WELLNESS AUTHOR
Sam Hacker
WILD AND SAFE n While camping or hiking, what
type of injuries are most common and how can we avoid them as we enjoy the outdoors?
W
hen preparing for a camping or hiking trip, packing a first-aid kit is crucial. The second thing to remember is if you get injured while in the wilderness, you must stay calm, regardless of the injury’s severity. Fear and frustration only make things worse as moving around can aggravate injuries and start a downward spiral into panic. Mike Stephenson, a retired firefighter who spent the last 15 years teaching emergency first aid, shares some key things to remember if you’re injured in the wilderness.
dealer like REI,” Stephenson says. “Having the correct shoes goes a long way to prevent injuries.” Stephenson also recommends having a walking stick or trekking pole. “(They) provide extra leverage (and) help to probe for anything unstable on the path ahead of you,” Stephenson says. “Most extremity injuries happen when you are going downhill; you step on loose rock and tend to fall, unable to catch yourself as you slide.”
Extremity Injuries
Stephenson says the most common injuries for adults are extremity injuries, which include things like sprains or twisted ankles. While training won’t necessarily prevent all injuries, Stephenson says training helps decrease the likelihood of injuries. Having the right equipment and conditioning is key to avoiding these injuries, along with having the right type of shoes. “I will absolutely spend the money to get good shoes, especially from a reputable
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