Whilst you travel around the world, it’s highly likely that you’ll want to take time to enjoy some of the many activities on offer.
Whether you’re hiking up a mountain, swimming in the ocean or skiing down the slopes, there are so many exciting ways to enjoy the scenery around you. The only problem is that these activities don’t come without risks. Many people encounter injuries completing these activities every day of the year. The only good thing about this is that the staff that work at such attractions are well experienced in dealing with these injuries when the occur.
Whilst any incident will of course be extremely stressful, knowing exactly what these emergency workers are doing could help ease some of the concern you will feel if the worst happens. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the equipment and procedures you might encounter if you are unfortunate enough to injure yourself whilst traveling.
Injured limbs
One of the most common injuries from activities like these are broken, fractured or sprains on either your arms or legs. These injuries can be very painful but are very rarely life threatening. The only problem is being able to transport you to the hospital whilst trying to move the broken limb as little as possible, as the more you move the injury, the more pain and possibly further damage could occur. With this in mind, many first responders and first aid staff at sites like these will often have vacuum splints on standby to deal with such injuries. The most safety conscious activity sites invest in these devices as they are able to inflate gently around the problem area and prevent any unnecessary movement whilst you are transported for further treatment.
More serious breaks
If you suffer a more serious injury, it’s highly likely that you will need to be strapped onto a stretcher. The most common of these are shaped like a very shallow bathtub and have straps to tighten around each limb, removing the possibility of sliding off the stretcher. If you are a in a location which is difficult for a normal ambulance to access, like the top of a mountain or a ski slope, it’s highly likely that you will need the help of another vehicle to be moved to safety. It might seem daunting, but the most effective way to do this is to often winch the stretcher into a helicopter whilst it is mid-flight. Rest assured that whilst it may seem scary, this procedure is very common and practiced regularly around the world.
Minor conditions
For more minor ailments, it’s highly likely that you’ll simply be handed a product to relieve the pain. If you are stung by a wasp or suffer a burn, a product like Sudocrem might be offered. For sunburn, after-sun lotion may be offered to sooth the irritation. For other ailments, medication may be offered, but it is important that you read the ingredients to check whether you are allergic to any of them. One brand of medication in one country could have a completely different list of ingredients in another, so always check before taking any medication.
