Put a Doctor in Your Pack Looking inside first aid kits Several
studies have been published in recent years, which examine and
better define the first aid needs and health issues of
backcountry travelers. One study, a field survey accessing the
risk of injury and illness of backcountry hikers in Yosemite
National Park and published in the Journal of Wilderness
Medicine found that 15% of backpackers had to shorten their
intended trip at one time or another because of a medical
reason. Of those surveyed, the most common problems related
were: insect bites, wounds, blisters and sunburn. Acute Mountain
Sickness, asthma, allergic reactions, and lacerations were the
most common of the serious medical problems. It was also found
that on average, backcountry travelers carry only 48% of the
recommended first aid supplies. Todd Schimelpfenig, Safety and
Training Director for the National Outdoor Leadership School
(NOLS) recently published the results of a 5-year study of the
types and severity of injuries and illnesses