An ankle injury can make the return the hardest part of a walk. Stop before trying to push through pain on uneven ground.
Make the stopping place safe
Inform the guide and keep the group together. Move away from immediate hazards only if safe. Protect the injured person from exposure while assistance is arranged. Appearance alone cannot reliably distinguish a sprain from a fracture.
Seek assessment when needed
Severe pain, inability to bear weight, deformity or numbness needs prompt medical assessment. Follow NHS sprain guidance and emergency professionals' advice. A makeshift support does not prove a steep descent is safe.
Prepare the logistics
Before an Atlas trip, ask about exits and communication if someone cannot continue. Keep first-aid supplies accessible and consider appropriate training. See the first-aid packing guide. Knowing how to obtain suitable help matters more than memorising a dramatic rescue technique.
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Atlas Hikes
Editorial team