First aid in the forest: What to do in case of an accident?
Two friends head to Gaspésie for a fly-fishing trip. One of them, wearing his overalls, is walking in the river when he slips on a rock, falls hard, and ends up with his right knee swollen, soaked, and unable to get up on his own. So, would you know what to do and provide first aid in the wilderness?
Indeed, that’s exactly what Airmedic, in collaboration with SIRIUSMEDx, the experts in first aid in the wilderness and remote areas, taught outdoor enthusiasts who gathered at the Base Plein Air Sainte-Foy for an extraordinary full weekend during the Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Rendezvous! An immersive event, truly one of a kind.
A personalized interactive course
In case of an accident, panic combined with adrenaline will affect your reflexes and knowledge. That’s why it is essential to practice first aid in a controlled environment.
Airmedic and SIRIUSMEDx provided unique experiences, challenging participants’ first aid skills in a remote area through an interactive course. They designed a course simulating emergency scenarios in isolated regions. All participants, regardless of experience level, had to manage an ankle injury requiring helicopter evacuation. The goal? To develop the right reflexes.
Participants of all ages learned how to improvise a splint using basic equipment and the resources available to them. Next, the first-aiders of the day communicated with Airmedic’s emergency dispatch center, providing all the necessary information for the rapid deployment of the helicopter. Finally, they learned how to prepare a safe landing site.
Demonstrations more realistic than life
Whether it’s a fall into a river or a hunting accident, critical situations strike without warning. Knowing how to respond in case of an accident can save a life. That’s why our experts shared their knowledge through rescue demonstrations requiring first aid and air medical transport.
Key steps for first aid in the wilderness in case of an emergency
- Assess the scene: Ensure the victim is safe and protected from the elements.
- Perform the primary survey (ABC): Check the victim’s level of consciousness, breathing, bleeding, and signs of distress.
- Contact the Airmedic dispatch center: Provide essential information for a rapid deployment.
- Perform the secondary assessment: Take vital signs and ensure the victim’s comfort.
- Create an improvised stretcher: Use whatever resources are available on site.
- Choose a landing site: Find a flat area measuring 100 feet by 100 feet.
- Prepare the site: Remove any loose or unstable objects.
- Transmit key information: Assist the Airmedic medical team in responding effectively.
Better safe than sorry
If you find yourself in a remote area, help will take some time to arrive. That’s why it’s important to have prior training and to carry a fully equipped first aid kit with you.
Discover SIRIUSMEDx training courses.
This inaugural edition of the Sainte-Foy Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Rendezvous offered a direct showcase of the worlds of fishing, hunting, and trapping. Experts had the opportunity to refine their knowledge, while beginners could be introduced to these practices in harmony with nature. Several wildlife experts offered a wide range of activities, including snare-making workshops, a trap-boiling station, fly-tying workshops, a fly-fishing tournament, demonstrations of canine skills and falconry, and much more.
This initiative took place as part of the Major Events organized by the Groupe Plein Air Faune, supported by members of the Fédération québécoise pour le saumon atlantique (FQSA), the Quebec Outfitters Association (QOA), the Fédération québécoise des chasseurs et pêcheurs (FédéCP), the Zec Network, as well as the Fédération des Trappeurs Gestionnaires du Québec (FTGQ).
See you next year!
