Physical Address

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Conversion tables

Fahrenheit and centigrade (celsius) temperature conversion To convert degrees Fahrenheit (°F) into degrees centigrade (°C, or Celsius), subtract 32, then multiply by 5, then divide by 9. To convert degrees C into degrees F, multiply by 9, then divide by 5, then add 32. For extrapolation into “subzero” (below 0°F) range, be aware that 1 Fahrenheit degree represents the temperature change of 5⁄9 of a centigrade…

Commonly used drugs (medications) and doses

This Appendix lists drugs that are mentioned in the book, and some that are not mentioned but that might become available. No medication is without potential adverse side effect. All medication should be given with caution. Carrying a pharmacy for yourself and other trip members comes with great responsibility and should be done under the direction of a physician. Always have a doctor and/or pharmacist explain…

Procedures

Intramuscular injection Intramuscular (into the muscle) injection of epinephrine is used to manage a severe allergic reaction. The injection may be performed with a preloaded syringe (already containing the medicine in the barrel—see page 482) or might require that the medicine be drawn up for administration. After you wash your hands, follow these instructions: 1. Select the proper syringe and needle. For the treatment of an…

Transport of the injured victim

The decision to transport (i.e., evacuate) a victim is critical. Moving a patient can be incredibly complicated, arduous, and can increase the risks for a bad outcome for both the victim and rescuers. First and foremost is to consider the ability and rescue experience of the group. This is not medicine—it is logistics, including having the right people and equipment, knowing the terrain and how to…

First aid kits

First aid kits should be designed according to the environment to be encountered, number of travelers, medical training of the party leaders, and distance from advanced medical care. The following lists include items that could be included to deal effectively with the most common problems. They are not camping lists (shelter, food, toiletries, and the like). Basic survival supplies must be adequate. The more multipurpose your…

Personal safety in an age of conflict, kidnapping, and terrorism

We live in an age of conflict and travel subjects one to criminal behavior, including acts of piracy, kidnapping, terrorism and war. It is wise to be cautious, safe, and prepared to react to situations in which you might become a victim. As with any other adverse event, prevention and avoidance is key. Safe travel General crime avoidance Don’t flaunt expensive items, such as jewelry, (dive)…

Jet lag

Wilderness medicine and outdoor persons are commonly world travelers. Jet lag is a sleep disorder that results from crossing time zones too rapidly for the human biologic circadian “clock,” which is synchronized to the sun’s cycle of light and darkness, to keep pace. It has been estimated that the circadian clock resets an average of approximately 90 minutes later each day after a westward flight and…

Wild plant and mushroom poisoning

Toxic plants and mushrooms might be eaten by curious children, or by hikers and amateur herbalists who mistake their selections for edible species. Never eat wild plants, mushrooms, roots, or berries unless you know what you’re doing. Bees that are bred to intentionally collect nectar from poisonous plants might manufacture poisonous honey. Medical history Although the narrative description of the ingestion will have little bearing on…

Animal attacks

Animal attacks Most animal attacks are from “man’s best friend,” the pet dog. Other animals that will attack humans, given provocation, include the cat, rat, raccoon, tiger, lion, skunk, squirrel, camel, cougar (mountain lion), elephant, bear, alligator, crocodile, bat, wolf, rhinoceros, and hippopotamus. Although there are unique variations to the nature of the wounds created by different animals (in most part related to the size of…

Underwater diving accidents

The Divers Alert Network ( www.diversalertnetwork.org ) maintains a 24-hour hotline (919-684-9111) to assist with care coordination and evacuation assistance for diving accidents. On land at sea level, the human body is constantly exposed to 14.7 lb (6.7 kg, or 1 atmosphere) of pressure from the weight of the atmosphere (an air column 165 miles [266 km] high). As a human descends underwater in the ocean,…

Hazardous aquatic life and aquatic infections

Anyone who gets an infection following a wound acquired in a natural aquatic environment should be treated with an antibiotic to cover Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species (use dicloxacillin, erythromycin, or cephalexin), and a second antibiotic to cover Vibrio or Aeromonas species (use trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline or ciprofloxacin). (See fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs precaution on page 498) An infection from Vibrio or Aeromonas bacteria is more likely in deep…