First Aid
You must know how to recognize and treat the usual issues that arise with strenuous activity, but also the cold-related ailments of frostbite, hypothermia, and dehydration
No matter where you are on the ACT, you are a long way from medical aid. All ACT adventurers, including those hiking in summer, must carry a First Aid kit and have basic knowledge of how to manage common injuries like blisters, sprains, strains, burns, and fractures. This is even more critical for those attempting the trail during winter, as deep snow, icy patches, and uneven terrain increase the risk of injuries. In these difficult and harsh conditions, any hesitation could result in a rapid loss of body temperature, leading to more serious complications.
Winter expeditioners must be hyper-vigilant about recognizing and treating frostbite, hypothermia, and dehydration—ever-present and potentially life-threatening risks in the extreme temperatures encountered on the trail. You must have appropriate clothing and know how to manage your body temperature effectively. Maintaining warmth and dryness during strenuous exercise and while at rest is critical. Those with the appropriate experience in low-temperature expeditions will know how to best avoid these issues. However, even if you are highly experienced, it’s crucial to know how to treat these conditions—just in case. This knowledge could save your life.
If you have a genuine and unforeseen emergency and need to call for evacuation, remember that it will likely take at least an hour, if not longer, for the Search and Rescue team to reach you. You must be capable of managing both your injury and your body temperature until they arrive.