MOUNTAIN BIKING SAFETY
HOW TO TREAT SOME COMMON MOUNTAIN BIKE INJURIES
With some knowledge , confidence , and your bicycle first aid kit , you can properly administer the necessary first aid . You ’ ve got this !
BREAKS & FRACTURES
If you suspect that something has broken , keep calm ! Stop any bleeding , immobilize the area with a splint , and race to the hospital . I hate to tell you this , but you probably won ’ t be riding for a while .
BUMPS & BRUISES
You ’ ll probably get a lot of these , and that ’ s ok ! If there ’ s swelling , apply a cold compress . Otherwise , stand up , shake it off , and get back to cycling !
CONCUSSIONS
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when your head collides with something and may cause the victim to lose consciousness . Symptoms can include headaches , confusion , memory loss , incoordination , nausea , dizziness , and fatigue . If you have or suspect you have a concussion , do not drive or fall asleep . If the symptoms are particularly nasty , seek professional medical attention , as you may have received more severe brain damage . Treatment for concussions include plenty of rest , minimal activity and screen time , and painkillers .
DISLOCATED JOINTS
If you ’ re having difficulty moving a joint and it ’ s accompanied by intense pain , congratulations , you ’ ve probably dislocated it ! Do your best to immobilize the area by using a splint or sling to prevent further injury , apply a cold compress to reduce swelling , and seek medical attention .
IMPALEMENT
For those of you who tend to fly over their handlebars every other ride , you may want to take extra precautions against possible impalements . When dealing with an impaled object , don ’ t remove it ! Instead , do your best to immobilize it and seek medical attention .
If the object is dislodged for whatever reason , don ’ t panic . Puncture wounds to the torso or chest must be wiped clean and covered with a chest seal . Treatment for injuries on your limbs depends on how wide and deep the wound is . If the wound is heavily bleeding , slap a tourniquet on . Otherwise , clean the wound and cover it with gauze .
LACERATIONS & BLEEDS
Treatment for lacerations and general bleeding depends on how severe the damage and heavy the bleeding is . For particularly deep injuries , staunch the bleeding with gauze ( hemostatic gauze if necessary ) or a tourniquet and seek professional medical attention . For still deep but less concerning wounds , wash the wound out with a saline solution and close the cut using ZZIPS , wound strips , or liquid skin . For minor scratches , simply clean the area , slap a bandage on , and call it a day !
RANDOM ACHES & PAINS
Cycling can place strain on your joints and muscles , some of which you won ’ t feel until after you ’ re back home . For general soreness , alternate heat and cold compresses , eat enough protein , gently stretch the area , and get enough rest .
While it can be dangerous , mountain biking is an exhilarating activity that shouldn ’ t be avoided out of fear . Take your time , be cautious , and keep a bicycle first aid kit on hand . Stay safe , and have fun !
E3CAMPING . COM 55