From Snake Bites to Spine Boards: A Dive into Wilderness First Aid
Words by Fred Hickman, Guide & Trail Experience Student
We covered a great deal of content in the three days of wilderness first aid. It ranged from basic information and general first aid to specific details that would be relevant to our work as a safari guide.
We began with a discussion on how to approach a patient in the correct manner. We needed to make sure that we, as the first aider, can help and that the area is safe. Then we conducted the primary and secondary surveys to gather the information necessary to attend to our patient. Lastly, we covered the rules and regulations that govern us as a first aider.
Next, we moved on to the field guide focused side of the course. JJ, our instructor, took us through the snake and animal bites, heat exhaustion, wounds, bone breaks and diseases that we might encounter. It was brilliant to obtain the knowledge that will help us in an emergency in the bush.
On the final day we focused on practicals. We were shown how to perform CPR and rescue breaths on an adult, a child and a baby. Each had their own difficulties. The stronger chests of adults make compressions trickier whilst learning the correct technique for babies was just as challenging.
Once we had mastered these basics, we moved on to wounds and burns. We were split into groups and given a wound to dress as we talked through what we would do. We had to demonstrate the dressings we would use as well as explain how we would go about handling the situation by using what we had been taught. However, the best part was learning how to place those who had suffered a head, neck or spine injury onto a spine board. We had to make sure not to move the head whilst rolling the patient onto the board. Once we had strapped them down, we then turned it upside down to show just how stable a patient would be. This part was great fun for those of us watching but not so much fun for those volunteering to be patients!
Finally, we completed our written practical which consolidated everything we had learned. After which, all that was left was to thank JJ for making the last three days interesting and entertaining. His wealth of knowledge was invaluable and made all of us feel more confident when dealing with any situation we might come across. Let’s hope we never have to put any of our new knowledge to the test!
