How to avoid, treat broken bones on hike

A traumatic injury, the victim will be in severe pain and probably be unable to move the limb. They can quickly go into shock.

Children can avoid breaking bones by following the same safety rules as for falling.

To treat, you may need to straighten the bone. Straightening only should be done when the appendages below the break are blue, cold, numb or paralyzed. Use your handkerchief and gauze bandages to protect any protruding bones. Immobilize the bone by splinting the joint. This will help reduce pain.

Next, support the injured bone with a sling or by bandaging it to an unaffected part of the body. Treat for shock. You may have to carry out the victim or call for medical help. If walking out, carry the victim’s gear.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Stay on the trail when day hiking with kids

Hiking off trail means potentially damaging fragile growth.

Following this rule not only ensures you minimize damage but is also a matter of safety. Off trail is where kids most likely will encounter dangerous animals and poisonous plants. Not being able to see where they’re stepping also increases the likelihood of falling and injuring themselves. Leaving the trail also raises the chances of getting lost.

Staying on the trail also means staying out of caves, mines or abandoned structures you may encounter. They are usually dangerous places and wild animals may be living there.

In addition, never let children take a shortcut on a switchback trail. Besides putting them on steep ground upon which they could slip, their impatient act will cause the switchback to erode.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.