Serious Question

mrsrunningbear

mrsrunningbear

Active member
Do to an experience I had today where my husband collided with a deer ! In a split second I watched him get knocked off his sled and tumble through the air and snow with the deer. I thought he was never going to walk away from this, he did walk away and I'm so so thankful words cannot say!! But as we nursed our way home I thought about a lot of things...

I have this question for all of you. I really thought about all the woman riding mostly but it really pertains to everyone…...

If your riding with only one other person, your riding off trail or down un-traveled un-marked trails or forest roads, maybe taking the back way/short cut home that locals do and something crazy happens and the other person gets seriously hurt! Your in the middle of the forest and you know no one else is going to ride by to help you….

Would you know what to do?? Would you know how to get help? Would you know where you are? Do you pay attention to where you’re going if your following? Would you know how to transport an injured person? What if you can’t move this person, can you leave them to get help? How would you leave them? Can you make it so they will survive while your gone? Do you have the right stuff with you when you ride in these areas to make a difference/save a life!?…especially when it’s just you left?!?
 
eagle1

eagle1

Well-known member
Definitely something to think about, especially if not trail riding and only 2 people.
This same type subject came up on a boating forum I'am on. Husband had medical emergency, luckily his wife new how to run boat, made it to port, docked.
Glad everyone is ok.
 
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freezinbevr

New member
I thought about that alot with the off trail riding we do..last year was a huge eye opener riding with a crew, got turned around for an hour or so. I'm thinkin a Gnewbies Putsing in Snow (GPS) is a good thing to have if not familier with the area!!
Glad to hear Bear is OTAY!!
Brad
 
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tomxc700

New member
Everyone should take a basic first aid class. You never know whats going to happen. Get a hold of the Red Cross in your area, they will get you up to speed in first aid.
 
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windingtrailgal

Active member
Mrs Bear, that was a lot of serious thinking!! So glad Mr Bear is OK...but I'm sure it was **** to have to see!

Two of my kids ride in our pack with a 3rd kid riding with bigdaddy or with me. EVERYONE in the group has to have a map and know the loop we are taking.

But...that wouldn't help us with off trail? We aren't some big boondockers but still. What would we do??

I'm so sorry this happened to you 2 today...but...I'm also grateful you put this up here to get me and others thinking. First aid is simple...decisions when something serious happens are hard.
 
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whitedust

Well-known member
First VERY HAPPY Mike is AOK!!!!!!!!!
Linda You & I have discussed this in the past I know you worry about me somewhat just your nature to be a Mom. I have told you in the past I ride unplowed FRS alone & sweat bullets in certain sections & just don't stop keep that sled moving cause I know nobody coming to help & really difficult walk out. I always have cell phone,space blanket, dry hat, spare gloves, water bottle, swiss army knife, leatherman tool, roll of duct tape & a few candy bars. First & foremost I ALWAYS ride with a tek vest many types but choose 1 buy it & wear it on every ride for me 661 was right. The duct tape is for bandages & broken bones + sled repairs. I did have to tape my ankle after a hard landing took a pain killer & rode on. Stopping is when I stiffen up so try to keep moving without long periods of down time. For the most part I'm a tuff old bird & refuse to lose at anything I set my mind to do. I have thought about hitting deer on trails & you can't do much if 1 comes from the side. I had 1 deer hit the berm went to his knees 2 feet to the side of my sled had another deer jump over my head. I never saw that deer my buddies behind me told me later. This may sound crazy but when a deer is on the a grade I head straight at him he will either bolt straight down the trail or go left or right thinks I'm after him & wants to get away. Works every time. Staying left or right stupid deer does not know what to do not sure of my intent but straight at him he thinks the chase is on. Yes we all ride alone at sometime so be prepared that unplanned off or breakdown. Ride with a bud if you can but if you don't have that luxury to enjoy the sport just ride slower & know where the heck you are at all times. I'm sure I glossed over a lot that others will list in much more detail & a darn good question for all to consider.

Do you guys need a helping hand I'll be riding in your area tomorrow & would be happy to help. PM me & let me know.
Pete

Sleep well Mike we don't bounce as well as we did 20-30 years ago after those offs.:)
 
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racerx

Active member
OMG...Glad he was OK!! Whew, I was worried for a minute. As for your thoughts, i can say i think about that often. You know who I ride with and for many years where he took me I would get turned around but I always try to remember we've been, altho the last two years he has taken me to your place from the SW (we jump of #2 5-10mi west of watersmeet) and I still do not remember it but that way also is some road running that has homes so until i learn that one I know I'm not far away from help if needed.

