When participating in outdoor activities, unexpected situations, and emergencies may occur at any time, and it is crucial to know how to protect yourself in these situations. For patients with special medical needs, it is even more important to be fully prepared and master emergency measures to protect their safety. In this article, Bever Medical provides information on how to prepare for emergency measures to ensure safety, as well as the use of nasopharyngeal airways (NPAs). 

 
Potential Emergencies in Outdoor Activities

When you or your companions have chronic conditions or specific medical needs, sometimes outdoor activity can be a great challenge. Such as sudden weather changes, unstable environments, or physical exhaustion may make the process more difficult.

• Airway Obstruction like allergic reactions, choking, or trauma, the airway can become blocked

• Falls or impacts from objects can lead to fractures or injuries that require immediate attention.

• Extreme weather conditions may cause severe physical issues

• Outdoors provide more chance of various allergens (such as insect bites or plants) 

• Conditions like chest pain or heart attacks

Before the activities, it is essential to prepare by bringing along any necessary medications so that you can act quickly and effectively in case of emergencies.

What to Prepare Before Heading Outdoors?

To handle emergencies in outdoor settings, every participant should carry an emergency kit and know how to use the tools. Here are some suggestions:

• Carry an Emergency Medical Kit: Whether you're camping for a few days or staying for an extended period, having a well-stocked emergency medical kit is crucial. The kit should include: Trauma Supplies, Medications, Airway Management Tools, Temperature Monitoring, Basic Surgical Tools, etc.

• Learn First Aid Techniques: Before heading outdoors, ensure you master basic first aid skills such as CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), bleeding control, wound dressing, and fracture immobilization. Additionally, if you're having difficulty breathing, follow your doctor's advice and familiarize yourself with the use of NPA.

• Understand Environmental Risks: Before embarking on your outdoor adventure, learn about the local climate, terrain, vegetation, and wildlife. This will help you take preventive measures, such as knowing which plants can cause allergic reactions, which animals might be dangerous, and how to stay warm and dry during adverse weather conditions.

• Prepare for Food and Water: Except for enough food and water for the trip, it's greatly important to know how to obtain clean water from natural sources. People can have less food but not live without clean water for a long time. So, it's wise to carry a water purifier or disinfecting tablets. 
  
  

What Is Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)?

The nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is an essential airway management product that can manage blocked or difficult airways. NPAs are soft, comfortable, and effective in ensuring the airway remains open. When a patient experiences airway blockage due to allergies, trauma, or other causes, the NPA can quickly open the airway and restore normal breathing.

Silicone Nasopharyngeal Airway

When to Use an NPA?

Choking or Breathing Difficulty: If a person's airway is blocked due to tongue collapse or other reasons, using an NPA can quickly open the airway to ensure oxygen supply.

Allergic Reactions: For nasal congestion or airway swelling caused by allergic reactions (like hay fever or pollen allergies), an NPA helps maintain airflow and ease breathing.

Traumatic Airway Obstruction: After an injury or accident, facial trauma or swelling may block the airway. The NPA can help keep the airway open.

Airway Issues in Harsh Environments: In situations like sandstorms or exposure to other airborne particles, the airway may become blocked. The NPA can effectively prevent choking or difficulty breathing. 

How to Use the NPA?

Choose an NPA of the correct size for the user's nasal passage. Before heading outdoors, make sure the NPA fits properly.

Apply a lubricant to the NPA's insertion end to ensure a smoother and more comfortable insertion, minimizing discomfort.

Insert the NPA gently into one nostril, guiding it towards the throat. Ensure the airway stays open as the NPA is properly positioned.

Once inserted, check if the patient is breathing normally, and ensure the person remains conscious.

In outdoor emergencies where immediate medical assistance might not be available, using the NPA can provide vital support, stabilize breathing and prevent further harm due to lack of oxygen.

PVC Nasopharyngeal Airway (Trumpet Type)

 
Safety Considerations for Fellow Travelers

When engaging in outdoor activities, it's not only your safety that matters but also the safety of your companions. Here are some critical precautions to take:

• Regularly Monitor Health Conditions: Ensure that each team member is not overly fatigued, dehydrated, or experiencing other issues during the activity. Provide help as needed.

• Set Emergency Contacts: Everyone should know the emergency response procedures and have access to emergency contacts for help when needed.

• Prevent Dehydration and Heatstroke: Ensure everyone has access to sufficient water and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, especially in hot environments. Maintaining hydration and body temperature is critical.

• Follow Safety Protocols: Whether you’re hiking, climbing, or camping, always adhere to basic safety guidelines and avoid unnecessary risks or hazardous activities.
  
  

Conclusion

It is most important to ensure safety when participating in outdoor activities. Therefore, you must prepare emergency items and safety awareness. After all, no one knows what will happen in the next seconds. It is wise to prepare the necessary first-aid tools and master essential first-aid skills in advance. For individuals with specific medical needs, understanding how to use tools like the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is vital to ensuring your safety. If you realize that you're not fully prepared, you can purchase nasopharyngeal airway products recommended by doctors at Bever Medical. We provide quality nasopharyngeal airway management products, with OEM service and competitive prices. Any interests, welcome to contact us.