Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Survival First Aid Test

Comments regarding questions 1, 5 and 9. Arguments anyone?

Question 1: Frostbite

If it is only "frost-nip", first-degree cold damage, skin will be numb and has turned white; skin feels stiff, but underlying tissue is still warm and soft. If treated properly and warmed carefully, there might not be any permanent damage or infection. Probably need to get them to the trailhead and visit the ER.

If it is second-degree, superficial frost-bite, the skin will be white or blue and will feed hard and frozen, and blistering may occur. This is serious! DO NOT attempt to rewarm in the field! Severe and permanent damage and infection may be the result. This condition requires treatment by medical personnel trained in the treatment of frost-bite. Get help - call SAR. Bishop and Southern Inyo hospital staff are trained in the treatment of frostbite.

With deep frostbite, or third degree, the skin is white. blotchy and/or blue. Underlaying tissue is hard and cold. This is a very seriouis medical condition. DO NOT attempt to rewarm in the field! Severe and permanent damage and infection may be the result. This condition requires treatment by medical personnel trained in the treatment of frost-bite. Get help - call SAR. Bishop and Southern Inyo hospital staff are trained in the treatment of frostbite. The hospital treatment can be life-saving, but very, very painful and prolonged. During professional treatment, spontaneous amputation may occur after a few weeks (blackened digits may fall-off on their own) or surgical amputation may be the only recourse to prevent infection from spreading.

Question 5: Possible head injury.

Blood from the ears is a sign of possible concussion or brain damage. Answer number 3 might be the correct one, after you have called for help.

Question 9: Snake bite.

Option 1 seems the most sensible. I have been told that the pain of a rattlesnake bite is unmistakably severe; like being stabbed by red-hot needles. Aspirin will even not begin to ease the pain of a viper bite. DO NOT attempt to use the so-called snake-bite treatment kits sold in outdoor shops. Do not cut the bite marks! Get help, and get them to the nearest ER.