Helpful Guide on Steps to Provide First Aid

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Table of Contents

When conducting safaris in the Masai Mara, driver-guides must be prepared to handle medical emergencies that can arise in remote locations. Here’s a step-by-step first aid procedure that driver-guides can follow to ensure guest safety until professional help arrives:

1. Assess the Situation and Ensure Safety #

  • Stop the Vehicle: Safely park the vehicle away from wildlife or other hazards.
  • Check Surroundings: Ensure the area is safe for both you and the injured person. If the situation involves wildlife, keep a safe distance.
  • Assess the Scene: Quickly evaluate what happened, how many people are injured, and if there are immediate dangers such as fire or hazardous terrain.

2. Evaluate the Injured Person’s Condition #

  • Check Responsiveness: Gently tap the person and ask if they can respond. If they are unresponsive, immediately proceed to the next steps.
  • Call for Help: Use a satellite phone or radio communication to contact emergency services or the nearest lodge for help. Provide them with details of the situation and your location.

3. Administer Basic First Aid #

For Breathing and Circulation Issues: #

  • Check Breathing and Pulse: If the injured person is not breathing, begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
    • Chest Compressions: Place your hands in the center of the chest and press down hard and fast, at a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute.
    • Rescue Breaths: If trained, give two rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Continue until the person starts breathing or professional help arrives.

For Bleeding: #

  • Control Bleeding: If the injured person is bleeding heavily, use a clean cloth or bandage to apply direct pressure to the wound.
    • Elevate the Wound: If possible, elevate the injured area above heart level to reduce blood flow.
    • Apply Bandage: Once the bleeding is controlled, apply a sterile bandage to the wound. If available, use antiseptic wipes before bandaging.

For Broken Bones or Sprains: #

  • Immobilize the Limb: If a bone is broken or a sprain is suspected, immobilize the limb using a splint or any rigid object, such as a branch or rolled-up clothing.
    • Avoid moving the injured person if a spinal injury is suspected.

For Burns: #

  • Cool the Burn: For minor burns, cool the burn area with clean, cool water for at least 10 minutes. Avoid using ice or applying creams unless recommended by a healthcare provider.
    • Cover the Burn: Use a clean, non-stick bandage or cloth to cover the burn and protect it from infection.

4. Monitor the Person’s Condition #

  • Check Vital Signs: Regularly monitor the injured person’s breathing, pulse, and consciousness level while waiting for help.
  • Reassure the Person: Keep the injured person calm and still. Provide reassurance, and keep them warm if necessary with blankets or clothing, especially if they are in shock.

5. Handle Shock #

  • Signs of Shock: Shock can occur due to blood loss, trauma, or dehydration. Symptoms include pale skin, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, or confusion.
  • Lay the Person Down: If shock is suspected, lay the injured person on their back and elevate their legs slightly to improve blood flow to vital organs.
  • Keep Warm: Use a blanket or clothing to keep them warm, and avoid giving food or water if they are unconscious or severely injured.

6. Use a First Aid Kit #

  • Essential Items in the Kit:
    • Bandages and Gauze: For wound care and bleeding control.
    • Antiseptic Wipes: To clean wounds before dressing.
    • CPR Face Shield: For safe administration of rescue breaths.
    • Splint Materials: For immobilizing fractures or sprains.
    • Pain Relievers: For minor injuries, if safe for the patient.

Ensure that your first aid kit is regularly stocked with essential items and medications that can help with immediate care. All our vehicle rentals have fully stocked first aid kits.

7. Wait for Help #

  • Stay with the Injured Person: Stay with the injured person and continue administering first aid until help arrives.
  • Provide Updates: If possible, maintain communication with emergency responders and provide updates on the condition of the injured person.

8. Emergency Contacts #

  • Know the Nearest Medical Facilities: Always have contact details for nearby medical facilities, lodges, and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers, who can assist with emergency evacuations.
  • Location Coordinates: Use a GPS to provide exact coordinates to emergency services if necessary.

Helpful First-Aid Training to Get; #

Driver-guides in the Masai Mara can access comprehensive first aid training through several institutions, including the Kenya Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, and Wilderness Medical Associates International. These programs equip them with vital life-saving skills, essential for managing emergencies in remote safari locations.

1. Kenya Red Cross #

  • Courses: They offer a Comprehensive First Aid Course, Basic/Emergency First Aid at Work, and Advanced First Aid, covering everything from CPR to managing serious injuries. The courses last 1-5 days, with fees between KSh 6,000 to KSh 20,000.
  • Features: Practical, hands-on training and recognized certifications.
  • Location: Available across major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa.

2. St. John Ambulance #

  • Courses: Includes Basic First Aid, Occupational First Aid, and Remote First Aid. Focuses on scenarios relevant to safari drivers, such as wilderness emergencies.
  • Features: Blended learning (online and in-person) and wilderness-specific training.
  • Cost: Between KSh 5,000 to KSh 15,000.

3. Wilderness Medical Associates International #

  • Courses: Provides specialized programs like Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR), ideal for drivers working in remote areas.
  • Duration & Cost: Courses range from 2-5 days, with fees between $500 and $1,500, offering in-depth wilderness care skills.
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