Backpacker Magazine – November 2009

The Ultimate First-Aid Manual: Environmental Threats

As much as we try to protect ourselves from extreme elements, sometimes the elements hedge even our greatest efforts. Here's what to do when Mother Nature wins.

by: Buck Tilton, Illustrations by Jackie McCaffrey

Tags:
• Survival
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• Health & first aid
|

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Sunburn
Recognize Hey, we've all been burned (remember when you fell asleep after skinny dipping?).

Treat Cool the skin with cold water, apply a moisturizer, take ibuprofen for pain and inflammation, drink plenty of fluids, and stay out of direct sunlight. If blisters form, consult a doctor when you return.

Heat Exhaustion
Recognize Fatigue, thirst, nausea, dizziness, and heavy sweating while out in a hot environment are signs that the body's core temperature is dangerously high.

Treat Have the patient rest in the shade and drink water, a sports drink, or a diluted sugary drink (add an electrolyte tablet from your first-aid kit). Spray or splash water on him, or place cold packs on his neck and groin.

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