The Art of Hiking - Hiking Alabama: A Guide to the State's Greatest Hiking Adventures - page 454

3. Make a note of the circumference of the limb at the bite site and at various
points above the site as well. This will help you monitor swelling.
4. Evacuateyourvictim.Ideallyheshouldbecarriedouttominimizemovement.
If the victim appears to be doing okay, he can walk. Stop and rest frequently,
andiftheswellingappearstobespreadingorthepatient'ssymptomsincrease,
change your plan and find a way to get your patient transported.
5. If you are waiting for rescue, make sure to keep your patient comfortable and
hydrated (unless he begins vomiting).
Snakebite treatment is rife with old-fashioned remedies: You used to be told to
cut and suck the venom out of the bite site or to use a suction cup extractor for the
same purpose; applying an electric shock to the area was even in vogue for a
while. Do not do any of these things. Do not apply ice, do not give your patient
painkillers, and do not apply a tourniquet. All you really want to do is keep your
patient calm and get help. If you're alone and have to hike out, don't run—you'll
only increase the flow of blood throughout your system. Instead, walk calmly.
Dehydration. Have you ever hiked in hot weather and had a roaring headache
and felt fatigued after only a few miles? More than likely you were dehydrated.
Symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, headache, and decreased coordination
and judgment. When you are hiking, your body's rate of fluid loss depends on the
outside temperature, humidity, altitude, and your activity level. On average, a
hiker walking in warm weather will lose four liters of fluid a day. That fluid loss is
easily replaced by normal consumption of liquids and food. However, if a hiker is
walking briskly in hot, dry weather and hauling a heavy pack, he or she can lose
one to three liters of water an hour. It's important to always carry plenty of water
and to stop often and drink fluids regularly, even if you aren't thirsty.
Heat exhaustion is the result of a loss of large amounts of electrolytes and of-
ten occurs if a hiker is dehydrated and has been under heavy exertion. Common
symptoms of heat exhaustion include cramping, exhaustion, fatigue, lightheaded-
ness, and nausea. You can treat heat exhaustion by getting out of the sun and
drinking an electrolyte solution made up of one teaspoon of salt and one table-
spoon of sugar dissolved in a liter of water. Drink this solution slowly over a peri-
od of one hour. Drinking plenty of fluids (preferably an electrolyte solution/sports
drink) can prevent heat exhaustion. Avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the
day, and wear breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.