a.
"Proper planning prevents piss-poor performance". The Boy Scout
motto "be prepared" is a good one. Learn the skills necessary, and
plan appropriately for what you may medically encounter. Plan for
how to get someone out...know rescue avenues if any.
All of us will have preferences for what to bring and how much...learn from others who have
gone before you. I have put many kits together for a variety of settings, but have also leaned
heavily on my friends,
Drs Howard Donner and Michael Jacobs. Dr. Donner has been an
expedition physician for many trips, including Everest, and has guided trips around the world. Dr.
Jacob is a world- class sailor, kayaker, and has put kits together for long voyages at sea. They
too have spoken at WMS meetings on medical kits. These and others I have learned a great deal
from, and have incorporated some of their thoughts and ideas into this syllabus. My personal
thanks!
Also, there are commercial kits that are available from good, sound
companies. These kits have many of the basics, and allow you to incorporate
personal preferences.
One may also look at published data from agencies or organizations which
tend to be in the same environment you might be heading out in, and see what
type and incidence of injuries they have recorded. (see reference) .
From recently reported NOLS data, which places participants all over the
world, they have reported the following:
·
630,937 program days from '98-'02.
·
Athletic injuries account for 50% of all injuries.
o
30% soft tissue.
o
Sprains and strains...knees (50%), ankles (30%, backs (13%).
·
Illnesses
o
N/V/D 26.4%
o
Flu-like symptoms and respiratory 16.6%
·
Injury Profiles:
ACTIVITY NUMBER
of
INJURIES
% ALL INJURIES
Hiking with Pack
278
46.1
In Camp
103
17.1
Hiking without pack
33
5.5
Mountaineering 29
4.8
River Boating
25
4.1
Cooking 23
3.8
Sea kayaking
20
3.3
Skiing 16
2.7
Swimming/wading 14
2.3
