Essential First Aid Tips for the Mountains (Event Medics North Wales)
Go Eryri - Event Medics & Mountain Medics
Mountain environments in North Wales are stunning, from the rugged peaks of Snowdonia to the remote forest trails of Coed Y Brenin, but they come with inherent risks. Whether you're taking part in a mountain race, enjoying a hike, or attending an outdoor event, understanding basic first aid can make all the difference in managing injuries until professional help arrives. That’s why having qualified event medics in North Wales on-site is crucial for ensuring safety at your event.
In this blog, we’ll cover essential first aid tips for mountain environments and highlight the importance of having event medical cover in place for your event, no matter the size or location.
1. Injury Prevention: Understanding Risks and Preparedness
In the mountains, accidents often happen when least expected. Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of injury in mountain environments, and can lead to sprains, fractures, or even head injuries.
Statistics to note:
Sprains and fractures are the leading cause of injuries in mountain sports and outdoor activities.
Trauma-related injuries including sprains and fractures are the leading cause of emergency evacuations from mountain events.
To reduce the risk of injury:
Wear appropriate footwear with good ankle support and grip.
Pack and carry essential items such as a first aid kit, water, and layered clothing.
Always be aware of weather conditions, as mountain weather can change rapidly, increasing the risk of slips and falls on wet or icy surfaces.
Having event medics at your event ensures that in case of an injury, professional help is on hand to provide immediate care, reducing the severity of the injury.
2. How to Handle Sprains and Strains in the Mountains
Ankle sprains account for about 30-40% of all accidents in mountain sports and activities.
In remote areas, sprains and strains are common, especially for those participating in outdoor sports or events like mountain biking or trail running. Strains happen when muscles are overstretched, while sprains occur when ligaments are torn or stretched.
Signs of a sprain or strain include:
Swelling and bruising
Difficulty moving the affected area
Pain and tenderness
To treat a sprain or strain:
Rest the injured limb—do not attempt to walk or continue activity on it.
Ice the injury for 15-20 minutes every hour to reduce swelling.
Compression can help reduce swelling, but avoid wrapping it too tightly.
Elevation of the injured limb to help prevent further swelling.
In the case of more severe sprains or fractures, event medics in North Wales are equipped with immobilisation tools like splints and stretchers. They can provide fast treatment and determine if further medical attention is necessary.
3. Dehydration and Heat-Related Illnesses in Mountain Environments
Even Snowdonia gets hot!.. (sometimes.. honest..)
Even in cooler mountain climates, dehydration and heat exhaustion are significant risks during events or long hikes. The symptoms of dehydration range from mild (dry mouth, dizziness) to severe (confusion, fatigue). Heat exhaustion can quickly turn into heat stroke if not addressed promptly.
Important facts:
Heat stroke can be fatal if untreated, and it typically affects athletes in intense physical activity during hot weather.
Mountain athletes should drink about 500 ml of fluid every hour, more in hotter conditions.
How to treat dehydration or heat exhaustion:
Hydration is the first priority. Encourage fluid intake, especially electrolytes (sports drinks).
Rest in a cool, shaded area and remove excess clothing.
Cool the person down with a damp cloth or by spraying them with water.
Monitor vital signs like pulse and breathing, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Having event medics on-site means immediate treatment for dehydration, which could escalate into heat stroke without proper care.
4. Hypothermia: A Hidden Danger in the Mountains
The lowest recorded temperature at the summit of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) was -23.3°C, which occurred in January 1963…
In North Wales, unpredictable weather can quickly turn from sunny to cold and wet, putting event-goers at risk for hypothermia. This condition occurs when the body temperature drops below 35°C and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Signs of hypothermia include:
Shivering and shaking
Confusion or slurred speech
Loss of coordination or muscle stiffness
First aid for hypothermia:
Move the person to a warmer environment, away from wind and moisture.
Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry, warm layers.
Provide warm drinks (non-alcoholic) if the person is alert.
Never warm the person too quickly (e.g., with hot water), as this could cause shock.
In extreme conditions, hypothermia requires immediate medical attention, and this is where event medics in North Wales can truly make a difference, providing advanced care and facilitating a fast evacuation if necessary.
5. Cuts, Scrapes, and Blisters in the Mountains
“I went to conquer the mountain… but my blisters beat me to it…”
Accidents happen—whether from sharp rocks, branches, or simple friction on long trails. Cuts, scrapes, and blisters are common, especially during outdoor events or hiking in rugged terrain.
First aid for minor cuts and scrapes:
Clean the wound with clean water and apply a sterile dressing.
For deeper cuts, apply pressure to stop bleeding and use a clean cloth or bandage.
Blisters should be covered with blister-specific bandages to reduce irritation and prevent infection.
For more severe wounds, event medics in North Wales have access to medical-grade equipment to clean and dress wounds.
Why You Need Event Medics North Wales for Your Mountain Event…
Event medical cover isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s a critical part of managing any outdoor event in the mountains. With rough terrain, unpredictable weather, and high levels of physical exertion, medical emergencies can happen at any time.
By having event medics in North Wales on-site, you ensure:
Immediate, professional care for participants and attendees
Advanced medical equipment that goes beyond basic first aid kits
Fast response times, especially in remote areas with limited access to medical facilities
Safety and compliance with health and safety regulations, keeping your event smooth and legally sound
For events of all sizes, from hiking races to music festivals in the mountains, partnering with Go-Eryri ensures that your event is safe and well-prepared for any medical emergency.
Care for nature and care for self when up on the mountains…
Conclusion: Stay Safe, Be Prepared
Whether you're hiking through the mountains of North Wales or managing a large outdoor event, it's essential to have a solid first aid plan in place. While knowing basic first aid is valuable, having qualified event medics ready to respond ensures everyone’s safety and provides peace of mind.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—ensure your event is covered by trained event medics in North Wales.
Contact us to discuss how we can provide the right medical support for your event today!
