Outdoor pursuits of any sort pose the risk of turning an ankle. For me, it happened in Algonquin Park. I sauntered all over, exploring places I’d never been, before deciding to head back mid-afternoon. Two steps later, a hole put me over on my right ankle. I secured my ankle with this quick and easy bandage wrap, cut a staff, and hobbled out. I don’t think I could have made it without it.

Wrap it

1. Don’t remove the boot or shoe after turning an ankle. The foot will swell, and you will never get it back on again.

2. Find a piece of fabric about three feet long. It could be a scarf or even a shirt sleeve.

3. Place the middle of the bandage under the heel, then crisscross it behind the back of the foot

4. Now, crisscross on the front of the foot

5. Tuck the bandage through the same side it came from.

6. Pull the bandage as tight as the injured person will tolerate and tie as shown.

Post-injury care

Check the foot every 15 minutes for the first hour and then once an hour afterwards. Ensure circulation to the foot is not cut off (cold or numb foot).
If you think the foot has no circulation. Stop, and take off the footwear. For the first 24 hours, use the RICE technique, Rest, Ice, Compress (bandage), Elevate. After 24 hours, start using warm compresses. Warmth will cause the blood vessels to dilate (open) and start moving the swelling away. If there is still pain, then alternate the hot and cold.

Three rules for the solo adventurer:

As Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, we prepare to fail.” If you are going into the bush, wear proper footwear, carry a small first aid kit with at least one triangular bandage, and most importantly, tell people where you are going. A simple GPS will not tell anyone where you are.

Originally published in the July 2023 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS