HIKING EMERGENCIES ON THE TRIAL

Quathlamba

“A mass of Spears. Named thus by the Zulu warriors before the white man came. Today called the Drakensberg, Mountains of the Dragon, a name given by the Voortrekkers. Evocative names, both equally applicable to South Africa’s mightiest mountain range with its spear-like peaks – reminiscent of the saw-toothed spine of a gigantic dragon.”

Panorama April 1966

This blog is all about the Drakensberg Mountains and its Wilderness area, South Africa. I have lost my heart and soul to this area and every single time I hike these mountains, I stand in awe all over again at this magnificent beauty.

“Listen to the streams as they gurgle from their cradles and you will hear the story of the mountains. You will hear fascinating tales if only you listen! Lie next to a stream and listen to the song of the mountains. The smiling faces of the flowers, dancing in the wind. Venture into the remote valleys or stand on a peak at sunrise or sunset, after snow has fallen, and you will hear a song that you will never forget - the Song of the High Mountain". (DA Dodds)

Hiking adventures, hiking gear reviews, day walks, accommodation, books, articles and photos, all related to these magnificent mountains will feature here.

Should you want to accompany me on a hike, or need some information or advice, please make contact with me. I hope you enjoy the articles.

Please visit the archive for some more interesting stories, photos and reviews.

Please note that all photos on this blog are copyright protected. If you would like to obtain

Photos please make contact with the author, Willem Pelser.

“HIKING THE WILDERNESS IS NOT ABOUT SURVIVAL. RATHER IT IS BEING EMBRACED BY MOTHER NATURE, THE ACCEPTANCE OF A WORLD RADICALLY DIFFERENT THAN CIVILIZATION”

HIKING EMERGENCIES ON THE TRIAL

This is not a substitute for a proper first aid course or mountain and wilderness survival training. Statistically, besides common blisters, burns, insect bites, scratches and sprains, most people will never be affected by altitude sickness, hypo- or hyperthermia, malaria or bilharzia. However, you will not be affected only if you are aware of how to avoid the dangers.

Analysis of survival cases has proved that mental stress associated with emergencies – especially with being lost and alone – produces fear and anxiety. In turn, these psychological stresses detrimentally affect judgment and attitudes. The prepared hiker can certainly curb, if not eliminate such stresses.

Obtain adequate information about your route by reading guides and relevant hiking pamphlets thoroughly.

Each member of the group should carry a map. If you don’t have enough to go around, make more copies.

Know how to use your equipment. Be familiar with the use of a compass, reading maps, lighting a camp stove, setting-up a tent, fixing a broken backpack frame, preparing foods, using a first aid kit, treating snake bites and purifying water. It is the responsibility of the hiker to prepare himself with such knowledge before setting off.

Build into your schedule ample time between overnight points. Taking into consideration stops en route for rest, nature study, food and water, the hiker should average at least 2 to 3 km an hour. Remember, however, that more time will be needed for steep climbs.

Discuss plans of action for all foreseeable emergencies with members of the party. Make sure that each member carries his own water, snacks, emergency rations and first aid kit.

In an emergency, stop immediately. Review the situation thoroughly, consider possible solutions by analyzing the weather, terrain, available resources and time of day, and only then plan a course of action which best suit your available energy, health and resources. Above all, stay calm and stay together.

Getting lost

If you lose your way on a trail, retrace your route, returning to some clear indication of the path. Make certain that you have not overlooked a change in direction. If you find yourself completely lost, stay put. Usually if the hiker does not wander aimlessly, he will not be far from the trail. Signal for help audibly and visually.

Dense smoke, produced by green leaves or grass in a fire, will generally be seen from far away. Don’t start a veld fire! If you have not wandered far from the trail, there is a good chance of other hikers or officials responding. Air searches can be assisted by placing a large, bright object, such as your space blanket, in a conspicuous place.

Air, Water, Shelter and Food

These are essentials for survival. You can live for three weeks or more without food, three days without water, three hours without protection in hostile weather and 3 to 5 minutes without air. It is, therefore imparitive that the hiker is familiar with techniques to provide these essentials if faced with a survival situation.

Water

If you become lost without sufficient water, conserve body fluids by moving only in the cool of day, taking as little as possible and keeping your mouth closed.

Study the immediate terrain, searching for clues to water sources, such as dense reeds or thickly marked, converging game trails. Large movements of animals, including birds, during sunrise and sunset usually indicate the directions in which water can be found. Dig beneath the surface of dry riverbeds, especially near the base of big rocks and cliffs where an abnormal amount of vegetation is growing, or at the base of large sand dunes on the shady or steep sides.

Many of the water securing techniques of the Bushmen can teach modern man how to survive. For example, if you find water by digging, preserve the hole with a bark lining and bury a grass bundle with two reeds projecting. The bundle acts as a sieve, and the reeds act as a straw. Dew or moisture from rocks and plants can be gathered, using a cloth to gently mop up moisture and then wringing it into a container. During the rainy season, collect water by digging a hole and lining it with a groundsheet or poncho.

The probabilities of having to resort to the extremes described above in order to find water while hiking is very slight. However, the possibility that water on the trail is contaminated with bacteria or disease-causing viruses is increasing. All water not originating from high mountain areas should be sterilized by boiling for at least 3 minutes, by adding water purification tablets; or by using one of the lightweight filters on the market: be sure to follow the instructions carefully. The use of tincture of iodine is one of the simplest, safest, most rapid and effective methods of water sterilization. It is superior to other common chemicals used to sterilize water.

Shelter

When building a shelter, avoid expending exess energy. A cave or natural depression is far superior to a complicated wooden structure. Your shelter must minimize body heat loss and maximise body protection. Choose an area protected from the wind. Avoid valleys, streambeds or areas close to rivers. Avoid camping near anthills as snakes are often prevalent there. Also avoid fig trees, as the figs are often infested with flies and insects teem around tem. Urine on paths leading into your campsite will help to discourage wildlife visitors.

Food

In an emergency, food is your least important worry and exess energy should not be expended searching for edible plants and animals. Many plants in southern africa are toxic and should not be eaten unless you are absolutely sure of their identification and edibility.

The End.

Safe Hiking.