Distinctly Montana Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.distinctlymontana.com/i/759669
W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 57 T HE NINTH CIRCLE OF HELL, THE MOST FOREBODING DOOM OF DANTE'S INFERNO IS NOT A FIERY FURNACE, BUT A PLACE OF SPECIAL DANGER — DARKNESS, A FRIGID SKY, AN ICY LAKE, SINNERS IN VARIOUS STATES OF FROZEN ETERNITY. Surely, this literary example is a reminder to us all that humanity appreci- ates the outdoors in a very narrow temperature range, and enjoys it most in an even smaller band of perhaps just a 50-degree margin. Extreme heat or cold scurry us indoors, where we can again comfortably appreciate the temperature "norms" we all take for granted. Winter adds other perils; and a Montana winter can be a special hell for the unlucky or unfortunate. Walking or hiking is more challenging, with sudden stumbles or tumbles creating difficult or dangerous situations that may be of little bother on warmer days. Outdoor enthusiasts on skis, snow- boards, sleds, snowmobiles, skates, fat-tire bikes, and other forms of motion are especially susceptible to all manner of mishaps. Even time becomes a factor as the sun settles in early and temps fall quickly, with a precipitous loss of light and heat. As much as winter is different from summer, so does "winter first aid' vary from November through April (some would say June!) in Montana. So, what kinds of mishaps or accidents are the most common? And how to are they best treated while in winter's grip? ACTIVE PEOPLE PREVENT PROBLEMS DO YOUR WARM-UP EXERCISES If nothing else, start out on your adventures slowly before going "all-out." USE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT From your clothing to your boots, gloves, goggles and helmet — button it down! KNOW YOUR ACTIVITY AND ABILITY And know your limits too…learn, train, and take your time to achieve proficiency. DON'T GO IT ALONE — ESPECIALLY IN MONTANA If you do go it "alone" let someone know where you are headed. WHERE AM I? Soooo easy to get lost in Montana. Don't underesti- mate the snowy confusion or the forested foolery of Big Sky country. Keep track of where you are, and where you've been. Intro to wilderness first aid www.distinctlymontana.com/firstaid171 DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL CONTINUED