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First Aid

A first aid kit is an inseparable hiker's companion while backpacking or trekking. The contents of a first aid kit should reflect the terrain you will be traveling in and the time to be spent outdoors. To buy some medicines in Poland go to APTEKA (Pharmacy).

Basic version
* a thermometer
* an elastic compression bandage
* a crepe support bandage
* a rescue blanket
* sterile compresses
* hydrogen peroxide solution (3%)
* plasters with tapes, blister plasters and corn plasters
* a triangular bandage and safety-pin
* rubber gloves
* splinter forceps
* cabo medicinalis
* aspirin

Extension to basic version
* a warming ointment for bruises
* a painkiller
* tubular net bandages
* glucose
* a medicine containing caffeine for improving heart performance (in Poland: Kofex, Glukof or Glucardiamid)
* an anti-motion sickness drug (in Poland: Aviomarin)
* a strong anti-vomiting drug or homeopathic equivalent (e.g. Locomotive, Vertigoheel or ginger tablets)
* an anti-swelling solution (in Poland: Altacet)
* calcium effervescent
* a breathing mask

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
AMS occurs when the body is not prepared for high altitude, and may be caused by a lack of acclimatisation or hypoxia. In some cases, reaching a height of even 2000m a.s.l. may lead to the the onset of the following problems.

Signs
* headache
* loss of appetite
* irritability
* weakness
* nausea
* disturbed breathing and sleep (insomnia)
* facial swellingv * vomiting
* poor coordination of movements
* increased heartbeat (by 20%)

Action to take
* reduce climbing speed or halt
* watch the climber for serious changes in condition
* make no further upward progress
* drink plenty of liquid
* move as little as possible
* acclimatise

Serious developments

Signs
* strong headache
* vertigo
* vomiting
* extreme fatigue
* shortness of breath even at rest
* blue lips and fingernails
* coughing with red-coloured sputum
* wheezing while breathing
* bubbling in the lungs
* slight fever (rarely)
* rapid pulse (90-130 beats per minute at rest)
* rapid respiration (20-40 breaths per minute at rest)
* fear of suffocation and pulmonary oedema (HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema)

Action to take
* evacuate
* halt climbing and descend at least 1000m
* reach hospital care or medication to save the AMS or HAPE victim - oxygen therapy is necessary

Skin Abrasion

Signs
* blistering

Action to take
* never cut or puncture blisters

Frostbite (frozen body parts)

Signs
* a frostbitten body part is cold, hard and paler than other parts
* blistering may occur

Action to take
* move the victim to a warmer place and eliminate other causes
* warm up very, very slowly; immerse in lukewarm (room temperature) water - never in hot or boiling water; use increasingly warm water and finally bath
* never massage or rub affected skin
* seek medical advice

Lightning Strike
Injury and Keraunoparalysis

Signs
* loss of consciousness
* erratic heartbeat
* cardiac arrest
* perforation of eardrums, eye damage and skin burns
* temporary paralysis of the legs
* coma and changes in personality may occur

Action to take
* give CPR if necessary
* apply dressings
* evacuate
* reach hospital care

Extreme Fatigue
* cover the victim with a rescue blanket
* massage muscles delicately
* serve warm, sweetened beverages containing mineral salts and carbohydrates

Muscle Cramps
* slow down
* massage delicately
* restv * drink a lot

Sunstroke
Sunstroke occurs when body temperature is raised to 400C or more due to high temperature.

Signs
* fatigue
* rapid pulse
* headache
* hot or red-coloured skin

Action to take
* move the victim to a colder place
* cool head and nape (back) of neck

Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs as a result of a long stay in a wintry environment; wind and a low wind-chill factor worsen the situation.

Signs
* body temperature drops below 36oC
* shivering (first phase)
* muscles stiffen

Action to take
* move the victim to a warmer place
* warm the victim (place a warm flask on the heart)
* do not allow the victim to run or move quickly
* do not shake the victim

Food Poisoning

Signs
* diarrhoea
* stomach cramps
* vomiting
* nausea

Action to take
* serve unsweetened fluids rich in electrolytes
* serve only a light diet
* visit a doctor if necessary


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