Wilderness Medicine

Hypothermia is the most common cause of death in wilderness settings, accounting for about 25% of all deaths.

The first step in treating a patient with hypothermia is to remove wet clothing, as this will help to prevent further heat loss.

Dehydration can be caused by diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, or a combination of these factors.

The signs and symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, headache, muscle cramps, and fatigue.

The treatment for dehydration in the wilderness includes giving the patient water, electrolytes, and food.

Falls are the most common type of trauma in wilderness settings, accounting for about 50% of all injuries.

The first step in treating a patient with a traumatic injury in the wilderness is to control bleeding.

Rattlesnakes are the most common type of snakebite in the United States, accounting for about 70% of all snakebites.

The signs and symptoms of a snakebite include pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

The treatment for a snakebite in the wilderness includes applying a pressure bandage to the bite area, immobilizing the injured limb, giving the patient antivenom, and transporting the patient to a hospital.

Rapid ascent to high altitudes is the most common cause of altitude sickness.

The signs and symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

The treatment for altitude sickness in the wilderness includes descending to a lower altitude, drinking plenty of fluids, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and resting.

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are all common types of plant poisoning in the wilderness.

The signs and symptoms of plant poisoning include rash, itching, swelling, and blisters.

The treatment for plant poisoning in the wilderness includes washing the affected area with soap and water, applying a cold compress to the affected area, taking over-the-counter antihistamines, and avoiding scratching the affected area.