The short answer
Carry a well-stocked first aid kit and know how to use it, keep your own medicines with you, and learn the warning signs of serious problems such as heat illness and altitude sickness. When in doubt, get help early, and descend if altitude symptoms get worse.
Do
- Carry a stocked kit and know what is in it
- Take a first aid course if you can
- Carry your own medicines, plus spares
- Know where the nearest help is
- Descend if altitude symptoms worsen
Do not
- Carry a kit you have never opened
- Ignore a headache at high altitude
- Delay calling for help on a serious injury
- Give medicines you are unsure about
- Rely on the kit instead of training
The kit
| Group | Typical items |
|---|---|
| Wounds | Sterile dressings and pads, adhesive plasters, bandages, medical tape, saline or clean water, antiseptic wipes |
| Tools | Scissors, tweezers, disposable gloves, safety pins, a thermometer |
| Medicines | Pain relief, antihistamine, oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoeal, and your own regular medicines |
| Injuries | Elastic bandage, triangular bandage, a splint, a cold pack |
| Emergency | A space blanket, a whistle, a torch, a notepad and pen, and a printed list of emergency contacts |
Altitude sickness
Altitude illness can start from around 2,000 to 2,500 m and is more common above 2,500 m. Early signs are a headache with nausea, dizziness, tiredness or poor sleep. Medical guidance says that above about 3,000 m you should limit the rise in the altitude where you sleep to 300 to 500 m per day, and add a rest day after every 1,000 m gain.
- If symptoms are mild, do not go higher, rest, and drink water
- If they get worse, or you have breathlessness at rest, confusion or trouble walking, descend and get medical help urgently
- Drink well: guidance suggests about 3 to 4 litres a day at altitude
- Plan slowly: a quick drive up a mountain road is how most people get sick
Basic responses
- Bleeding: press firmly on the wound with a clean dressing, and keep pressing
- Burns: cool the burn with running water for a good while, and cover it loosely
- Sprains: rest, support with a bandage and keep it raised
- Heat illness: move to shade, cool the person and give small drinks. See the heat guide
- Serious injury: call for help, keep the person still and warm, and do not move them unless there is danger
Getting help
Mobile signal is patchy in remote areas, so plan how you will call for help before you go. Tell someone your route and your expected return. See the communications guide for what is legal and practical in India.
Pick the problem
Tap a problem to see the first step. This is not a substitute for medical care.
Tap a problem (6 to try)
First step for Cuts and scrapes
- First step
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- Details
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Common mistakes
- Carrying an unchecked kit. Expired or missing items are no help.
- Ignoring altitude symptoms. They can become dangerous quickly.
- Gaining altitude too fast. Sleeping height matters most.
- Delaying a call for help. Early help is cheaper and safer.
- Giving unfamiliar medicines. Use only what you are trained and sure about.
- Skipping training. A first aid course is the best investment.