Mountain Safety
Dec 14, 2015
Success Criteria:By the end of this session everyone should be able to:• Describe what steps to take to avoid and treat blisters when walking.Some of you may be able to:• Apply zinc oxide tape to hot-spots.
Activities:1. Brainstorm/Powerpoint:
- What causes blisters?- What can you do to avoid them?- How should you treat them?
2. Practical- Zinc Oxide tape- Blister pads
Friction between your skin and your sock or boot
Due to poor fit or foot preparation
Your body’s way of protecting a sore area from further harm by creating a cushion of fluid
Try out your boots (and socks) before a long walk If boots are loose, tighten laces or wear additional socks If boots are too tight, get bigger ones Apply Zinc Oxide tape to known hot-spots beforehand
Available from chemists Should be a roll (or two) in your 1st Aid Kit
Doesn’t rub off or take skin away (unlike plasters!)
Helps conduct heat away from hot spots
If your feet start to hurt, STOP and address the problem Adjust boots/socks
If you do not fix the problem, it will get much worse
Apply tape to hot-spots
If you do get a blister…• Don’t burst it until you get
home• This risks infection and
greater damage to skin
If it bursts by itself…• Apply ZO2 tape and/or blister pad
over wound• If possible, let it dry out overnight
before re-applying dressing• Use antiseptic cream on raw skin