Hiking In Hermanus Safety Tips

When hiking in Hermanus or anywhere else in the world it is important to remember these facts.

Major injuries from hiking are rare but not uncommon, every year there are one or two casualties but 95 percent of others enjoy the outdoors with no harm coming to them. Walking along mountain paths does not tend to break bones or kill people though there are a number of smaller injuries like cuts and scratches that can make your casual mountain meander miserable. Making sure that you are prepared for these minor accidents will leave you to enjoy the rest of your hike.

Important points to remember when hiking…

There are three incredibly important guidelines to follow when attempting relatively long hikes that are reasonably far from civilization and they are:

• Stay alive: A very simple point but the most important. If you are unable to stay alive and help the risk of nobody making it out are incredibly slim.
• Stabilize any injury: Stabilize injuries by preventing bleeding also remove the victim for the area if they are in a serious situation. If they are not in a dangerous situation do to not move them at all.
• Start recovery:  Fix any ailment experienced by you or the victim, apply pressure to bleeding wounds and bind with bandages.

You should always be safe and then ensure the safety of everybody else. If a fellow hiker is becoming hypothermic it is best to move everybody to cover first and then treat your friend.

First aid is easier to apply by preventing the need for it. Poorly prepared climbers get into the most trouble. If you are planning a long, challenging hike make sure that everybody is up to the right fitness level for it. Wearing the right clothing and shoes is a good start. Pack plenty of water, extra food and a medical aid kit for emergency situations.

If you are hiking in a new area make sure that you are aware of any dangerous animals, plants, and insects.

Basic medical aid kits are readily available at pharmacies and large shopping centres.

For those looking for a more in-depth list, these items below will make up a more comprehensive kit:

• Waterproof container
• Rubber gloves
• CPR faceguard
• Bandages of every sort, these include elastic, gauze, those for blisters, scratches and cuts
• Antiseptic ointment
• Antiseptic liquid like Savalon or Dettol
• Alcohol pads
• Heat packs and cold packs
• Wet wipes
• Cotton swabs
• Tiny mirror and lighter
• Safety pins
• Scissors
• Tweezers and needles
• Rehydrate sachets and water treatment capsules
• Medicine such as Antacid, anti-inflammatories, antihistamine pills, panados, and cortisone cream.

Before a hike check your first aid pack for any expired medication, missing items and items that are running low by doing this you are guaranteeing yourself a stress free and enjoyable hike on our beautiful mountains.

Happy hiking!

For more information about the Fernkloof Nature Reserve click here!