry a pair - don't you?
Mittens are warmer than gloves.
# You or the accident
victim may carry an infectious disease and not know it! Protect each
other against cross infection (if possible) when trying to stop someone
bleeding. If no surgical gloves are available you can improvise by
using a clean polythene bag or 'cling-film' etc. (perhaps those around
your sandwiches). Keep the clean side
to the victims wound.
Conserving water when thirsty is NOT helpful. If very thirsty - drink it to maintain your concentration before you become confused and therefore less able to seek shelter. # Conserve batteries in emergency situations
for essential use. This is vital, especially for mobile phones. Keep
the phone switched on - but don't waste power phoning friends etc.
Remember, batteries in your camera may fit your torch.
Chased by wasps or bees? Run through
the nearest bushes, the branches springing back as you run through
help to repel them.
# Digging a snow-hole requires energy.
Allow yourself plenty of time - before you get too tired to dig! Try
not too sweat too much as this can cause exposure - remove some clothing
before you start digging. You'll also feel the benefit when you get
inside. Avoid overhangs, compacted snow is best. If the snow
is fresh, wait about 30 minutes before digging. Make the 'roof' about
12" (30cms) thick. You MUST identify your position with a bright marker
for search parties. Make a shelf to sit on and a pit for cold air
to settle in. Don't forget to make a vent hole and remember to check
that its not blocked every now and then ('walking pole will do the
job nicely). Take all your equipment inside with you and close
the entrance. Sit on anything rather than snow, i.e. rucksack, survival
bag, sitmat etc. To reduce water drips smooth the inside. Don't eat
snow - it will lower your body temperature. The temperature inside
your snow-hole will not drop much below freezing point (much better
than being outside with the 'windchill factor')
Equipment tips: Keep all your equipment in a rucksack
liner or polybag inside your rucksack and keep water containers etc.
in between the liner and the rucksack. This prevents the contents of
the rucksack liner becoming soaked if the bottle should break - plus,
you might need that drink!
If you need
glasses to read a map and are considering buying a new compass then
buy one with a built-in magnifying lens. At least if you fall and break
your glasses you will still be able to read details and print as small
as this on your map.
An old compact
disc makes an excellent and light-weight signalling mirror. Use the
centre hole for sighting. (Great for Scouts!) Simply cut to the size
you require. P.S. NEVER look directly
at the Sun!!!
Always keep
the protective tip on your walking pole when not in use - could be very
nasty if a slip or fall!
For books
on Safety, Mountain Rescue, First Aid emergency
response publications
You may have a survival or other
useful tip of your own to contribute
If so we'll give you a mention
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