Which practice supports both navigation and patient care during wilderness rescue rehab?

Which practice supports both navigation and patient care during wilderness rescue rehab?

• A. Using only GPS and ignoring weather and warmth.
• B. Relying on team chatter for direction.
• C. Map/compass, GPS, weather awareness, and maintaining patient warmth and comfort.
• D. Only prioritizing navigation without patient care.

Answer: (C)

Integrating navigation skills with patient care in a wilderness rescue scenario is the key idea here. The best practice brings together map and compass with GPS, stays alert to weather conditions to anticipate hazards and plan safe routes, and focuses on keeping the patient warm and comfortable so they remain stable during rehab and transport. This combined approach ensures rescuers can reach the patient efficiently while also meeting immediate care needs, which is essential in the field. Using GPS alone while ignoring weather and warmth can put both rescuer and patient at risk. Relying on team chatter for direction is unreliable, and prioritizing navigation without addressing the patient’s condition neglects critical care needs.