Being struck in the head is unfortunately common in the wildland environment. Snags, equipment, loose scree, and UTV use all abound in our environment. Hard hats and helmets are a must and provide a degree of protection. But what if your co-worker gets a hit to the head (with helmet on!) and stumbles to the ground?

What would happen to you if you were taken immediately to the summit of Mt. Everest? The answer is you would pass out, and likely die within minutes. So why, then, can people summit Everest without oxygen? The answer to this lies in the understanding of oxygen, pressure, and your body’s ability to acclimatize over time. In general, the percent of oxygen in the air stays the same with altitude, however, the partial pressure of the oxygen in the air mixture decreases.

When using OTC medications:

• Take them only as indicated on the package label and only for the conditions listed.
• Stop use and see a medical professional if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve.
• Carry your own OTC medications and keep them in the original packaging.
• Many OTC medications may cause drowsiness for prolonged periods of time.

Snakes are usually shy creatures that avoid human contact. Unfortunately, wildland firefighters are at risk of having contact due to their work environment. It should be noted that most snakes in the United States do not have venom. However, bites from non-venomous snakes can still cause significant infections and injury. Thus, it is best to avoid all snakes and bites when possible.

The power of lightning is immense. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States averages 51 annual lightning strike fatalities annually. About 90 percent of people struck by lightning are estimated to survive, but they often suffer from long lasting neurological damage.

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac  

These plants belong to a plant genus called Toxicodendron. They contain a toxic resin called Urushiol that causes the unpleasant effect in humans.  Interestingly, the urushiol compound is not a defensive measure for the plant, but instead helps it to retain water.

Rhabdomyolysis, or “rhabdo,” is a medical condition where muscle tissue breaks down and the by-products of this process may lead to kidney failure and other complications. 

Rhabdo is commonly mistaken for heat illness or dehydration, so early recognition is critical. 

Living with others in a camp environment we are at significant risk of spreading contagious diseases. In fact, many of the significant impacts of modern medicine include recognizing how viral and bacterial organisms spread from human to human and limiting these pathways. We take it for granted today, but not long ago the concept of sewer systems, clean water and hand washing were not understood or utilized. As we learned from COVID19, good preventative measures, early detection, and isolation are key to decreasing the spread of any contagious disease.