Glenwalk

Lyme disease or Borreliosis is currently the fastest growing vector borne infection in the world. It is a potentially debilitating disease caused by bacteria called Borrelia Burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans by infected ticks that attach to your skin to feed on your blood. Whilst the ticks are feeding the bacteria is released into your bloodstream, the longer the tick is attached to your skin the higher the risk of infection. It can take weeks, months or sometimes even years before the symptoms appear. The disease can sometimes crop up years later following an illness or period of stress.

The first indication of Lyme disease is usually a red expanding weal around the site of the tick bite, followed shortly by fatigue and chronic flu-like symptoms in the second phase of the illness. The third phase of Lyme disease is a chronic arthritis in the vast majority of sufferers. This is extremely painful and particularly affects the knee joints.

Lyme disease is preventable. The risk of being bitten by a tick can be reduced by taking sensible precautions, the most obvious of which is to wear appropriate clothing. Ticks are more visible and can be easily removed from light-coloured clothing. Wear trousers tucked into socks and long-sleeved shirts to try to prevent direct access to the skin. A general purpose insecticide used on the wrists and ankles can provide a decent degree of protection.

Learn more about Lyme Disease:
More information about the symptoms and treatment of Lyme disease can be found at www.ticktalkireland.org. There’s also some useful information about tick prevention and removal. Tick Talk Ireland is Ireland’s first Lyme disease charity and was founded by Lyme sufferers to encourage awareness, prevention & treatment of Lyme disease (Borreliosis) in Ireland. They received official charitable status in February 2011. 

First Aid Guidelines For Glenwalk Leaders.

 Glenwalk Hillwalking club is totally committed to the safety of all its
members and all walk Leaders have a duty of care towards the walkers in their
group.

 First aid is the skilled application of accepted principles of treatment on the
occurrence of any injury or sudden illness, using facilities or materials
available to you at the time. It is the approved method of treating a casualty
until professional help arrives.

 It is the responsibility of every Glenwalk Leader to ensure that they are up to
date in knowledge and skills of First Aid.

 The Club organises certified First Aid training courses on a regular basis.

 The Club will provide a First Aid Kit to all its Leaders and it is the
responsibility of each leader to carry this kit when leading walks.

 It is also the responsibility of the Leader to ensure that the contents of the kit
are replenished when used and that all items are within expiry date. New stock
can be obtained by contacting First Aid Co-ordinator.

 Storm shelters & high visibility jackets are available for First Aid purposes on
every main walk and it is the responsibility of the Leader to ask committee
members for same.

Recommended contents of First Aid Kits

 1 Plastic sheet resuscitation mask
 Antiseptic wipes
 2 Pairs latex gloves
 1 Large sterile dressing
 1 Medium sterile dressing
 1 Pack gauze swabs
 2 Triangular bandages
 1 Elastic crepe bandage
 1 Length fabric plaster
 1 Packet steristrips
 1 Roll zinc oxide tape
 1 Pair eye pads
 1 Shears/Scissors
 1 Tweezers
 2 Compede heel packs
 2 Rehydration fluid
 1 Insta-Glucose
 1 Saline solution
 1 Burn gel
 1 Ziploc plastic bag for soiled dressings

Approved by Club Committee March 2009

The club organises map reading and navigational skills courses annually. Please check regularly for updates for the next course.