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 Researchers analyzed data from 11 previous studies of injuries and
illness among climbers, and came up with the list of medical
supplies that should be in every mountaineer’s backpack.
Then they surveyed climbers on 11 mountains in Colorado higher than
14,000 feet to see what medical supplies they carried. More than a
third of the climbers weren't carrying a medical kit at all.
“It is hard to come up with a ‘one size fits all’ approach,” said
Dr. Robert Quinn, a professor of orthopedics at the University of
Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, who studies mountain
injuries and preparedness.
“Experienced climbers will learn over time what is essential and
what just takes up space and weight,” Quinn, who was not involved in
the study, told Reuters Health.
Dr. William Brandenburg of the University of Colorado School of
Medicine in Denver and a colleague write in the Journal of Travel
Medicine that people hiking, climbing, backpacking and doing other
sporting activities in mountain areas run the risk of injury or
illness with little medical care available nearby.
To identify the most common difficulties experienced while
mountaineering, the study team searched a medical database for
studies of injuries and illnesses among climbers and hikers.
Based on those studies, the most common problems needing medical
care resulted from falls or other accidents, which made up 58
percent to 76 percent of all injuries.
Strains and sprains, which made up 25 percent to 29 percent of
injuries, were more common among people involved in events or trips.
Stomach upset and flu-like sickness were the most commonly reported
illnesses, but were less likely to need formal care than dizziness
or light-headedness.
Of the 355 individuals surveyed on the mountains, only 212 carried a
medical kit.
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Among the 158 people who provided descriptions of their medical
kits, the most commonly carried medical supply was Band-Aids or
other types of bandages. The most common medications carried were
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs like ibuprofen.
Some mountaineers also carried ointments, including Vaseline and
antibiotic creams.
The research team offered new recommendations for hikers’ and
climbers’ medical kits, including wound care supplies such as
medical gloves and medical tape, bandages and splinting materials.
The researchers also advise carrying syringes, tweezers, skin glue,
Vaseline and blister treatments. In addition, bring NSAIDs, fever
reducers, anti-diarrheal medicines and rehydration packets. For
climbers who have proper training, opioid painkillers and
anti-vomiting drugs may be carried as well, they suggest.
Quinn noted that the recommendations for what climbers will need are
likely true across the world, though outside of North America,
mountain-goers may need to be more concerned with water treatment
and antibiotics.
“BE PREPARED! Don’t underestimate the outdoors, particularly the
mountain environment,” Quinn said by email. “Become educated about
the potential dangers before you go and bring the proper equipment,”
he said, adding that in addition to medical kits, this includes
proper clothing, water, navigation and communication equipment.
SOURCE: bit.ly/2lAJMQC Journal of Travel Medicine, online January
20, 2017.
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