Prevention is the Best First Aid

Backcountry Safety Lesson of the Month

The old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is very true in the world of adventure weddings. A minor injury that prevents movement back to civilization can lead to dehydration and even death. If you are coming to Zion National Park or any of the surrounding area you need to make sure that you are prepared. Prevention is the best first aid.

Even avid hikers are more likely to get injured during an elopement. You will have a lot on your mind and may be distracted. Additionally, the hiking gear is different. A dress can block the view of a rock, dress shoes will slide more than your trekking footwear, and often you are carrying gear like a garment bag and not the usual backpack.

So here are a few things to consider to prevent needing first aid. First, know what injuries are most common in the area you are going. Then prepare yourself and your gear for the trip.

Common injuries fall into three general categories, annoying (such as bug bites and scratches), dangerous (sprains, fractures, and serious cuts), and life threating (major falls, bear or lion attacks for example).  For this newsletter I will talk about the most common dangerous injuries. These are injuries that could become life threatening if untreated but would not be if they happened at home.

1-    Sprained/strained joints, specifically ankles and knees

2-    Fractures bones

3-    Cuts, the type that may require stitches

4-    Heat injuries, heat exhaustion and heat stroke

5-    Cold injuries, frostbite and hyperthermia

6-    Dehydration.

Knowing these injuries will help you prevent them. Do not wear dress shoes (especially heals) even for a short hike. Bring them and change at the location. Wear hiking boots/shoes with ankle support. Focus on the hike during the hike, if you want to look around stop and do so. Bring head lamps of you are doing a sunrise ceremony, you will be hiking in the dark before. Wear or bring extra clothing with you “in case” you need it. Do not plan on the hike being short.  If anyone gets injured it could be a long time back. Bring water with you, equally important drink water the day before the hike.

Preparing yourself means being physically ready for the hike you have selected. Part of your prep plan should be doing some hikes with similar inclines and distances. Use the same bag or gear you want to bring with you so you can adjust the gear before if you want.

Lastly, we can put all of this into consideration when packing your gear. Headlamps, extra clothes, good shoes, water, and proper bag to safely carry it all.  January is cold in Utah and many of our parks are over 6000 feet, so don’t forget the jackets and always check the weather forecast as you pack for your trip and again before starting your hike. I look up record highs and lows when planning my trips because my bag is set for “worst case” scenarios. If your gear can handle the record high and the record low you will be comfortable anywhere in between.

Whenever possible hire photographers, backcountry guide, and/or an officiant that is backcountry first aid trained and familiar with the area!