by Eric A. Weiss, M.D. (excerpt from his book,
A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine)

VENOMOUS SNAKE BITES

There are two classes of poisonous snakes in the United States:

• Pit Vipers (rattlesnakes, cottonmouths [water moccasins], and copperheads) have a characteristic triangular head, a deep pit (heat receptor organ) between the eye and nostril, and a catlike, elliptical pupil.

• Elapids (coral snakes) are characterized by their color pattern with red, black, and yellow or white bands encircling the body. The fangs are short — these snakes bite by chewing rather than by striking.

Best Way to Handle Mountain Bike Road Rash

Question:
Riding a mountain bike on the desert trails, from time to time I take a spill. It’s rocky here (Phoenix, AZ) and I get bruises and scrapes. What is the best way to treat the scrapes and what it the best pain medication for the soreness from the bruises?
Thanks, Ravi

Answer:
Ravi,
I have been there and done that. Here is an excerpt from our book, A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine on abrasions:

Question:

What can be done for dislocated knees in the wilderness?
Thanks, Tom

Answer:

Tom,  Here is an excerpt from our book, A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine, on kneecap and knee dislocations and how important it is to differentiate between the two.

BE SAFE Tip – Travel Tip – Always Carry Suture and Syringe Supplies

When traveling in Developing Countries carry sterile suture/syringe supplies to hand to a local professional medical care provider to insure the use of sterile needles. Over 10 million people per year contract a lethal disease such as HIV and Hepatitis through the re-use of needles.

You can get a Suture Syringe Medic Kit here.

Learn more travel medicine and first aid tips – click here for Dr. Weiss’s Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine.

Question:

Here’s a basic question… I’m getting back into backpacking after a good decade off. I am a 42 year old male and I will initially be taking 2-3 night trips in relatively remote locations . Some solo, but factor having up to 2 additional companions. Based on this info, can you offer some advice on which first aid kit would be the best combination of preparedness and size for this activity?

Answer:

Lessons Learned in the Big Sur Wilderness – Carry lots of Diphen!

The fog hit hard on the morning of November 23^rd and I awoke knowing that something was not quite right. Although the Big Sur area is well known for its low visibility and dense fog, I knew that I should be able to see more than I currently could. That’s when my longtime friend and trusty campmate, Todd, looked at me from across our tent and politely exclaimed, “WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO YOUR FACE?!”.

MYTH: Hydrogen Peroxide is an optimal disinfectant for cleaning a wound.

FACT: Hydrogen Peroxide kills not only germs, but living cells as well, thus delaying wound healing. Plain potable water or a diluted povidone iodine solution works better.

Dr. Weiss Advice – Improvisational Technique – Wound Irrigation Using a Plastic Bag and Safety Pin

Fill a clean plastic sandwich or garbage bag with disinfected water and puncture the bottom of the bag with a safety pin or pointy knife. Hold the bag just above the wound and squeeze the top firmly to being irrigating.

Carry a first aid kit with wound irrigation supplies!

Learn more wilderness medicine, improvised techniques and first aid tips – click here for Dr. Weiss’s Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine.

BE SAFE Travel Tip – Plan Ahead and Visit the CDC Website Before Traveling

At least three months before your trip abroad visit the Center For Disease Control website www.cdc.gov./travel/travel.html and you will find health information for specific destination, recommended immunizations and much more.

Be prepared – bring a travel specific first aid kit on your trip!

Learn more travel medicine and first aid tips – click here for Dr. Weiss’s Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine.

BE SAFE Tip – Outdoor Tip – Snake Bite Prevention

• Stay away from infested areas.
• Do not hike at night when the snakes are out.
• Only place your foot or hand in areas you have visually searched for snakes.
• Shake out your shoes, clothing and bags in the morning.
• Don’t try to pick up a snake.
• Wear high leather boots in snake country.

Learn more wilderness medicine and first aid tips – click here for Dr. Weiss’s Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine.