Health and Wellness
5 Rules for Emergency Preparedness
A number of years ago, I had a terrible crash while mountain biking in a remote area. My recollection is that the tree crossed the road in front of me, but this seems unlikely upon reflection.
My injuries included a dislocated shoulder, a broken nose, and a shattered knee. If you’ve never broken a bone, let me tell you that the pain is like having your hair set on fire and being unable to extinguish it. Thankfully, I had an emergency whistle with me; these whistles produce a very shrill, high-decibel sound that carries for a mile or more in distance. Help found me within minutes of beginning to blow on it.
Cell phones are great for emergencies — until you break them or there is no reception where you are. Have a backup plan.
Rule 1: Have some way to signal for help in an emergency.
The ambulance took nearly 45 minutes to arrive from the city, and I remained on the ground until then. A former Navy Seal was one of the first responders to my whistle, and he kept me calm and covered me with his jacket to ease my shock. It was he who flagged down the ambulance and guided them down into the ravine where I…
