Survival Medicine: Treating Sickness in a Wilderness Survival Situation
In a survival situation, taking care of one’s health is of utmost importance. In the wilderness, sickness can have catastrophic consequences, from minor illnesses to life-threatening diseases. Knowing how to properly diagnose and treat common illnesses is essential for a successful survival experience. This page will discuss the best methods for treating sickness in a wilderness survival situation.
Diagnosing Illness
Before a person can treat an illness, they must first be able to recognize and diagnose the symptoms. Proper diagnosis is essential for administering the correct treatment. In a wilderness setting, the best approach is to employ a combination of intuition, observation, and available resources.
When observing a symptom, pay attention to the intensity, duration, and associated signs. Intensity is a measure of how severe the symptom is. Duration is how long the symptom has been present. Associated signs are any additional symptoms that may be present.
Intuition is another valuable tool. If a person has been in the wilderness for some time, they may already be familiar with the symptoms of common illnesses and diseases. Paying attention to one’s own body and the environment can provide clues to the possible cause.
Finally, use the available resources to diagnose the illness. Wilderness medicine books can provide valuable information on common illnesses and their treatments. Additionally, asking a knowledgeable person such as a wilderness guide for advice is also a great option.
Common Illnesses
There are a number of common illnesses found in the wilderness. These illnesses can range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on a person’s health.
Gastrointestinal illnesses such as food poisoning, dysentery, and traveler’s diarrhea are some of the most common illnesses. These illnesses can be caused by eating spoiled food, drinking contaminated water, or coming into contact with an infected person or animal. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, fever, and dehydration.
Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia are also common in the wilderness. These illnesses can be caused by exposure to cold weather or poor air quality. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fever.
Insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease are also a concern. These illnesses can be acquired from mosquito, tick, and other insect bites. Symptoms may include fever, rash, body ache, and fatigue.
Skin infections such as fungal infections, cellulitis, and impetigo are also common in the wilderness. These infections can be caused by contact with infected surfaces or animals. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, itching, and pain.
Finally, common illnesses such as colds and flu can also be a concern. These illnesses can be caused by exposure to cold weather or contact with an infected person or animal. Symptoms may include fever, body ache, sore throat, and fatigue.
Treating Illness
Once an illness has been diagnosed, the proper treatment must be administered. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and return the person to their normal state of health.
The best approach to treatment is a combination of rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. Rest and hydration are essential for recovery. They help to reduce symptoms and speed up the healing process. Over-the-counter medications can help to alleviate symptoms and treat the underlying cause of the illness.
In the wilderness, most medications will have to be obtained from a wilderness medicine kit or scavenged from nearby settlements. It is important to use medications that are specifically designed for wilderness survival and to follow the instructions on the label.
In addition to medications, there are also a number of natural remedies that can be used to treat illnesses. These remedies can help to reduce symptoms and speed up the healing process. Common natural remedies include teas made from medicinal herbs, topical applications of essential oils, and poultices made from medicinal plants.
When treating an illness, it is important to monitor the symptoms and progress of the patient. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after a period of time, it is best to seek medical attention.
Treating illness in a wilderness survival situation can be a challenge. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for a successful outcome. Knowing how to recognize and diagnose common illnesses and how to administer the correct treatment are essential skills for a successful wilderness survival experience.