Peter Clitherow
A number of small incidents on a hike to Lake Serene perfectly illustrate the need for the Ten Essentials.
The hike proceeded uneventfully, until about 5 minutes before the lake at a rocky section with a steep drop off to the right onto rocks. A hiker stepped on a loose rock and fell to the right. At the end of the fall, he was inverted.
After the group freed the hiker from this position, and assessing him, we found his injuries sustained were abrasions to both shins just below the knees and abrasions to the right forearm. The participant also thought he had re-injured a vertebra in his neck. The participant was able to self-administer first-aid with some help from two other people in the group. We asked him if he was able to continue to the lake or wished to turn around. He wanted was to continue to the lake, and after arriving there, he was able to turn his head and appeared to be moving fine.
During the descent from the lake, a different participant slipped on a muddy, wet rock and used her hands to brace herself during the fall. As a result, she sustained a cut to the right hand between the thumb and palm. The wound was washed, a bandage was applied and the group continued on the descent.
Further on during the descent, a third hiker stated that his right foot was in pain due to pressure being applied by the boot to the lower end of the fibula. He re-laced their boot but the pain continued. Upon reaching the waterfall, we suggested that he soak his foot in the cold water for 5 minutes which the hiker did. After 5 minutes, the participant put his boot back on and started walking. The participant said the pain was gone and the group continued to the trailhead.
Given the above events, all hikers stated they now see the reason to carry the 10 Essentials and have a well prepared first-aid kit.
