Introduction to common risks in outdoor activities in spring by seasoned outdoor enthusiasts

    Reader Mr. Wang: Spring is a great season for travel. I want to be an “outdoor enthusiast” and go on an adventure-filled journey, but there have been several incidents of hikers getting lost recently. What are the most likely emergencies I might encounter along the way, and how should I respond?
    Reporters visited local tourism professionals and several seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. They explained that the most common risks in outdoor adventures include slipping and falling, drowning, hypothermia, snake bites, and bee stings. As an outdoor enthusiast, you should be mentally prepared and equipped, and know essential first aid methods.

　　Slips and falls mostly occur in unfamiliar areas. Hiking activities should preferably be arranged during the day to avoid nighttime travel. When moving, maintain smooth communication and avoid collisions, keeping a safe distance of two to three meters between individuals. On steep, narrow, or slippery dangerous terrain, observe the landform carefully before stepping. When using tree branches to climb, grab living branches and never dead ones. It’s best to wear hiking shoes when climbing, as their deep treads help prevent slipping. For flatter mountains or shorter hikes, regular travel shoes or sports shoes may be used, but leather shoes or high heels must never be worn.

　　If entering water is necessary, first understand the water conditions of the target area and learn emergency rescue skills. Before a stream trekking activity, find out if there are reservoirs upstream and their water release schedules, and also check recent rainfall in the target area and its upstream. Never enter unfamiliar waters alone. In case someone in the group drowns, first try to provide immediate rescue efforts while calling for help. Additionally, before entering the water, repeatedly splash river water over your body to quickly adapt to the water temperature, and avoid swimming into deep or fast-flowing areas.

　　Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a drop in core body temperature. The principle of treating hypothermia is to prevent further heat loss and help the patient regain normal body temperature. If the patient is conscious, allow them to drink warm water and eat high-calorie, sugary foods. If the patient is unconscious, use hot water bottles on areas close to blood vessels near the skin surface—such as the lower back, armpits, back of the neck, wrists, and groin—to transfer heat into the body. Remember not to give the patient alcohol, as it dilates blood vessels near the skin and accelerates heat loss.

　　The best way to avoid snake bites is to understand snake behavior, stay away from areas where snakes are commonly found, and try to avoid encounters. Common stinging bees include honeybees, hornets, wasps, and human-faced hornets. Bees have a very keen sense of smell, so women should avoid wearing heavy makeup before traveling. In case of a bee attack, quickly cover exposed areas with clothing, leave the scene swiftly, and avoid swatting repeatedly.