Normally we do a few things, first and formost we let the girls know we where we are headed and approx times (and we do our best to stay on that schedule and not deviate), cells are charge both of ours have good signals, GPS and xtra batteries plus lithiums for the cold, forestry maps w/compass (more detailed than a sled map), I've been trained in 1st aid CPR (altho not currently up to date).

When it was just Kris &ld stick to the more popular areas and I would not take her to unfamiliar or remote areas.
 
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sightseer

New member
Bought a product called The Spot its a satellite gps messenger.Has buttons on it for 911,help,check in and one for a customized message. Plus I carry emergency supplies and have had some first aid training.
 
skiroule

skiroule

Well-known member
Scary stuff, Mrs B. Glad everyone is OK.

There's so many variables it's hard to come up with a response that fits all situations. Some of the EMT and First Responders out there probably have some excellent suggestions.

I know I'm guilty of not making the same preparations when I'm riding locally as I would when going into an unfamiliar area or most no-local areas. One feels a little silly strapping on full expedition gear to ride 10 miles to a local restaurant, but when I read about your experience, maybe I need to rethink this. At a minimum, I'm thinking I should always carry some basic first aid and survival kits.
 
mrsrunningbear

mrsrunningbear

Active member
Thanks everyone, and yes Pete I do worry about you and others it's my mom nature for sure :eek:

It was one of those days you will never forget! Just taking the back way home rocking along at about 50 in beautiful fresh snow on our favorite FR when BANG!!
I'm thankful I know my way around the U.P. back country and all. I know I could always find my way to help. We were about 25 miles from anyone, in a big Wolf area...if Mike was hurt, No cell srevice, I thought wouldn't have been able to leave him, wounded deer, wolves, 1 hour and the sun would be down, hmmm tough call, build a fire to keep the wolves away, make a stretcher so I could drag him out, I am Red Cross Certified and had everything I really needed except extra rope to make a stretcher and a saw (which are now both in my sled) Lucky Lucky day for us...not so much for the Dragon tho

I thought on that long ride back (with Mike in front of me not knowing if he was really ok or not) about all the girls/guys that follow their leader to where ever they take them and if something like this happened even if they had cell service would they even know where they are to ask for help? ands if help can't get to you could you get out???

BE PREPARED!! IT CAN HAPPEN!!!
 
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scott_b

Member
I have been riding on and off for over 30 years (started in front of my dad when I was 3) and have had 2 occasions that really make you think.

One was with a large group and me having a very serious leg fracture. The second was with one other person and a deer collision (sounds like your husbands). I was fortunate when I broke my leg that we were close to civilization and our group was able to get to a bar and call for help. The help we received was amazing, they really did go above and beyond to get me out of the woods. When I hit the deer I was able to ride out and was OK but it really does make you think when you are laying in the middle of the trail, bought a Tek vest the next week...

The things I have learned
1) Everyone needs a map, needs to know where you are, where you were and where you are going
2) Always know where ALL of your group is
3) Have a GPS even if you only use it for coordinates
4) Know basic CPR and first aid
5) If you ride in small groups or alone, a SPOT is one of the best insurance policies you can buy.

Glad your husband is OK
 
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Polarice

New member
sightseer said:
Bought a product called The Spot its a satellite gps messenger.Has buttons on it for 911,help,check in and one for a customized message. Plus I carry emergency supplies and have had some first aid training.
Click to expand...

This is actually a great idea to get one of these.

Glad to hear that he's okay :)
 
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russholio

Well-known member
ss440 said:
You can make a splint out of a ski.
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Or sticks/branches, rolled up newspapers/magazines, lots of creative ideas for splints!

While on the subject though, there is such a thing called a SAM splint. It is made of thin pliable metal (I'm assuming aluminum) covered with a layer of thin foam. It rolls up into roughly the size of a 15 ounce soup can (maybe a little bit thicker). You unroll it and form it to the size and shape you need. And it's re-useable, though probably not a good idea should it get bloody. They take up little space and could be a handy item for your first-aid kit. 83606.jpg
 
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mrsrunningbear

mrsrunningbear

Active member
ss440 said:
Hope he's OK, I like to watch Man vs. Wild just for this reason. You can make a splint out of a ski.
Click to expand...

He's good today just sore and stiff :) Me too on Man vs. Wild!! I've learned lots from that show on survival, You can stuff cattail fluff in your coat for insulation
 
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