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Mountaineering injuries and first aid

PostPosted: Mon Mar 30, 2015 1:52 pm
by azzykaii
Okay I'm Adam and basically I am basically designing a first aid kit for Mountaineers. It will be carried on the person in some way or another.

I was hoping someone could shine some light on the main injuries as in the most common ones as I don't really know much about the sport so could anyone please shed some light on this ? (volume of injuries and where on the body?)

I presume Mountaineers will have First Aid kits handy in case of an accident minor or major ?

I would like to know what Mountaineers would take with them whilst climbing the mountain ?

Thanks for any help, it is much appreciated guys and girls. Thanks in advance.

Re: Mountaineering injuries and first aid

PostPosted: Mon Mar 30, 2015 6:03 pm
by ExcitableBoy
I had an early climbing mentor who said that a climber's first aid kit needs only athletic tape, ibuprofen, and gauze. Most injuries can be treated with these supplies supplemented by improvised items, and if not, then a full trauma ward is needed.

I think this is a bit simplistic, but the sentiment is correct. Stuff to stop bleeding and treat wounds, stuff to splint a sprained or broken joint, stuff for pain, stuff to sterilize wounds, NSAIDS, blister pads, specialized stuff for allergies and what not depending upon the individual. Wilderness First Responder courses spend an awful lot of time covering how to treat injuries using improvised materials.

Re: Mountaineering injuries and first aid

PostPosted: Mon Mar 30, 2015 8:14 pm
by nartreb
What EB said.

My "first aid" kit is first and foremost about surviving the environmental conditions even if stranded due to, say, a broken leg. There's not much else that's worth carrying. Some means of assuring your water is clean enough for laving open wounds. A bit of sterile gauze for the bottom layer of a bandage, a selection of cloth, tape, and string for improvising slings, splints, and bandages. I also carry a waterproof notepad for SOAP notes, a pair of rubber gloves, pliers for tick removal, and some antihistamines in case somebody in my party is allergic to bee stings or food.

Re: Mountaineering injuries and first aid

PostPosted: Mon Mar 30, 2015 10:54 pm
by ExcitableBoy
Thinking back to the various climbing accidents that I have been a first responder on, these are the types of injuries I've witnessed:

Head injury with scalp lacerations (multiple times)
Sprained ankle
Tib-fib open fracture
broken hand
open fracture of radius
de-gloved skin on forearm
Partially severed arm
Broken back
Broken nose
Broken ribs
Severe hypothermia
Foot blisters
Sunburn
Frostbite
Bee stings
Dehydration

Re: Mountaineering injuries and first aid

PostPosted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 3:59 am
by outdoorabstract
I now carry QuikClot hemostatic agent to stop the blood gushing out. Makes me feel better having it.

Re: Mountaineering injuries and first aid

PostPosted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 2:35 pm
by splattski
Agree with EB.
I'd add heat packs, antacids, and eye drops.
And although not necessarily First Aid, some iodine tablets.

Actually, I have a 'possibles bag' for emergencies that I ALWAYS carry. It INCLUDES a first aid kit. It also has wire, nylon straps, and duct tape, all useful for splinting. It has hand cleaner. And a 'firestarter' bag. But I digress….

Re: Mountaineering injuries and first aid

PostPosted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 4:36 pm
by Jesus Malverde
splattski wrote:But I digress….

FWIW,
Here's some more ideas from commercial medical kits available for sale:
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/med ... ntain.html
http://www.wildernessmedical.com/produc ... dical-kit/

Also, here's more overkill (no pun intended):
http://www.alpineinstitute.com/articles ... t-aid-kit/
http://www.expeditionmedicine.co.uk/ind ... r-003.html
https://www.rgs.org/NR/rdonlyres/EF0ED0 ... /04ch3.pdf

Off topic:
This kit got good reviews/seems a good value for Bug Out/zombie invasion/SHTF medical kit:
Elite Large Fully Stocked GI Issue Medic First Aid Kit Bag
http://www.amazon.com/Elite-Large-Stock ... JZADJB815D

Re: Mountaineering injuries and first aid

PostPosted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 12:34 am
by Sierra Ledge Rat
Nartreb has got it right