First Aid

The ski mountaineer, when called upon for help in case of accident, must often give more than first aid, for he may be far from organized medical assistance. In addition to a thorough knowledge of first aid he should therefore be familiar with a few of the simpler medical procedures—so-called "second" aid. For the usual first-aid work, publications of the American Red Cross should be carefully studied. This chapter will go a bit beyond first aid, but the procedures should be within the ability of ski mountaineers well-trained in first aid.

Not fewer than three persons, preferably four, should undertake any ski-mountaineering trip. If, in a party of four, one member is injured, a second member stays with him while the other two proceed for help. The injured man should never be left alone, and only in dire emergency should anyone ski alone.