Someone who has just slipped will often immediately say: “I’m fine, let me try standing up.” But after a hard fall, trying to stand up is not always a good idea.
In 2026, Quảng Ninh continues to require the prevention of unauthorized mountain climbing or exploration of areas that are unlicensed/do not meet safety requirements, while also adding warning signs and barriers in dangerous areas. This principle is especially important on:
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Mountain paths.
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Cliff edges.
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Rocky outcrops.
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Unofficial check-in spots.
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Slippery terrain after rain.
What should you check after a fall?
First, make sure the place where you are standing is not still dangerous. Then ask:
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Is the person who fell conscious?
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Do they remember what just happened?
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Do they have head, neck, or back pain?
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Do they have numbness or weakness in their arms or legs?
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Are they bleeding heavily?
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Is there any deformity in the leg or arm?
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Can they stand without severe pain?
When a head, neck, or spinal injury is suspected
If there is:
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Neck or back pain.
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Confusion.
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Vomiting after a head injury.
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Numbness/weakness.
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Loss of balance.
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Loss of consciousness.
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A fall from a significant height.
Do not ask the injured person to stand up or try walking.
The Red Cross recommends keeping a person suspected of having a head, neck, or spinal injury in the position they are in, unless they must be moved because of immediate danger, CPR is needed, or life-threatening bleeding must be controlled. Call 112 if the injury is serious or the person cannot be brought out safely.
For arm or leg injuries
If there is severe pain, swelling, deformity, or the person cannot bear weight: Treat it as a possible fracture until it has been assessed. The Red Cross recommends not trying to straighten or move the injured body part; for a closed injury, a cold pack wrapped in a towel may be used to reduce pain/swelling while waiting for an assessment.
Do not try to “set the bone” yourself
Do not:
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Pull.
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Bend.
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Manipulate the joint.
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Massage forcefully.
An injury that appears to be a sprain may actually be a fracture or ligament damage.
How should you deal with fog?
If visibility drops sharply:
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Stop taking photos.
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Do not insist on reaching the landmark/summit just because “you’re almost there.”
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Return via a clear route.
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Avoid splitting up.
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Do not follow an unverified trail.
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Download an offline map before the trip.
Mountain paths are not the place to test the accuracy of a TikTok coordinate.
Quick checklist
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Only take permitted routes.
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Rain/fog → lower your ambitions.
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Neck/back pain after a fall → do not pull the person to their feet.
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Numbness/weakness in the arms or legs → call for help.
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Do not set the bone.
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Do not remove the helmet of a person with a serious injury unless it is necessary for CPR.
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Have one person stay with the injured person.
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Send the exact location when calling 112.