How to self-rescue during outdoor adventures?
When heading outdoors, no one can predict what might happen. An emergency gear box and a first aid kit could come in handy if you get injured, so be sure to carry them with you. A reporter from Huashang Daily learned from an outdoor club in Yulin that there are simply too many potential dangers during outdoor activities—serious ones could even cost your life. The club manager therefore advises everyone to make full preparations before setting out and to bring all necessary gear: this way, you can self-rescue in case of emergencies. Items to pack include bandages, dressings, dressing packs, antiseptic solutions (such as alcohol, iodine tincture, povidone-iodine, hydrogen peroxide, and other first aid medications), adhesive tape, cotton balls, a thermometer, as well as common medicines for colds, fevers, stomachaches, etc. Also bring eye drops, safflower oil, adhesive bandages, and cooling oil.
However, the most important thing during outdoor trips is knowing how to self-rescue.
How to deal with venomous snake attacks
Mr. Ye, manager of an outdoor club in Yulin, treats outdoor adventuring as his career and spends more time outside than at home each year. He admits he’s faced countless challenges on the road, especially when encountering animal attacks that feel like battles with death—such as those from highly venomous creatures like snakes and bees, which can be fatal in serious cases. It’s best to avoid them altogether to prevent attacks.
According to Mr. Ye’s experience, if you’re bitten by a snake in the wild, you can confirm it’s a venomous bite if the wound shows large, deep fang marks. If there are no fang marks and no symptoms like local pain, swelling, numbness, or weakness within 20 minutes, it’s a non-venomous bite. In that case, simply clean, stop the bleeding, and dress the wound. If possible, go to a hospital for a tetanus shot.
Generally, symptoms of a venomous snake bite only appear 10 to 20 minutes after the bite. Securing time is crucial. First, tie a cloth strip or long shoelace 5–10 cm above the wound (closer to the heart) to slow toxin spread. To prevent limb necrosis, loosen the tie every 10 minutes for 2–3 minutes. Rinse the wound surface repeatedly with cold water to remove surface venom. Then, using a disinfected small knife, make a cross-shaped incision around the fang marks. Squeeze forcefully with both hands, use a cupping glass, or cover the wound with four or five layers of gauze and suck through the gauze with your mouth (ensuring no open wounds in your mouth) to extract as much venom as possible. Immediately take snakebite antidote tablets and apply snakebite powder around the wound. Minimize the victim’s movement and quickly transport them to a nearby hospital.
Mr. Ye says that when hiking, if you spot a beehive, walk around it and never show any signs of “interest.” Additionally, wear light-colored, smooth clothing, as bees’ visual systems are highly sensitive to dark objects moving against light backgrounds. If you accidentally provoke a swarm and get attacked, the only solution is to protect your head and neck with clothing, run in the opposite direction, or lie flat on the ground. Never try to fight back, as it will only provoke more attacks. If you do get stung, use a needle or tweezers to remove the stinger—but don’t squeeze it, or you’ll push more venom in. Then apply ammonia, baking soda, or even urine to neutralize the toxin. Soak a towel in cold water and apply it to the sting to reduce swelling and pain. Finally, head straight to the hospital.
How to quickly handle limb injuries
During trips, limb injuries are inevitable, but it’s crucial to know how to treat them—such as fractures, falls, or sprains. A club staff member said injuries are bound to happen during travel, but prompt treatment is key. For example, if you suspect a fracture, first assess its severity before bandaging.
Fractures
1. If there’s a skin wound and bleeding, clean visible dirt, then apply pressure with clean cotton or a towel to stop the bleeding.
2. For open fractures of the limbs (where bone ends protrude through the wound), avoid haphazardly tying the limb with ropes or wires if there’s bleeding.
3. For upper limb fractures, immobilize with a wooden board, stick, or cardboard, then suspend the limb from the neck using a bandage or rope. For lower limb fractures, bind with a wooden board or stick, or tie both legs together to stabilize them.
4. For pelvic fractures, wrap a wide cloth strip around the pelvis. Have the patient lie on their back with knees slightly bent and a pillow or clothing under the knees to stabilize the body and minimize movement.
5. After these steps, the patient can be moved to a hospital.
Sprains
Common sprain symptoms include joint swelling, severe pain, limited movement, subcutaneous bruising, inability to move or bend sideways.
Treatment methods:
1. Stop activity (or at least reduce strain), especially for ankle and knee sprains.
2. Place gauze or a towel under the affected area and apply a cold pack.
3. Use muscle-relaxing and blood-circulating medications, but avoid massage or rubbing. Remember to elevate the injured area while resting.
Fainting
People in poor health who engage in strenuous activities like mountain climbing in summer may suffer from heat syncope due to excessive exertion and fluid-salt depletion. Symptoms include extreme exhaustion, irritability, headache, dizziness with nausea, pale complexion, cool and clammy skin, rapid shallow breathing, weak and fast pulse, and possible muscle spasms in the legs or abdomen.
If heat syncope occurs, move the person to a cool place and lay them down. If conscious, let them slowly sip cool water. If they’ve sweated heavily, had cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting, add a teaspoon of salt per liter of water. If unconscious, keep them lying down to rest fully until symptoms ease, then seek hospital care. Mr. Ye reminds: Those in poor health should avoid overly strenuous activities, pace themselves, and stay hydrated. Drink salt-containing water or beverages during the trip.
Heatstroke
When hiking in hot and humid mountainous areas during summer where there is no wind, the body cannot regulate its temperature through sweat evaporation, making it very easy to suffer from heatstroke. Symptoms generally include headache, dizziness, restlessness, flushed face, rapid pulse, and a body temperature rising above 40°C. If not treated promptly, the person suffering from heatstroke may quickly lose consciousness, and without timely treatment, it can be life-threatening. In such situations, it is essential to know how to provide self-rescue.
1. Move the patient to a cool, ventilated place. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck and body, as well as the waistband. Use a towel or piece of clothing soaked in cold water to wipe the patient’s body while fanning them until their body temperature drops below 38°C.
2. Once the patient’s body temperature has decreased and they begin to regain consciousness or stabilize slightly, allow them to drink fluids—preferably a sports drink. It is also important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Remember to wear a hat and sunglasses.
Cramps
Teacher Ye says that cramps are a common occurrence, often caused by excessive movement or poor posture during hiking, which leads to poor muscle coordination. They can also result from exposure to cold during or after the hike, causing significant loss of salt in the body, leading to sudden involuntary muscle contractions. Cramps often happen while resting at camp. In such cases, you should stretch the affected muscle, straighten it, and gently massage the area. Replenish fluids and salt, and rest until the discomfort subsides. Before and after participating in hiking or other outdoor activities, it is important to do sufficient warm-up and preparatory exercises. During the hike, eat more snacks and take extra rest.