How to self-rescue during outdoor adventures?
When venturing outdoors, no one can predict what might happen. An emergency gear box and a first aid kit can come in handy if you get injured, so be sure to carry them with you. Reporters from Huashang Daily learned from an outdoor club in Yulin that there are now so many potential dangers in outdoor activities—serious ones could even cost you your life. The club manager reminds everyone to prepare thoroughly before heading out and to bring all necessary equipment: this way, you may be able to save yourself in case of emergencies. Items to include are 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, along with common medicines for colds, fevers, stomachaches, etc. Also pack eye drops, safflower oil, adhesive plasters, and cooling oil.
However, the most important thing during outdoor trips is to know how to self-rescue.
How to deal with venomous snake attacks
Mr. Ye, the manager of an outdoor club in Yulin, treats outdoor adventuring as his career. He spends more time outdoors than at home each year and admits he’s been through all kinds of ordeals. Especially when encountering animal attacks on various trails, it can feel like battling death—animals like snakes and bees, which are highly venomous, can be fatal in serious cases. It’s best to avoid them to prevent attacks.
According to Mr. Ye’s experience, if you’re bitten by a snake in the wild, a venomous bite can be identified by large, deep fang marks. If there are no fang marks and no symptoms like localized pain, swelling, numbness, or weakness within 20 minutes, it’s a non-venomous bite. In that case, simply clean the wound, stop the bleeding, and dress it. If possible, go to a hospital for a tetanus shot.
Generally, symptoms of a venomous snake bite only begin to appear 10 to 20 minutes after the bite. In such cases, gaining time is crucial. First, tie a cloth strip or long shoelace 5–10 cm above the wound, closer to the heart, to slow down the spread of venom. To prevent limb necrosis, loosen the tie every 10 minutes for about 2–3 minutes. Rinse the surface of the wound repeatedly with cold water to remove snake venom. Then, using a disinfected small knife, make a cross-shaped cut centered 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 hard through the gauze (your mouth must have no cuts) to draw out as much venom as possible. At the same time, take snake venom antidote tablets immediately and apply snake venom antidote powder around the wound. Minimize the patient’s movement and quickly transport them to the nearest hospital for treatment.
Mr. Ye says that when hiking, if you see a beehive, walk around it and never show any signs of approaching it. Also, it’s best to wear light-colored, smooth clothing because bees’ visual systems are very 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 play dead. Never try to fight back, as this will only invite more stings. If you do get stung, use a needle or tweezers to remove the stinger—but don’t squeeze it, or you may push more venom in. Then apply ammonia, baking soda, or even urine to neutralize the toxicity. Use a cold, wet towel on the sting site to reduce swelling and pain. Finally, get to a hospital as soon as possible.
How to quickly handle limb injuries
During trips, limb injuries are inevitable, but it’s vital to know how to handle them—such as in cases of fractures, falls, or sprains. A staff member from the club said that injuries are bound to happen during travel, but when they do, prompt treatment is key. For example, if you suspect a fracture, assess its severity before bandaging.
Fractures
1. If there are skin wounds and bleeding, remove visible dirt and then apply pressure with clean cotton or a towel to stop the bleeding.
2. For open fractures of the limbs (where the broken bone ends are exposed through the wound) with bleeding, do not randomly use ropes or wires to tie the limb.
3. For upper limb fractures, immobilize with a wooden board, stick, or thick cardboard, then suspend the limb from the neck with a bandage or rope. For lower limb fractures, secure with a wooden board or stick, or bind both legs together to stabilize them.
4. For pelvic fractures, wrap wide cloth strips 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 reduce movement.
5. After the above steps, the patient can be moved to a hospital.
Sprains
Common symptoms of sprains include joint swelling, severe pain, limited movement, subcutaneous bruising, inability to move or bend sideways.
Treatment methods:
1. Stop activity (or at least reduce force), especially for ankle and knee sprains.
2. Place gauze or a towel under the affected area and apply a cold compress with an ice pack.
3. You may use muscle-relaxing and blood-circulating medications, but avoid massage or manipulation. Remember to elevate the injured area when resting.
Fainting
People in poor physical condition, especially during summer mountain climbing or hiking, can easily suffer heat syncope due to intense activity, excessive energy consumption, or failure to replenish lost fluids and salts in time. Symptoms of heat syncope include feeling exhausted, restless, suffering from headaches, dizziness with nausea, pale complexion, cool and clammy skin, rapid and shallow breathing, and a fast, weak pulse. There may also be muscle twitching in the legs or abdomen.
If heat syncope occurs, move the person to a shaded place and lay them down. If the patient is conscious, let them slowly sip cool boiled water. If they’ve sweated heavily, or have cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting, add a teaspoon of salt per liter of water. If the person loses consciousness, keep them lying down, allow them to rest fully until symptoms ease, and send them to a hospital for further treatment. Mr. Ye reminds us: those in poor health should especially avoid strenuous activities, manage their rest schedule, and conserve energy. Drink salt-containing water or beverages regularly while active.
Heatstroke
When hiking in hot and humid mountainous areas without wind during summer, the body is unable to regulate its temperature through sweat evaporation, making heatstroke highly likely. Symptoms typically include headache, dizziness, restlessness, flushed face, rapid pulse, and body temperature rising above 40°C. Without prompt treatment, the victim may quickly lose consciousness, which can become life-threatening if not addressed immediately. In such situations, knowing how to perform self-rescue is crucial.
1. Move the patient to a cool, ventilated area. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck, body, or waist, and use a towel or cloth 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 temperature begins to decrease and they show signs of regaining consciousness or slight stabilization, allow them to drink fluids—preferably a sports drink. Rest and hydration are essential, and it’s important to wear a hat and sunglasses.
Cramps
Teacher Ye says that cramps are very common and usually occur due to excessive movement or poor posture while hiking, leading to poor muscle coordination. They can also result from exposure to cold during or after the hike, causing significant salt loss in the body, which triggers sudden involuntary muscle contractions. Cramps often happen during rest at campsites. In such cases, gently stretch the affected muscle, straighten it, and massage it lightly. Replenish fluids and salts, and rest until the discomfort subsides. Before and after outdoor activities like hiking, it's important to do adequate warm-up and stretching exercises. During the hike, snack frequently and take extra breaks to rest.