by Michael Hodgson

Several studies have been published in recent years, which examine and better define the first aid needs and health issues of backcountry travelers. One study, a field survey accessing the risk of injury and illness of backcountry hikers in Yosemite National Park and published in the Journal of Wilderness Medicine found that 15-percent of backpackers had to shorten their intended trip at one time or another because of a medical reason. Of those surveyed, the most common problems related were: insect bites, wounds, blisters and sunburn. Acute Mountain Sickness, asthma, allergic reactions, and lacerations were the most common of the serious medical problems. It was also found that on average, backcountry travelers carry only 48% of the recommended first aid supplies.

Todd Schimelpfenig, Safety and Training Director for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) recently published the results of a five-year study of the types and severity of injuries and illnesses encountered during NOLS-led wilderness programs. He found that 56-percent of their medical incidents were a result of injury involving sprains, strains, and wounds to soft tissue. Fractures and dislocations accounted for 4.6-percent of all injuries. Non-viral syndromes or diarrhea accounted for 60-percent of medical problems related to illness. Eighteen cases involved dental problems. Forty-three percent of all the problems required evacuation.

© 1999 Michael Hodgson; All Rights Reserved