Injuries and First Aid
Injuries and First Aid (10)
Most animals will not attack on the AT unless cornered or threatened. However, there are occassions when AT hikers get bit by dogs accompanying other hikers. To treat a dog bite, clean the affected area, sterilize the area by applying an antibiotic ointment and bandage the area. If the animal…
Blisters form from friction between the foot and the boot. The friction causes the outer layer of skin to separate from the inner layer of skin; and when this does, fluid fills between the two and a blister emerges. The best solution for blisters is prevention, and the best way…
To treat minor burns, douse the affected area with cold water, apply aloe, moisturizer or lotion, and protect the burn by covering it with loosely wrapped sterile gauze bandage. If the pain is severe, an over the counter pain reliever like Ibuprofen, Tylenol or aspirin will help. For good healing,…
A properly equipped first aid kit is essential for both day and thru-hikers. All contents should be inspected before each outing, and the supplies should be clean and in good condition. Medication should be updated and all expired medication should be replaced. In addition to this, it is also critical…
Heat exhaustion results when the body gets too hot because one fails to replace liquid lost through perspiration. It is critical that it is treated immediately because it can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening situation. Symptoms Symptoms include: heavy sweating, malaise, palpitations, thirst, faintness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, headache, and…
Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening situation. It is dangerous because the body produces more heat than it can release. Symptoms The two most prevalant symptoms are a body temperature reaching 105-106 degrees and changes in mental state. Other symptoms include: a sense of warmth, hot, red…
Having claimed the lives of AT hikers in the past, hypothermia is the most serious threat to hikers on the Appalachian Trail. It occurs when the body temperature cools down below 95 degrees, when body heat is lost more quickly than the body can replace it. Sometimes happening under situations…
If stung, promptly and gently remove the stinger. Then appy aspirin to the affected area. To apply aspirin topically, grind the aspirin into powder, place the powder onto the stung area, add some water and rub it in.
A mild or moderate sprain will be slightly painful and swell some. To treat a mild or moderate sprain, apply a cold compress if available, wrap the joint with elastic bandage and elevate the affected area. An anti-imflammatory like Ibuprofen will help reduce the swelling. A more severe sprain will…
For minor wounds, apply pressure to stop the bleeding, gently clean the wound, removing any foreign material, place antiseptic ointment to prevent infection, cover with sterile gauze dressing, and tape in place. Follow the same procedure for larger wounds, though seek medical help if the wound does not stop bleeding.…
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