If you encounter an accident and are unsure how to handle it, do not move the injured person arbitrarily if their life is not in immediate danger, as this may worsen the situation. Before embarking on any wilderness trek, every team member should receive first aid training.
Basic First Aid Knowledge
If the injured person is unconscious, check whether their heart and lungs are functioning normally by following the three steps below. If a back or neck injury is suspected, avoid moving their head and secure it as soon as possible.
(1) Open the injured person’s mouth and remove any obstructions, then check their airway: place one hand on the forehead and use two fingers of the other hand to lift the chin, tilting the head backward.
(2) Check the injured person’s breathing. Place your cheek close to their mouth and nose for about 5 seconds to feel for breath. At the same time, observe the chest movement to determine if lung function is normal.
(3) Check the pulse at the throat area to assess blood circulation for 5 seconds. If there is a pulse and breathing, place the injured person in the recovery position. If there is neither breathing nor pulse, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
If the injured person is unconscious, it is best to place them in the recovery position to prevent their tongue from blocking the airway and allow saliva to drain, ensuring an open airway.
(1) If the injured person is unconscious but still breathing, lift the arm closest to the ground to a comfortable position, bring the other arm close to the cheek, straighten the leg on the ground, and bend the other leg while pulling the injured thigh toward you, placing the person in a side-lying position.
(2) Place the injured person’s head on the ground and tilt it backward while pushing the jaw forward to keep the airway clear. If possible, place the injured person’s hand under their head.
Artificial Respiration
The air exhaled by humans contains about 16% oxygen. Performing artificial respiration can promote blood circulation in the patient. If the patient has stopped breathing but still has a pulse, administer breaths at a rate of 10 per minute until they can breathe on their own.
(1) Lay the casualty flat on the ground. To ensure an open airway, remove any obstructions from the mouth. Place one hand on the forehead and pinch the nose shut. Use the other hand to support the chin, slightly tilting the head backward.
(2) Pinch the casualty’s nose with your thumb and index finger, then blow air into their lungs mouth-to-mouth for 2 seconds. Stop blowing and let the chest fully deflate.
(3) Repeat step (2), administering breaths at a rate of 10 per minute until the casualty can breathe independently. Check their pulse; if it has stopped, begin CPR.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR provides artificial blood circulation and inflates the lungs. This treatment involves chest compressions to promote blood flow to the brain and artificial respiration to maintain oxygen levels in the blood. The method is as follows:
(1) Lay the patient on a firm, flat surface. Use your index and middle fingers to locate the lowest ribs, then move the fingers upward until the middle finger touches the junction of the ribs and sternum.
(2) With your middle finger on the sternum, move the palm of your other hand down the sternum until it meets your index finger. This is where you will apply chest compressions.
(3) Interlock your fingers, keeping them off the chest, straighten your arms, and press down forcefully, then release without removing your hands. Repeat 30 compressions followed by 2 artificial breaths.
Shock
Insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues leads to reduced blood flow throughout the body, causing shock. Without prompt treatment, vital organs may stop functioning, resulting in death.
The following steps should be taken to treat a patient in shock:
(1) Elevate the patient’s legs slightly above the level of the head to keep them conscious, loosen clothing to help them relax, and check their pulse.
(2) Cover the patient’s back and chest with a sleeping bag or coat. Monitor their breathing and heartbeat. Especially if the patient loses consciousness, if breathing and heartbeat cease, perform CPR.