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First Aid - This page is a splatter of tips and facts on what backpackers should be aware of, for field firstaid. This is for informational purposes only, in no way is it to considered professional medical advice.
While hiking when it's very cold, sooner or later Jack Frost will meet you on the trail. When he touches you most hikers don't realize how quickly he'll cause damage to your skin. A little nip from him could cause permanent damage, like highted suscepibility to cold and sensation loss.
Symptoms
1. White patches of "frostnip," usually appearing on nose or cheeks, before any pain is felt.
2. Skin feels "woody, waxy, white or grayish, numb.
3. Advanced frostbite appears as black skin or blisters.
Prevention
1.Before heading out dress in layers, always carry extra socks (can be used as gloves).
2. Ibuprofen improves circulation, take some with plenty of water beforehand.
3. When feet get cold massage them, swing legs to get circulation flowing.
4. When hands get cold, windmill your arms, to get circulation.
Field treatments
If showing frostbite symptoms, the key is to thaw affected areas by Rapidly Rewarming Them!
1. Hold a warm hand against numb ears or nose, if possible have a buddy breathe on them.
2. Put a cold hand or foot in your armpit, or in a buddy's, or their stomach.
3. Pee on hands and feet.
Advanced frostbite
1. Immerse area in warm water 20 - 40 mintues. Don't Rub Skin!This might break the skin, leading to infection.
2. Take ibuprofen to reduce pain and tissuse damage.
3. After sin turns soft, and is pink or red again, apply a thin layer of aloe vera, cover with a non-stick dressing, splint and elevate the limb. Try to get medical help as quickly as possible.
Hypothermia means lowered deep-body temperatue. It will most likely to happen at very cold temps, but can occur above 40 degrees, if one becomes chilled from rain, sweat or submersion in cold water. Low body temperature affects the brain, makes one unable to think clearly. which is dangerous, because one may not know it's happening, and won't be able to do anything about it. If your body temperature falls 4 degrees below norm (98.6), you risk serious illness, even death.
Symptoms
1.Shivering, cold abdomen,hands and feet.
2. Mental confusion, memory loss, exhaustion,drowsiness.
3. Slurred speech, fumbling hands. Adults lose pallor, infants have bright red cold skin and low energy.
4. Unconscious, may not seem to breathe or have a pluse.
Prevention
1. Dress layered and warmly.
2. Eat enough food to stay active and maintain body heat.
3. Don't over do exposing yourself to the elements.
Field treatments
1. If conscious: Exercise, body contact, chemical heat pads, hot sweet drinks (no alcohol), sleep bags. Don't rub hands or feet roughly.
2. If unconscious: CPR, but handle body Gently, Jolts adversely affect heart function.
Altitude, sometimes called mountain sickness, can affect anyone. Lack of oxygen is the underlying cause of any of the five forms of this sickness. For example, at 11,500 feet, oxygen content of air is 35% less than at sea level. The severity of these forms vary widely in a person, even when at the same altitude, on different occasions. The table below lists the forms and symptoms. These forms are NOT separate. A person may show any combination of them.
| Forms | Symptoms |
(AMC) | Headache, nausa, fatigability, vomiting,feeling of unwellnes. |
| Bleeding, swelling in the membranes behind the eye, causes visual defects. | |
| Cough, progressive shortness of breath, weakness. | |
| High Altitude Cerebral Edema | Severe headache, coordination loss, defective thinking, loss of consciousness. |
| Fluid retention of face, ankles, hands and feet. Note: Edema is abnormal accumulation of fluid, so an early sign is lack of urination. |
Field treatments
The high altitude forms are all better to be prevented than treated. Acclimatizaton to altitude, by slow ascent is the best prevention. Avoid a direct climb (for sleeping purposes) to 9,000 feet (2744 meters) plus. At least two nights sleep at 8,200 - 9,000 (2500-2744 meters) feet, and no more than 1,500 (457 meters) more feet per day there after. Exceeding these altitudes brings a greater risk to get sick.
A diet high in carbs may help.
Keep well hydrated with juices and water.
Normal rest is important.
Acetazolamide is a prescription drug that is used to prevent or reduce symptoms.
Most important, DESCENT , at once, if any symptoms of pulmonary or cerebral edema develops.
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