You may have heard of trench foot as a condition that soldiers contract from wet boots, but did you know that anyone can get it pretty much anywhere there’s water? Trench foot is part of a family of injuries called immersion syndrome that can cause severe damage if treated improperly. Keep reading to learn more …
Though we often see it used for drama in fiction or teased for views on reality television, the truth of hypothermia is actually a very serious, life-threatening one. Knowing how to treat hypothermia in the wilderness and how to prevent it all together can mean the difference between life or death. Read on to learn …
Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, red bumps or welts on the skin. This condition is usually the result of an allergic reaction, which causes the body to release histamine and other chemicals, leading to redness, swelling, and itching. Hives can be triggered by …
The most serious heat related illness is heat stroke. In simple terms, heat stroke is a breakdown of the cooling mechanisms of the body, induced by high body temperature. Someone who is experiencing heat stroke may stop sweating altogether and the skin will appear dry and hot. The pulse is usually strong but rapid. The person may have …
Health and safety should be your top priorities in any survival scenario. You must be aware of your body and address any issues immediately to avoid complications. One commonly overlooked skin issue is prickly heat rash. It is usually mild and goes away on its own. Still, it can lead to severe complications if you …
What are heat cramps, exactly? Knowing what heat cramps are can enable you to save you from terrible pain as well as potential muscle tears and hospitalization. Heat cramps are muscle spasms that occur during exercise in environments that are really hot. Exercising in extreme heat is dangerous for this reason and more, as of …
Like frostbite, frostnip is associated with ice crystal formation in the tissues, but no tissue destruction occurs and the crystals dissolve as soon as the skin is warmed. Frostnip affects areas such as the earlobes, cheeks, nose, fingers, and toes. The skin turns pale and one experiences numbness or tingling in the affected part until warming …
When winter comes and temperatures drop, people who spend time outdoors can become incredibly susceptible to frostbite. However, with the proper identification and prevention strategies, you can keep yourself safe and healthy from the dangers of frostbite. But what does frostbite look like? Keep reading to learn what frostbite looks like, how to treat frostbite, …
Fainting, also called syncope, is a sudden, brief / temporary loss of consciousness and posture caused by decreased blood flow to the brain. Fainting may have a variety of causes (just to name a few):Emotional stressHyperventilationLow blood sugarAnemiaCardiac problemsSevere painStanding up too fast Before fainting, you may experience:NauseaGiddinessExcessive sweatingDim visionRapid heartbeat or palpitations If you think …
Drowning is a scary scenario, both for victims and onlookers. If you encounter an active drowning scenario in the wild, you want to know how to save someone from drowning so you can safely and effectively intervene. Read on to learn the important things to bear in mind and the steps to rescue the victim …
Dehydration isn’t often a concern in our everyday lives—after all, most of us have access to potable water 24/7. But when you’re out exploring the wilderness, that situation can change very rapidly, especially if you find yourself stranded. When you end up lost or otherwise trapped in the wilderness, there are many health concerns to …
Exploring the wilderness is an exciting prospect for any outdoors enthusiast. Unfortunately, even when you take all the precautions possible, there’s always a risk of injury when you’re out hiking in the wild—you simply can’t control your surroundings. One such injury that can occur is crush syndrome. While this injury can’t be treated fully outside …
If you were with someone who had a heart attack or almost drowned, would you know what to do? If you know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), you could save a life. CPR is an emergency procedure for people whose heart has stopped or is no longer breathing. It consists of • Rescue breathing, …
Choking is a common but potentially life-threatening situation that can happen to anyone, regardless of age. It occurs when an object, typically a piece of food, becomes lodged in a person’s throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively to a choking emergency can save lives, as well …
When it comes to survival situations, you’re likely more familiar with the dangers of sunburn. Overexposure to the sun can leave you with terribly painful skin irritation, potentially cause blisters, worsen dehydration, and more. But even if you’re hiking or camping in an area where the sun isn’t as much of a concern—particularly a cold …