SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

IN MOUNTAINEERING
AND AQUATICS
April 03, 2024
WHAT ARE SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS?
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN
MOUNTAINEERING
 FIRST AID IN THE MOUNTAINS
1 preparation / equipment
• Had, had, bicycle chain. Who does not know it. It is often only when things are
serious that you realize what you could have done beforehand. Therefore, two
important findings in advance:
a. First aid starts with the preparation. In other words: helpful things such as an
emergency kit and mobile phone always belong in the climbing backpack.
b. Theory does not replace practice. Theoretical knowledge is good, practical
application and regular repetition is better. Comprehensive first aid training is
therefore recommended for mountaineers (links below).
 FIRST AID IN THE MOUNTAINS
2 Do the right thing
Especially in alpine terrain or in remote regions, the first aider plays an important, even
life-saving role for the casualty. If the worst comes to the worst, it is important not to
become active, but to pause for a moment and get an overview.
a. Look: analyze the situation. What happened? Involved? injured?
b. Think: What are the dangers? To me? For rescuers? For sacrifice?
c. Act: Ensure personal safety, rescue or secure victim from a dangerous area, assess
victim.
d. Principle: self-protection before victim protection.
 FIRST AID IN THE MOUNTAINS
3 Alarm – inform rescue service
Once you have gained an overview and assessed the situation, an emergency
call will be made if necessary. The following applies: A good alarm system
makes life easier for the rescuers.
- (accident location)
- (procedure)
- (number of injured)
- (type of injuries)
- (any queries)
 FIRST AID IN THE MOUNTAINS
4 Assessment of the injured person
If the person involved in the accident does not react to
being spoken to, to being gently shaken or gently
pinched by the rescuer, they will be assessed according
to the ABCD scheme. There is also an extended
version, the ABCDE scheme, which is not discussed
here.
 FIRST AID IN THE MOUNTAINS
ABCD scheme
• A as in Airway: Are the airways clear? Remove obvious foreign bodies
• B for Breathing: Is ventilation necessary? If breathing, observe recovery position and
breathing. If not breathing: Begin resuscitation.
• C for Circulation: The heartbeat is checked by feeling the pulse - usually - on the wrist? If
the patient shows no signs of life, initiate resuscitation immediately. Chest compressions
and ventilations in a ratio of 30:2
• D for disability (neurological condition): Here the consciousness is tested. Among other
things, by examining the pupils. Do the pupils react to changes in brightness? Are both
pupils the same size?
 FIRST AID IN THE MOUNTAINS
Caution: Uncontrolled bleeding
can lead to life-threatening shock
and must be stopped with the
highest priority.
 FIRST AID IN THE MOUNTAINS
5 Further measures - positioning, stopping
bleeding, etc.
For external injuries, first responders should attempt to stop bleeding
and bandage wounds. Proper positioning aims to immobilize the
injured body part and reduce pain.
Important: protect the patient from cold and wet conditions. If the
appropriate material is available, fix injured limbs well.
 WRITTEN WORK
(1 whole intermediate paper; individual)

Directions: Answer the following questions.

1. Why is it important to know first the safety precautions before
doing outdoor recreational activities?
2. What is the primary goal of first-aid?
3. Why is it not advisable to remove the impaled object from a wound?
4. Explain the importance of splinting to fractures.
 PERFORMANCE TASK
(send to messenger)
Directions: Make a 3-minute (or less) video presentations regarding the following:
1. Importance of knowing the safety precautions in mountaineering and aquatics.
2. First aid for any of the following:
2.1. fracture during mounting climbing;
2.2. wounds and bleeding during mountain climbing;
2.3. jellyfish sting; or
2.4. acute injuries during swimming such as ankle sprains or pulled muscles.