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<\/figure>Step 1: Ensure Your Own and the Group’s Safety<\/strong><\/p> Before rushing to help, pause and assess the surroundings.<\/p> Is the terrain still unstable?<\/p> Is there a risk of you or others falling?<\/p> Do rockfall, avalanche, hard-frozen snow slopes, weather, or exposure add to the risk?<\/p> Ensure the scene is safe before approaching the casualty:<\/p> If the situation is unsafe and cannot be stabilized, do not become a secondary victim<\/strong>.<\/p> This applies on steep slopes, cliffs, river crossings, or avalanche-prone slopes.<\/p> Step 2: Approach and Assess Responsiveness<\/strong><\/p> When safe to do so, approach the casualty and talk to them:<\/p> If they are responsive<\/strong>, tell them not to move. Let them tell you where the pain is before assisting.<\/p> If they are unresponsive<\/strong>, follow the primary survey process<\/strong>. The standard ABC mnemonic is helpful:<\/p> If the casualty is not breathing, start CPR immediately and call emergency services.<\/p> Step 3: Control Bleeding and Manage Immediate Injuries<\/strong><\/p> Once you have ruled out (or managed) life-threatening airway or breathing problems, check for severe bleeding or obvious trauma.<\/p> Do not be distracted by dramatic-looking injuries; always address the most life-threatening problems first.<\/p> Step 4: Immobilize the Casualty and Prevent Further Injury<\/strong><\/p> Falls in the mountains often involve suspected fractures, head injuries, or spinal injuries.<\/p> If in doubt, assume a spinal injury<\/strong> and minimize movement:<\/p> If they are in a safe location and there is no immediate danger, your goal is to prevent further injury<\/strong> until help arrives.<\/p> Step 5: Keep Them Warm and Provide Reassurance<\/strong><\/p> After a fall, a casualty can deteriorate rapidly\u2014not only from their injuries but also from shock and cold<\/strong>.<\/p> Even in summer, lying still on the ground can lead to rapid heat loss.<\/p> Do the following:<\/p> Step 6: Decide on Evacuation or Calling for Help<\/strong><\/p> Not all falls require a call to mountain rescue, but some definitely do.<\/p> Base your judgement on:<\/p> If unsure\u2014call early. Mountain rescue teams would rather be called out and stood down than called out too late.<\/p> When calling 999 or 112:<\/p> Aftermath: Debrief and Record<\/strong><\/p> After any incident:<\/p> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In essence, falls are often sudden and unexpected. But you can still be prepared. When someone falls heavily, the actions<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":11927,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[106],"tags":[261,267],"class_list":["post-11926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-expert-advice","tag-outdoor-skills","tag-practical-experience"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"2\"](\"https:\/\/aokwit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/anthy-3381k.002.png\")
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