| Climbing is a sport that is exhilarating and exciting. | | | | how to treat it. It can lead to more serious altitude |
| When you're climbing, professional medical aid is | | | | sickness. |
| usually too far away. It's important to be aware of | | | | It's also beneficial to know basic first aid which is |
| how to treat minor injuries and ailments so they do | | | | usually covered in climbing classes. These classes will |
| not become serious. | | | | cover various topics; everything from the Heimlich |
| First off, make sure you pack a first aid kit that is | | | | maneuver to how to make a sling and carry a fellow |
| lightweight but still contains the essentials. Antibiotic | | | | climber with an injured ankle. They will even show |
| ointment and gauze is lightweight and can prevent | | | | you more complicated first aid such as how to tell a |
| minor scrapes and cuts from becoming infected. An | | | | fracture from a compound fracture and what to do |
| anti-inflammatory such as aspirin or ibuprofen is not | | | | in each case. |
| only good for inflammation but also headaches. | | | | Knowing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or CPR can |
| It's important to carry a small amount of sterile | | | | be the difference between life and death. The |
| water with you so you can clean scrapes and cuts. | | | | procedure is simple and short classes are offered in |
| Many climbers drink sport drinks to keep hydrated | | | | most areas and are many times free. They may be |
| but these can not be used to clean wounds. Natural | | | | available through a YMCA, an employer, or a |
| water sources may not be in close proximity and | | | | community center. |
| many of them contain bacteria that may cause more | | | | Treating common climbing ailments such as heat |
| problems; water from these sources should only be | | | | stroke, AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and frostbite |
| used as a last resort. | | | | is also important. It doesn't require a great deal of |
| Sunburn is not only painful but since your skin blocks | | | | medical knowledge but learning some simple |
| against invasive organisms, it's imports to use | | | | prevention and treatment methods will go a long |
| sunscreen. A sunburn can also make movement | | | | way. For example, frostbite can be treated by simply |
| painful and dehydrate you. Remember that you can | | | | covering the exposed tissue and heating it with |
| burn just as easy in cool climates or cold weather | | | | warm water. |
| and if there is snow then your chances are even | | | | Knowing basic first aid and how to treat and prevent |
| greater. | | | | climbing related injuries and ailments is important. |
| AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) occurs when you | | | | Remember that you will not be enjoying the weather |
| ascend too quickly in high altitudes where there is | | | | as it is in Calpe or Benidorm, so plan accordingly to |
| less oxygen. It's important to know the signs and | | | | ensure that you enjoy this exhilarating sport. |