Data-based selection of medical supplies for wilderness travel

Abstract

The objective of this study was to provide data-driven recommendations for the contents of a wilderness medical kit. Many similar recommendations in the current literature pertain to specialized pursuits or expeditions and are based solely on the opinions of the authors. By studying a relatively homogeneous group of 565 participants in a summer trek program in the New York Adirondack State Park, we were able to analyze 3955 person-days of actual exposure. All incidents were coded by ICD-9 criteria, and actual utilization of first-aid supplies for these incidents was quantified. These supplies were supplemented by items recommended by current practice guidelines for treatment of the observed incidents. The findings were used to generate data-based recommendations for the contents of a first-aid kit which would be adequate to meet the needs of such groups, which probably resemble much of the wilderness use in the United States today.

Wilderness Event Medicine☆

“…Finally, we suggest the creation of a database for reporting on wilderness events. Welch 11 used a database of wilderness injuries, based on almost 4000 person-days of hiking exposure, to estimate medical supplies required for future activities; this model has not been validated to our knowledge. After an event, organizers would access a Web site to input relevant data.…”

Health Supply Utilization at a Boy Scout Summer Camp: An Evaluation for Improvement and Preparedness

“…A 1997 study 6 provided evidence-based recommendations for medical supplies for wilderness travel. Although this is useful for first aid kits, residential camps have different medical needs.…”

“…The available literature on health issues in summer camps focuses on health risk factors, trends in healthcare center usage, and basic analyses of illness and injuries reported by heterogeneous types of camps and outdoor experiences. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] These studies, and the guidelines published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 8,12 commonly exclude adults. Several studies have focused on specialized types of camps or populations of campers (such as persons with disabilities), [13][14][15] limiting the generalizability of findings.…”

Illness and Injury Among Long-Distance Hikers on the Long Trail, Vermont

“…In fact, studies have recommended that long-distance backpackers be better prepared and equipped before starting their hike. 9 The purpose of this study was to define the illness and injury patterns of a group of long-distance hikers and to examine the role of experience, conditioning, wilderness medicine knowledge, and first-aid supplies in injury prevention and treatment.…”

“…In fact, studies have recommended that long-distance backpackers be better prepared and equipped before starting their hike. 9…”