Tips for Medical Emergencies While in the Woods
For some, Fall means camouflage and hunting leases and Ochsner says it’s a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected when heading into the woods as the best laid plans can be thrown off course from insect bites and poison ivy, to falls from deer stands and shooting accidents.
“First and foremost, hunters should be familiar with the area they are hunting in; know the game and firearm laws for that region, and be well educated in proper gun safety” says Ochsner Internist Dr. Thom Franklin. Despite preparedness, sometimes hunting or hiking trips can result in an accident or health crisis. If you or a friend becomes injured or falls ill while in the woods, the first step is to get them help but some intermediate steps could help save lives.
· Profuse bleeding: apply pressure on the wound to constrict the blood vessels manually and help to stem any blood flow. If the skin is punctured with an object do not remove the object, instead go to the ER.
· Broken bones: Immobilize the injured area; If the leg and arm breaks where it is not bent, create a splint around the injury and gently secure it with rope, strips of cloth; whatever you have available, or tape or tie the injured leg to the uninjured one, tape an injured arm to the chest, or to the side of the body.
· Falls: If you think the person may have injured their back, neck, or head DO NOT move them. Call 911 and get help!
· Concussions: Signs of a concussion include: blurred vision, slurred speech, delayed (or incoherent) verbal and motor responses, drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, persistent headaches, dilated pupils, uncoordinated movement, loss of balance, seizures, bleeding or bruising behind the ears, sudden changes in personality or mood swings, inability to perform simple tasks and calculations. While waiting for medical assistance to arrive keep the victim lying down.
· Snake bites: Keep the person calm, restrict movement, and keep the affected area below heart level. Remove any rings or constricting items. If the area of the bite begins to swell and change color, the snake was probably poisonous. Monitor the person's vital signs. If there are signs of shock (such as paleness), lay the person flat, raise the feet about a foot, and cover with a blanket. Get medical help right away. Bring in the dead snake only if this can be done safely.
Very important! If someone in your group experiences a heart attack or stroke symptoms while hunting it is important to get them to a medical facility as quickly as possible to ensure the best chance for complete recovery, and if you experience a heart attack you should not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. “It’s important to plan ahead when going into the woods, which includes bringing any daily medications with you so that you do not miss a dose,” says Ochsner Family Medicine Specialist Dr. Vernon Palmisano. Dr. Palmisano says this is extremely important in the event that your trip is unexpectedly extended.
Before leaving for the woods, make sure that you and your group have an exit plan in the event of an injury or accident. Always carry a cell phone with additional batteries or walkie-talkies to alert emergency officials if necessary. “Because today’s technology can sometimes fail in a hunting situation it is a good idea to bring along a noise maker such as those approved by the Coast Guard,” encourages Dr. Palmisano. “These types of noise makers can alert others to trouble as far as a mile or more away.” Other tips, from the
American College of Emergency Physicians, for a safe hunt include:
· Hunt in a group; let others know where you will be and when you will return.
· Dress appropriately for the weather, insect prevention, and so you can be easily seen.
· If you are on daily medications, bring them with you to ensure you do not miss a dose.
· Carry a survival kit with high calorie food, glucose, water, waterproof matches, compass, map and a first-aid kit.
· Practice gun safety: Keep the safety on until you are ready to shoot.
· Do not hike, climb or jump with a loaded gun.
· Do NOT drink or use drugs while hunting.