Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
muscle cramps and violent bursts of energy. Irrationality may take the form of sufferers
claiming they are warm and trying to take off their clothes.
The early recognition and treatment of mild hypothermia is the only way to prevent
severe hypothermia, which is a critical condition.
For mild hypothermia, get the person out of the elements, remove clothing if it's wet
and replace it with dry, warm clothing. Give hot liquids (not alcohol) and high-energy,
easily digestible food. Allow the victim to slowly warm - don't rub.
FROSTBITE
This refers to the freezing of extremities, including fingers, toes and the nose. Pain and
swelling are inevitable. Signs of frostbite include a whitish or waxy cast to the skin, or
even crystals on the surface, plus itching, numbness and pain.
For frostbite, warm affected areas by immersion in warm (not hot) water or warm with
blankets or clothes (only until skin becomes flushed). Frostbitten parts should not be
rubbed, and blisters should not be broken. Get medical attention right away.
SAFE WATER
Giardia
» This microscopic, waterborne parasite causes intestinal disorders.
» Symptoms - which can appear weeks after exposure - include chronic diarrhea,
cramps, bloating and appalling gas.
» See a doctor if you have symptoms. Treatment requires a course of antibiotics.
Prevention
» Don't drink any snowmelt, stream, lake or ground water without filtering it.
» Boiling water for 10 minutes is effective against most microbes
except
giardia.
» Use a filter at 0.5 microns or smaller, a Steripen or treat with water tablets.
Heat
DEHYDRATION & HEAT EXHAUSTION
Dehydration is a potentially dangerous and generally preventable condition caused by ex-
cessive fluid loss. Sweating combined with inadequate fluid intake is one of the most
common causes of dehydration in trekkers, but other important causes are diarrhea, vomit-
