MOTION SICKNESS
MOTION SICKNESS Motion sickness (seasickness, or “mal de mer”) is a common, annoying, and sometimes disabling problem for boaters and divers. Motion sickness is a complex phenomenon that involves the…
WATER DISINFECTION
WATER DISINFECTION Water purification is the removal of chemical pollutants by filtration through activated charcoal or active resin compounds. This usually improves the taste, but does not decrease the incidence…
CHEST INJURY
CHEST INJURY BROKEN RIBS Direct force applied to the chest wall can break the ribs, causing extreme pain with breathing, collapse of a lung (pneumothorax), or both. If the right…
MALE GENITAL PROBLEMS
MALE GENITAL PROBLEMS PAINFUL TESTICLE If a male complains of a painful testicle, examine both testicles. Look for discoloration or swelling. If a testicle has been injured by a blow,…
OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION
OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION It may be advisable or necessary under certain circumstances to administer supplemental oxygen gas (O2) to a person who would benefit from such therapy. Examples include those stricken…
DISORDERS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
DISORDERS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT DIARRHEA Although diarrhea is included here in the “minor problems” section, severe diarrhea can be devastating. Diarrhea can be due to a number of causes,…
ANIMAL ATTACKS
ANIMAL ATTACKS Most animal attacks are from “man’s best friend,” the pet dog. Other animals that will attack humans, given provocation, include the cat, rat, raccoon, tiger, lion, skunk, squirrel,…
ALTITUDE-RELATED PROBLEMS
ALTITUDE-RELATED PROBLEMS Altitudes of 8,000 to 14,000 ft (2,438 to 4,267 m) are attained regularly by skiers, hikers, and climbers in the continental United States. Outside the United States, mountain…
WILDLAND FIRES
WILDLAND FIRES The wilderness adventurer or casual hiker in a forest or timbered park may find himself face to face with a wildland fire. This section will discuss high-risk situations,…
