Ski Course
First aid
Skiing is among the extreme sports that lead to increasing the adrenaline, exciting experiences and delight. However, there is always certain risk of losing balance and falling down on the slope. If this happens on a backcountry slope, the probability to find a person to help you is minor than on pistes with other skiers. In case of an accident in such areas, it is more difficult to find immediate help. That is why it is necessary to acquire certain First Aid knowledge to be able to help your companions instead of just panicking. This way you will be able to perform the necessary actions until the professional medics come.
At first, here is some information about the most probable injuries someone can get in skiing. In order to apply some help in these circumstances, an expert course is strongly recommended.
Bleedings
If sticking plasters and some other methods do not help, more serious actions are required. To prevent a big blood loss, using a tourniquet is the way to reduce severe bleeding. In order to learn how to apply a tourniquet, you need special knowledge.
Sprains and strains
When your ligaments are pulled too much, then you have caused a sprain; in case the muscle fibers are overstretched, this is a strain. Both should be treated with special care.
Fractures
Fractured extremities should be immobilized but applying a device such as splint is needed. With additional training you can learn to use it in case of injury.
Spine/neck injuries
Injuries that regard spine and neck are very serious and require special learning. Managing such a case may be dangerous if not trained enough, because it can lead to further paralysis.
Frostnip/ frostbite
Frostbite and frostnip are skin irritations that may appear in cold weather, when your limbs and skin are too exposed to the chill.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia may occur in extremely windy and cold weather, when the body temperature decreases rapidly and can be very dangerous.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
In situations when someones pulse cannot be discerned and there is no breathing, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is the emergency procedure that should be applied. For this procedure you need a special training in order to perform it properly.
Basics of the First Aid in skiing
In case of a serious incident, first you have to indicate to others the location of the victim by sticking a pair of crossed skis right above the incident area. After that use your mobile or send a person to call the rescue team. In any case, one of you should stay with the victim.
It is very important that you remain calm and keep control of the situation in order to suppress the tension, already caused by the victim. Do not panic but think about the different steps you should undertake. Ask the victim how does she/he feel and check the reply if the victim can answer you can judge if he/she is conscious. If you do not receive response, you have to provide the person enough open airway by tilting the head back, as the chin is directed up. Control the breathing signs and check the air flowing from the nose to assure yourself that the victim is breathing. Then check the pulse and eye blinking to control the blood circulation.
What you should also do is to ensure the victim feels warm and comfortable by removing the skis but keeping his/her boots. If you suspect there is a neck or spine injury do not move them. You should treat temporarily the bleeding spot by direct pressure and elevation if possible.
Most common accidents on the slope are the minor injuries. Even if they seem insignificant, such incidents as leg injuries (including strains and sprains), shoulder dislocations and broken arms may appear to be serious. Therefore, the affected person may need to be taken down in a rescue sledge. If serious, leg and arm injuries should be treated until the rescue team comes. In order to provide minimal movement, bind the arm with a scarf or jumper and splint the injured legs by appropriate piece of wood or ski poles as a device.
How to treat the skiers with lost consciousness put them carefully to lay aside and ensure their mouth is empty. If you cannot feel their pulse or breathing, there is a need of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
Remember that the victim should not be given any alcohol.
Here is an example of the checking list for the First Aid Kit.

Any regular medicines that you accept

Painkillers (Paracetamol, No-Spa, etc)

Anti-inflammatories

Elasticated bandage

Sticking plasters

Blister protection medications

Tampons or sanitary towels