First Aid in Paragliding: Standards and Protocols
International first aid courses for paragliding are primarily known as First Aid for Paragliding Pilots or Wilderness First Aid (WFA). Since flying often occurs in remote, hard-to-reach mountainous areas, standard urban first aid protocols are insufficient.
Below are the key standards and requirements for pilots and instructors:
1. Course Titles and Standards
International Designation: First Aid & CPR Certification (often specialized as Outdoor/Wilderness First Aid).
Standards: Primarily based on guidelines from the Red Cross, AHA (American Heart Association), or ERC (European Resuscitation Council).
Paragliding Specifics: The course must focus heavily on traumatology, as approximately 90% of paragliding incidents involve mechanical injuries.
2. Pilot's Competencies
A pilot must master the "life-saving minimum":
ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation): Clearing airways and checking for vital signs.
Spinal and Cervical Immobilization: This is the most critical skill. After a hard impact, a passenger or pilot must not be moved without proper neck and spine stabilization.
Management of Open and Closed Fractures: Application of improvised or specialized splints.
Shock Management: Recognition and prevention of traumatic shock.
Hemorrhage Control: Proper use of tourniquets and pressure bandages.
Equipment Extrication: Knowing how to safely remove a helmet or harness without exacerbating existing injuries.
3. Instructor's Guidelines
An instructor bears double responsibility—managing the emergency scene and ensuring the safety of the entire group.
Emergency Action Plan (EAP): For every flight location, the instructor must have a written plan including the nearest hospital, helicopter rescue protocols, and exact GPS coordinates.
Communication Standards: Ensuring the functionality of radio and satellite communication devices.
Medical Kit (Med-Kit): Instructors must always carry a fully equipped first aid kit tailored for high-altitude and mountain environments.
Triage: In the event of multiple casualties, the instructor must be able to prioritize victims based on the severity of their condition.
4. Specific Paragliding Protocols
Scene Safety: Before approaching a casualty, ensure the scene is safe (e.g., check that no other pilots are landing nearby or that a wing caught in a tree won't collapse onto the site).
GPS Coordinate Transmission: Providing exact coordinates to search and rescue (SAR) teams.
Managing Hypothermia: In the mountains, an injured person loses body temperature rapidly. Preventing hypothermia is essential, as it significantly worsens traumatic outcomes.
Summary
It is mandatory for instructors to hold a Valid First Aid Certificate, which must be renewed every two years. For pilots, it is highly recommended to undergo at least a one-day intensive training session before the start of each flying season.
