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KRNV News Channel 4 and REMSA present...
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Air Date: 1/26/2004
QuickTime plug-in required
The backcountry is beautiful, but also primitive. Before going in, check with the local Ranger Station for the latest weather conditions, for information on possible hazards, such as swollen creeks and snow, and for permits that may be required.
An intestinal disorder called giardiasis (gee-ar-dye-a-sis) may be contracted from drinking untreated "natural" water. A microscopic organism called Giardia Lamblia, the cystic form of which is in mountain streams and lakes, causes this disorder. Such waters may look, 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, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, and bloating. These discomforts may appear a few days to a few weeks after ingestion of Giardia, and may last up to six weeks.
Three ways to properly purify your water is to boil it, treat it with iodine, or use a filter. They are all useful methods of purifying your water, but the choice of which one to use is up to you.
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Boiling: Bringing the water to a momentary full boil even at high altitudes is enough to kill Giardia. The drawback to this method is that it is time consuming, and you will probably need to bring along extra fuel.
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Iodine: Iodine tablets or drops are lightweight and simple to use. Iodine tablets do kill Giardia, but they leave a slight iodine taste in the water, and it takes approximately thirty minutes, or longer, before the water is fit to drink. Iodine tablets also lose their potency once they are exposed to air and water.
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Filter: Using a 2-micron filter will filter Giardia. Other filters can filter even smaller particles. Filters do not leave any funny taste in the water, but they can be expensive and add weight to your pack. They also will eventually clog and need to be cleaned or replaced.
Hypothermia is subnormal body temperature. It is brought about by cold, wet, weather and increases as the body becomes exhausted. It is the number one cause of death of outdoor recreationists because it can strike even when temperatures are well above freezing. Know how to defend against hypothermia.
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Stay dry. When clothes get wet they lose most of their insulating value. Wool and synthetics are much better insulators than cotton, even when wet.
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Watch for the wind. Wind drives cold air through and under clothing, which can wick away heat from your body.
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Understand cold. Most hypothermia cases develop in temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees. Many people underestimate the danger of being wet in these temperatures.
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If you cannot avoid exposure and stay dry and warm, then terminate exposure.
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Know when to stop. It's not worth continuing your trip if you are at risk.
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Get out of the wind and rain, make your camp as secure, warm and dry as possible.
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Be aware of shivering. Constant or violent shivering is a sign that you are on the verge of hypothermia.
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on't wait until you are exhausted. Make camp while you still have energy. If you stop because of exhaustion, your body heat production will drop dramatically.
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Know the symptoms of hypothermia.
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Uncontrollable shivering.
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Slow, slurred speech.
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Incoherence.
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Loss of dexterity in the hands.
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Stumbling.
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Drowsiness-sleep equals death.
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Extreme exhaustion, such as an inability to go on after a rest.
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Get out of the wind and rain.
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Remove all wet clothes.
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Mild hypothermia:
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Give the person warm drinks (if fully conscious).
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Get them into dry clothes and a warm sleeping bag.
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Severe hypothermia:
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Keep person awake.
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Put stripped person in a sleeping bag with another stripped person.
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Skin to skin contact is the best treatment.
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Build a fire to warm the camp area.
Altitude sickness occurs because of a lack of oxygen. Victims of altitude sickness should stop and rest, breathe deeply and slowly return to lower elevations. Altitude sickness can be minimized if you take a day or two to acclimatize yourself to the increase in altitude before you do any strenuous activities.
If you become lost, stay calm and don't panic. Try and use one of your maps to find a familiar geologic feature where you can find where you are from that. It's best to stay in place if you are lost. Carry a whistle and small mirror for emergency use. Three of anything (shouts, whistles, flashes of light from a mirror) is a sign of distress.
Always carry a kit with you. They are fairly inexpensive to put together and should contain:
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Aspirin
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Laxative
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Disinfecting ointment for cuts/burns (assorted sizes)
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Moleskin (for blisters)
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Triangular bandages (2)
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Scissors
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Gauze pads
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Adhesive tape
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Needle (for splinters)
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Tweezers
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Water purification tablets
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Use sunscreen
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ACE bandage
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Minimum Safety Kit Treating Hypothermia
Make sure that you always have this equipment with you, especially on day hikes.
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Waterproof matches
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Map of the area
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Compass
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Extra food
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Rain gear (weather changes quickly in the Sierra)
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Extra warm clothes
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Whistle
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Knife
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First-aid kit
Weather conditions can make or break your backcountry experience. Weather in the Sierra can change rapidly, backcountry users should be prepared for all types of weather. Winter weather can be extremely unpredictable. Strong winds and snow can appear suddenly. Summer showers and thunderstorms usually appear during the day, but usually do not last for very long.
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Under a tree or other tall feature for emergency
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Exposed on a high place
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On wet, marshy soil
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Out in the open
Before entering the backcountry, always let others know of where you will be traveling and when you are planning on returning in case there is an emergency and you are unable to return. If there is no way to contact anyone, leave a written note on your automobile with your whereabouts. This will increase the speed of the rescue and increase the chance for survival.
High Sierra Hikers Association
450
Edison Way 
Reno,
Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax
(775)858-5720
Schwartz