Chapter
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01 - Alpine Basics
Alpine climbing basics and material
02 - Tour planning
Preparation and tour planning of alpine climbs
03 - On the rock face
Climbing know­ledge and be­lay­ing tech­niques
04 - Rescue methods
First aid and rescue methods
FIRST AID IN THE MOUNTAINS
Anaphylactic shockAsthmaHeart attackHeat exhaustionCardiovascular problemsStrokeSnake biteSunstrokeHypothermiaHypoglycemiaConcussionCuts to the headCervical spine injuriesShoulder injuryArm woundBroken armWrist fractureAmputationsFractured pelvisBlunt abdominal traumaSpinal injuryRib injuryContusionsLeg woundKnee injuryBroken legAnkle injury
LAB ICE
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Wrist fracture
Wrist fracture

Wrist fracture

While climbing, ascending or descending, any fall that is broken by the hands can lead to a fracture of the wrists.

Step 1: Check for discoloration

Although not life-threatening, a wrist fracture can be very painful. Climbing is no longer possible. The fracture site may slowly turn purple and the joint may appear displaced.

Step 2: Attach splint

If help is a long way off, or if you need to rappel or descend further, it is a good idea to splint the wrist fracture. If a rescue team can reach the accident site quickly, it is sufficient to protect the arm with a sling.

Applying a splint always means moving the arm and this causes pain. So it is best to practice applying a splint in advance so as to be prepared in the event of an emergency. The splint is folded double, formed into a gutter shape and then carefully laid under the injured arm. The splint is now tied loosely to the arm using a gauze or elastic bandage to fix it in place.

Step 3: Attach an alternative aluminum splint

If you don’t have an aluminum splint on hand and a splint is necessary, you can improvise using a topo. This should be rigid enough to provide the required support.

Step 4: Make a sling

The splinted arm is placed in a sling so that the injured person does not have to hold the arm unsupported. This is done by tying a small knot in the 90° corner of a triangular sheet of cloth. This end serves as a pocket for the elbow. One end of the triangle is now fed carefully under the injured arm and tied behind the neck to the other end to form a sling. The fingers should also now be inside the sling.

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