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If you're heading out into the wilderness the key to avoiding any dangerous camping hazards is preparation. Camping is a great green activity, but the wild is just that, wild, and hence unpredictable. If you go camping enough, things will happen, so it's not what happens but how you react to it that counts. Here are some of the most hazardous things that can happen on your summer camping trips and how to deal with each situation.
1. A Snake Bite
Before you go camping, it's best to research the snakes in the area that you're heading to so that you know whether you're dealing with a poisonous or a harmless snake. If you by chance get bitten by one of these slithery little numbers, don't panic.
Snake Bite Solution:
Pack a venom extractor to remove the venom. Do not try and suck the venom out with your mouth because that can be just as deadly as the bite. Keep the injured area at the same level or below the body so that the venom doesn’t expand. Head straight to the hospital for treatment.
Image courtesy of Clint Faile/istockphoto.
2. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
This is an illness that occurs when hiking at high altitudes. It can lead to death if left untreated. The rate of ascent, the altitude attained, the amount of physical activity at high altitudes, are contributing factors to HAPE. Symptoms include difficulty walking or inability to keep up, a tight-feeling chest, a chesty cough, and extreme fatigue and weakness.
HAPE Solution:
Really the only way to handle this is to take it as a sign that it is time to leave the hike and descend back down to lower altitudes. The hiker cannot continue venturing upward or the illness will take over. Oxygen should also be given if possible. Symptoms tend to quickly improve with descent, but less severe symptoms may continue for several days. Seek medical attention.
Image courtesy of Gerad Coles/istockphoto.
3. Getting Lost
Being lost in the wilderness is an emergency. But the most important thing to do is to remain calm.
Getting Lost Solution:
Don't panic, start a fire if possible and wait for rescue. If you must leave your area to go for help, mark where you were with some stones and the direction you are going with a large arrow. Be sure to mark your trail as well. To prepare for this emergency, take a navigation course to learn how to use a map and a compass. Also, make sure you have maps of the entire area with you when you travel, and make sure you know the landmarks of the area.
Image courtesy of Sebastien Cote/istockphoto.
4. Increasing Your Heart Rate Too Much
Be aware that you're not at the gym and there are not that many people there to help you if you over-workout. The high altitude can cause your heart rate to increase too fast.
Increasing Your Heart Rate Too Much Solution:
Stop hiking if you feel suffocated, so that you cannot carry on a conversation with others—this is a good indicator that you've gone too far. Determine your maximum heart rate (MHR) by subtracting your age from 220. Multiply your MHR by 0.6. This is the lower end of your target aerobic heart zone. Multiply your MHR by 0.9. This is the upper end of your target aerobic heart zone.
Image courtesy of Hubert Grüner/istockphoto.
5. Overheating
When it's hot outside, it is very hard to maintain a cool body. If proper body temperature is not maintained, then you can face a heat stroke.
Overheating Solution:
Drink plenty of water from a (reusable water bottle) to control the rise in body temperature. This also helps you to have control over dehydration which occurs due to the excess loss of sweat. Wear sun protections, which help you to overcome the harsh heats. Hat, sunscreen lotions, light weight clothes are mandatory when camping in sun. Wear light colored clothing.
Image courtesy of Paul Edmondson/Getty Images.
6. Bee Stings
The average adult can withstand approximately 1,000 bee stings if they are not highly allergic. Usually severe reactions will occur in the first hour. Most will occur in the first 15 minutes.
Bee Stings Solution:
Pull stinger out and top with a cool compress or ice. Top with Benadryl. If a severe allergic reaction occurs, you must be transported immediately to a hospital. In addition to Benadryl, Cimetadine (Tagamet) and H2 blocker can also help decrease the allergic response.
Image courtesy of John Miller/istockphoto.
7. Fire Hazards
If you're planning on building camp fires for warmth, enjoyment or cooking, be smart about it. Find out if there are any restrictions for the time of year or dryness in the region, many areas don't permit burning during droughts.
Fire Hazards Solution:
Avoid building fires on a windy day, as the breeze can transport smouldering ashes and start them burning elsewhere. If you know it's safe to build a fire and it's not a windy day, do make sure you have a fire pit dug out and ringed with stones. Make sure that you have a bucket of water handy just in case. Do not leave the fire until it has been properly extinguished. Do not go to sleep until it is completely out.
Image courtesy of Peter Pattavina/istockphoto.
Are you a green globetrotter? Find out with our green travel quiz.
More on Camping:
How to Go Green: Outdoor Sports
Get Outdoors, It's National Camping Month. Says The North Face
What Is Killing Camping?
Happy Camping With The Eco-Camp Kit
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
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