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Survival Tips in the Wilderness

Summary: If you like being outdoors, camping or hiking, you need to know some important tips for "Wilderness Medicine."
Air Date: 9/27/13
Duration: 10
Host: Dr. Leigh Vinocur, MD
Guest Bio: Dr. Hans House, MD
Dr. Hans House is an emergency physician in Des Moines, IA. He has been a member of ACEP’s Board of Directors since 2011. Dr. House is the Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Chair for Education at the University of Iowa. He is also residency program director at the University of Iowa.
Survival Tips in the Wilderness
Outdoor medicine, or "Wilderness Medicine," is important for you to know if you're an avid outdoors person, camper or hiker.

Even if you're just a beginner, there are certain things you should know before heading out into the wilderness.

For instance, make sure you always bring extra clothes and warm clothes; regardless of the outside temperature. You can suffer from hypothermia, even in the summer.

Also, make sure you have plenty of water -- and clean water. Most streams and fresh water sources in our nation are contaminated, and drinking directly from them can cause diarrhea and dehydration.

A bandana can be helpful for use as a sling, a tourniquet, and even a wrap for a twisted or broken appendage.

For more informative tips like these, join Dr. Dr. Hans House, MD, and Dr. Leigh in this segment of ER 101.