What to do if someone is injured in the hills

Warning:This page provides general accident prevention information, not medical care. It is not a substitute for a healthcare professional or the emergency services. In the event of a serious injury, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, chest pain, a suspected fracture or any doubt, call 112 immediately.

First, make the scene safe

Before attending to anyone, check that the location is safe: look for loose stones, slopes and traffic on a track. A second casualty makes any rescue much more complicated.

What information to give when calling 112

• What has happened and how long ago.
• How many people are in your group and the casualty's condition: whether they are conscious, breathing or bleeding.
• Exact coordinates if you have them, or a geographical reference and altitude.
• The current weather and visibility.
• A contact phone number and remaining battery level.

Common situations

Twisted ankle or knee

Stop walking, do not strain the joint and assess whether the person can bear weight. If they can walk with help, a firm supportive bandage that allows some movement (without cutting off circulation) and walking poles will make the descent easier, taking the shortest possible route. If they cannot bear weight or the pain is severe, do not move them over difficult terrain: call 112.

Wounds and bleeding

Wash your hands or use gloves, clean the wound with water or saline, cover it with sterile gauze and apply pressure if it is bleeding. Do not remove embedded foreign objects. If the bleeding does not stop with sustained pressure, it is an emergency.

Heatstroke

Very hot skin, headache, nausea, confusion. Move the person into the shade, loosen their clothing, cool them with water on their neck, armpits and groin, give them small sips to drink if they are conscious and call 112. This is a medical emergency.

A sensible first aid kit for a day walk

• Blister dressings and fabric medical tape.
• Sterile gauze, single-dose saline and antiseptic.
• An elastic bandage and a cohesive bandage.
• Nitrile gloves.
• Your usual painkiller and personal medication, with the medical report if relevant.
• An emergency blanket, small scissors and tweezers.

Having equipment does not mean knowing how to use it. An in-person mountain first aid course is one of the most useful investments if you go walking regularly.