First aid tips and advice while snowboarding

Extreme sports are very exciting and fun. On the other hand, snowboarding is also considered dangerous to many people. The risk of falling can lead to several serious injuries if the rider is not careful. Some injuries are unavoidable and bound to happen. Being alone while snowboarding increases these risks.

Being calm and knowing what to do in any given situation can significantly decline the level of these risks. That is what first aid is all about. Learning the proper techniques prepares you in responding to these situations instead of freaking out.

The data provided in the article is not meant to be taken as the only form of information when it comes to first aid. Referring to your health care provider for more advice is recommended.

First Aid and the Basics

When it comes to an emergency situation, you must take care in remembering to:

Stay calm and keep control of the situation- freaking out will only put fear in yourself and anyone else who is involved.
Recite your ‘Dr. ABCs’- This term refers to the actions needed during a First Aid situation:
D – Danger
Make sure the area of the injury and your location is safe. If you are not the victim, make sure he or she is safe. Don’t become victim #2
R – Response
Is the victim responsive to your voice? If so you can skip the next few steps (ABC) and go straight to S. If the victim does not respond, administer the next critical steps:
A – Airway
Clear the passageway between the throat and mouth. You can do this by tilting the head back to point the chin in the air
B – Breathing
Listen to your victim’s chest and place your hand above his or her nose to see if they are breathing.
C – Circulation
Does your victim have proper blood circulation? Check for a pulse and vital signs such as red cheeks or body movement
Seek Help
If you are lucky to be with a group of people, divide them into two separate cliques and lead one to search for immediate assistance. If there is a phone close by, call 911 or the emergency hotline for that area. Slowly and clearly explain the situation and location of the accident. Include indications of the victim.
After executing the ‘Dr. ABCs’ routine, use your first aid kit to clean and bandage the injury.

Kits and What They Should Include

Examples of basic first-aid items:

Bandages – Band-Aids and thicker wraps for cuts, scrapes, etc
Tweezers – the slant-tipped sort
Alcohol prep pads – for disinfecting wounds
Ibuprofen – pain pills are good at easing swelling
Benadryl pills – for allergic reactions
Following these basic steps and keeping a first aid kit with you at all times will help in remaining calm and administering the right treatment if you happen to find yourself in a sticky situation. Snowboarding in a group will also assist you in getting help quickly in case you happen to stray from the regular population.