5 COMMON

BUSHWALKING
INJURIES,
PREVENTION AND
TREATMENT
Tarquin Brown
 BLISTERS SPRAINS AND STRAINS
PREVENTION PREVENTION
Ø Ensure footwear fits properly & worn in Ø Watching where walking
Ø Keep feet dry – dry wet feet Ø Good footwear
Ø Stop when you feel a hot spot developing – clean and dry area Ø Pre-Conditioning
TREATMENT TREATMENT
Ø Pre-emptive taping Ø RICE – Rest, Ice, Compress & Elevate
Ø Apply tape, vasoline to reduce heat and friction Ø Minimise weight bearing
Ø Change dressing daily
HEAT EXHAUSTION OR HYPOTHERMIA
SNAKES AND SPIDER BITES PREVENTION
PREVENTION Ø Keep hydrated – before and during
Ø Keep an eye out Ø Wear sun protection – hat, sunscreen
Ø Stick to paths/designated walking track Ø Avoid walking in hottest part of day
Ø Avoid, back away slowly and reroute Ø Proper clothing
TREATMENT Ø Eating snacks for energy
Ø Lie patient down Ø Rest breaks
Ø Apply pressure immobilization bandage over bite site TREATMENT
Ø Apply second immobilization bandage starting at fingers or toes
Ø Seek Shade and lie down
and working as far up the limb as possible
Ø Remove unnecessary clothing
Ø Ring Emergency Contacts Below
Ø National Parks - Ranger 8391 8800 Ø Find shelter
Ø Flinders Medical 8204 5511 Ø Remove wet clothes
Ø Emergency – 000 - 112 Ø Get them warm – sleeping bag – between others