SOURCE: http://www.fs.fed.us/
Back Country Safety Tips
Be on your guard
Back country is beautiful, but remember that it is also primitive, and you will be on your own! Before going in, check with the local Forest Service Office for the latest weather conditions and possible hazards, such as swollen creeks and snow.
Be particularly sure to take clothing that will prepare you for possible weather changes. Sudden shifts in weather are one of the back country's greatest dangers.
Drinking water
An intestinal disorder called GIARDIASIS (gee-ar-dye-a-sis) is a disease that may be contracted from drinking untreated "natural" water. Such waters may be clear, cold, and free running. They can look, smell, and taste good, but you should be aware of possible danger.
Although giardiasis can be incapacitating, it is usually not life threatening. Symptoms usually include diarrhea, increased gas, and loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, and bloating. These discomforts may first appear a few days to few weeks after ingestion of giardia, and may last up to six weeks.
Most people are unaware that they have been infected and have often returned home before the onset of symptoms. Other diseases may have similar symptoms, but if you have drunk untreated water you should suspect giardiasis and so inform your doctor.
The disease is caused by a microscopic organism, Giardia lamblia. The cystic form of giardia may be found in mountain streams and lakes. With proper diagnosis the disease is curable with medication prescribed by a physician.
Treating water
The surest treatment to destroy giardia and other organisms is to boil water for at least one minute. At high altitudes, you should maintain the boil for three to five minutes as a margin of safety.
Chemical disinfectants such as iodine, or chlorine tablets or drops are not yet considered as reliable as heat in killing giardia, although these products work well against most waterborne bacteria and viruses that cause disease. In an emergency situation, where chemical disinfectant must be used, iodine is often more effective than chlorine. If possible, filter the water first, and then allow the iodine to work at least an hour before you drink. Some filtering devices on the market may also be effective. For short trips, take a supply of water from home or other domestic source.
Sanitation
Giardiasis and other diseases can be rapidly transmitted between humans and animals. Human or animal feces can contain the organism, and good sanitary practices should be followed to prevent spreading disease through food handling. Waste should be buried eight inches deep and 100 feet away from natural waters.
Hypothermia and Altitude Sickness
Caused by a rapid loss of body heat, hypothermia is the most dangerous illness of back country travel. It can strike on a balmy day, under conditions you least expect.
Often victims don't recognize the symptoms, simply because they can't believe hypothermia could strike under comparatively mild travel conditions. The victim may have to rely on fellow travelers to spot the attack and to insure recovery.
Drastic lowering of the inner body temperatures causes rapid and progressive mental and physical collapse. Symptoms include fits of shivering, vague, slurred speech, memory lapse, fumbling hands, drowsiness, and exhaustion, and apparent unconcern about physical discomfort.
Get the victim out of the wind and the wet. Restore body temperature. Skin-to-skin contact is quickest. Place the victim in a dry sleeping bag. Then have two or three heat donors surround the victim.
If the victim is conscious, give them warm drink (not coffee or other stimulant.) When fit for travel, carry the victim out in windproof and waterproof covering.
Altitude sickness may occur if you overexert at high elevations where the oxygen supply is reduced. Victims should stop and rest, breath deeply, and move slowly to lower elevations. Hyperventilation is caused by too rapid breathing and decrease of carbon dioxide level in the blood, causing light-headedness and cold feeling.
Calm the victim and have the person relax and breath into a glove, bag, or hat until normal breathing is restored.
Exhaustion occurs because the person may be pushing too hard and is embarrassed to ask the group to slow down. A good principle of back country travel is to take it slow, rest often, and drink and snack frequently to restore body energy.
Emergencies
If you are lost take it easy, keep calm, and don't panic. Sit down and figure out where you are. Use your head and not your legs. Three of anything (shouts, whistles, etc.) is a sound of distress. Carry a police whistle for emergency use. An illness that is normally minor can become serious at high elevations. If you get sick try to get out of the mountains or at least to lower elevation, while you still can travel.
Poison Oak and Snakebite
Be alert. Poison oak grows up to about 5,000 feet and rattlesnakes are found to 9,000 elevations and higher. Examine densely vegetated areas for poison oak. Take appropriate ointment for poison oak. Be careful crossing rocky areas or stepping over down trees. A rattlesnake may be on the other side. Carry a snakebite kit when entering the back country.
People and Horses
If you encounter travelers who have horses or pack stock, move off the trail at least eight feet on the uphill side and let them pass. Allow horses plenty of room on trails. They are easily frightened by backpack equipment.
Campfire Safety
The greatest wild land hazard is fire. If the area you visit permits wood campfires, keep the following guidelines in mind. Use a portable stove for cooking. Then build a small fire for relaxing. Use only dead and down wood. Never break branches from standing trees, even if they look dead. The tree may not be, and breaking branches can injure it. If you use only a small amount of available wood, campers who come after you will be able to enjoy a campfire too.
If a fire ring is in place, use it rather than building a new one. To build a fire, first select a level spot away from overhanging trees, brushes, or dry grass. Keep away from the base of steep hills. Fire travels uphill fast. With your shovel or trowel, clear a large circle to bare dirt. Hollow out a fire hole 1 to 3 feet across and 5 to 6 inches deep. Pile the soil around the edge of the fire hole. Keep the fire small and never start a fire in windy weather.
Rodent Burrows
Avoid setting up camp in an obvious rodent community. Their fleas may carry plague or other diseases, and infestation is more active in the vicinity of the burrows.
Camp Cleanliness
Keeping your camp clean and food or dishes stored, makes it more pleasant for you and reduces the chances you'll be visited by bears or other unwanted animal neighbors. Keep food and garbage tightly sealed in plastic bags and out of reach.
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