Winter Mountaineering and Hiking Safety

Every outdoor sport has specific risks that participants need to be knowledgable of. Hiking is generally a low-risk activity, the greatest dangers being hypothermia and minor injuries from slips and falls. Scrambling and alpine mountaineering routes present greater dangers due to falls and falling objects. Safety precautions for more advanced terrain are learned as the associated skills are learned, but all outdoor enthusiasts should have an understanding of basic wilderness survival and first aid skills. A brief overview of these skills and soures of more information is given below.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when a person's core body temperature begins to fall uncontrollably. There are four main ways to avoid hypothermia:
1. Stay Dry. Avoid wearing cotton or denim in wilderness areas - once wet they have very little insulating value and they take a long time to dry. Wear wools and synthetic materials instead.
2. Avoid Exposure. Wind rapidly accelerates the loss of heat from your body. Dress properly and try not to spend time in exposed locations.
3. Understand cold. Learn how to get warm and stay warm. Most cases of hypothermia happen at about 50-degrees Fahrenheit -surprisingly mild- so it is always important to remove wet clothing promptly and remain well-protected from the elements at any temperature. 4. Maintain energy. Once you have become so tired that you are unable to continue you will rapidly begin to lose body heat. Don't push yourself to your limits.

Victims of hypothermia are usually unaware, or deny, that symptoms exist. There are a few main signs that hypothermia is setting in. The victim will have uncontrollable shivering and often will lose dexterity in his or her hands (apparent when attempting to tie laces or set up a tent). As the condition progresses the victim will become incoherent and exhibit slow, slurred speech. You will observe a lack of skin color, blue lips and fingernails, and cold wet skin.

If hypothermia has progressed to the point where these symptoms are apparent, it is essential that treatment be started immediately. The victim must be removed from moist clothing, sheltered from exposure (this usually involves staying in a tent), and warmed by heated beverages, dry clothing, and a sleeping bag if available. If symptoms indicate severe hypothermia it is crucial that the victim NOT go to sleep. Sleep will further slow heart rate and metabolism until they stop. The victim MUST be kept awake and encouraged to be active.

Minor Injuries

Typical wilderness injuries include sprains and strains to the lower extremities, caused by tired stumbles or hidden rocks. Most can be treated in the field but it is important to properly assess the extent of the injury. If the victim cannot walk unassisted one must set up camp and begin treatment.

The most common injury one will encounter while hiking is a sprained ankle. This is usually not serious enough to require immediate evacuation if the injury is properly managed in the field. Usually the injury is to the outer ligaments and can be managed with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Keep in mind that once you are stopped there is a greater risk of hypothermia; the danger of exposure may take precedence over treatment of the injury.

Survival Skills

You should prepare adequately so as not to find yourself in a survival situation. Each member of the group should know the general terrain, planned route, and schedule, and carry map and compass if there is a chance of becoming lost. You should be observant and have a general idea of your direction of travel at all times. In addition, a friend at home should know your plans. Each member of the group should be aware of everyone else's abilities and the pace should be set by the slowest individual. Everyone should know who is carrying first aid kits and where it is packed. Let others know immediately of expected or identified dangers. Keep an eye on ALL group members, including yourself.

Accidents and injuries do occur. In the event of an injury, it is important to make sure that everyone remains calm. Someone must take charge of treating the injury and appoint tasks, even the most pointless of jobs, so that everyone feels that they are contributing to the group. Proper leadership will increase the chances for success in a potentially bad situation. The same strategy applies if you or your party become lost. Remain calm and check if it is possible to retrace steps. Navigate by compass, familiar features, and common sense. Take care not to become more lost or begin to panic. Make sure that you have confidence in the path you take; the decision to move should be a group decision.

Be Prepared

Prepare for a wilderness trip begin by establishing a plan and giving it to someone at home. This plan should include times and dates of departure and return and times to worry. It can also include when you will arrive at certain checkpoints, even if no contact is established, to help searchers should you need assistance.

Once the trip begins, hold a pace that everyone is comfortable with and stay together. Speak up if you want to stop for any reason. Watch out for fatigue within the group; people are often reluctant to hold up the group and will push themselves too hard. This not only increases the risk of injury, but also just isn't fun. Relax, take your time, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Pack a first aid kit. For short hikes you should include bandages, sterile gauze, tape, blister treatments, disinfectant, and gloves for personal protection. There should be someone in your group familiar with wilderness first aid. When in the backcountry it is important to remember that you are not just an ambulance drive away from a sterile hospital. Be careful. Be safe.

Winter Mountaineering and Hiking. Personal equipment.

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