Health: Emergencies and prevention on the Camino

If along the Way an emergency arises, you have an accident, you need urgent help or a rescue team, you should call 112.

SOS Navarra is the one-stop integrated emergency management call centre for the entire territory of Navarra. It operates 24/7 every day of the year. Any local or visitor in emergency situations can call and SOS Navarre will respond to the call by activating and coordinating all the necessary resources to solve the emergency.

Warning: If in an emergency, do not phone hospitals or health centres. Please follow the protocol and dial 112.

The continuous hiking along the Way may typically entail eventual foot injuries and other symptomatic bothers. A fairly complete first-aid kit for the Camino should include the following items:

• Sterile physiological serum for cleaning wounds.
• Chlorhexidine or other similar antiseptic to disinfect wounds and blisters.
• Sterile gauze.
• Band-aids or dressings to treat eventual blisters and small foot injuries.
• Scissors to trim the dressings.
• Bandages and tape to hold dressings if they are not self-adhesive.
• Putting in some paracetamol tablets may also be a good idea.

• Use sunscreen cream (even if it is cloudy) and reapply repeatedly in areas frequently exposed to the sun.
• Wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun.
• Use lip balm.
• Bring an insect repellent (bug spray).
• Clothing and footwear must be comfortable, not too tight.
• Use some moisturizer after your daily hygiene.
• If dermatitis, redness and stinging appear in areas of friction, such as the inner thighs, you can use specific products available in stores.
• Drink plenty of water during the day.
• Make stops to rest and eat.
• It is advisable to bring sugar sachets, candy bars or some chocolate with you to avoid hypoglycemia.