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Aaron Mitchell

Safe Steps For Handling Crush Injuries In The Outdoors

Published 7 months ago • 1 min read

Hey, Reader

In this post, we're diving into how to handle those crush injuries you might encounter while out in the outdoors.

Picture this: you're out there, setting up your tent with a hefty hammer, and your finger gets a taste of the action. Or maybe, you're navigating through rocky terrains, and a boulder decides it's time to get up close and personal. We're talking about when parts of you get compressed between hard places.

Treatment for casualties that have been crushed for LESS THAN 15 MINUTES

  • Immediate Release: Try to free the person from what's pressing on them as soon as you can, but only if it's safe to do so.
  • Prioritise First Aid: Adhere to primary first aid principles by addressing: Breathing, Bleeding, Burns and breaks
  • Shock Prevention: Monitor for signs of shock, take steps to prevent it and closely observe vital signs.
  • Emergency Services: Call emergency services quickly to get professional medical help.

Treatment for casualties that have been crushed for MORE THAN 15 MINUTES

  • Immediate Notification of Emergency Services: It is important to contact the emergency services without delay.
  • Maintain Status Quo: Don't try to move the object that's pressing down. Moving the person or the object could make things worse.
  • Monitor Vital Functions: Keep a close watch on the individual's breathing and level of consciousness.
  • Provide Reassurance: Keep reassuring the person to help them feel less scared and anxious.
  • Shock Management: Watch out for symptoms of shock and start treating them if needed.

If someone is crushed for more than 15 minutes, harmful toxins can build up in their muscles. When they're freed, these toxins can enter the bloodstream, causing serious problems and possibly making things much worse.

In summary, deciding when to free someone from a crush injury outdoors needs quick thinking and carefulness. You have to quickly understand the situation, know the risks, and be ready to help more or get medical care. If it's safe, you should free them quickly to lessen the pressure and lower the chance of serious problems. But, you must always make sure you don't make things worse.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep exploring the outdoors!

Aaron.

Aaron Mitchell

Freelance Outdoor Instructor

Mountain Leader - Military and NNAS Map Reading Instructor - First Aid Instructor

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