Catastrophe On A Mountain Top - Can First-Aid-At-Work Training Hold The Answers

Mountaineers often form great bonds with each other, and lifelong friends are often made. Each climber has the common goal of summiting, but this can sometimes be at the expense of their own safety or their climbing partners. Rock climbing, hiking and alpine assaults up mountains are fraught with hidden dangers, which has raised the issue of the importance of first aid at work training.

If you took most of the injuries that are sustained on mountain tops down to a safe inhabited area, then nearly all the injuries / illnesses could be easily treated. It is the environment of mountain ranges that undoubtedly causes the problem. They are often inhospitable places where help can at times be days away. They are also generally very exposed where extreme weather can set in a matter of hours.

Any injury or illness you have will be compounded by the cold & windy conditions, which will exacerbate its effects. Quick thinking needs to be coupled with first aid treatment, otherwise death is a real possibility.

The Mount Everest debate is a classic example of some of the darker aspects of mountaineering. There are various stories where climbers have left people to die in order to satisfy their own desire 'to reach the top'. It is extremely hard to administer first aid at high altitudes, but part of being a first aider is also about thinking on your feet and assessing a situation. In this case surely it should all be about organising as many people as possible to help someone down a mountain? That would be a good example of first aid where there wasn't even a requirement to tie a bandage or deal with any blood.

It is also essential to be able to recognise when it is time to safely retreat off a mountain. Climbers often get themselves within touching distance of the top, and the lure of the summit can sometimes haze judgement. The best climbers when faced with these situations will retreat safe in the knowledge that they will be alive to climb another day. Just a misjudgement of one hour can cause climbers to descend in darkness, which is fraught with many dangers.

Recently in April this year a man was stranded on an 8,000 foot peak in Idyllwild. Upon descending he realised he was not able to navigate around a section of ice. In this case he was able to call 911 and was rescued by the emergency services. This is a unique situation however as in the world of mountains help is not always readily available at the end of the phone. Preparation is key, and knowing ones limits is paramount.

All budding mountaineers or professionals should make sure that their first aid at work training is up to date. It doesn't matter if you are the best climber in the world if you can't save someone else in need. The training can give you an insight into how to deal with fractures and heavy bleeding, and also addresses the key issue of hypothermia. In the event of encountering an accident or illness all resources should be applied to helping that person no matter how hopeless it seems. The little things you do could make a difference whilst you await the help of mountain rescue. So stay safe this climbing season and be prepared for all eventualities.

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