56 Uses for a triangular bandage

-Simple bandage of small wounds
-Wound packing
-Tie a splint to an extremity
-Secure a pressure dressing
-Sling and swath for orthopaedic injuries
-Secure and dress an abdominal evisceration
-Secure an IV bag to the casualty

Common Wilderness Diseases

Infectious disease is a rapidly evolving field; new viral agents are continually being identified, and the geographic ranges of known viruses continue to evolve (Berger et al, 2003.) As recent experiences with West Nile virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Avian flu dramatically illustrate, people in any setting may be called on to consider infectious entities from any part of the globe due to shifts in geographic disease distribution, travel-related imported infections, or even potentially intentional releases of exotic viruses. The recent crisis of avian flu shows the importance of knowledge of infectious diseases for anyone  working in a wilderness setting.

Few diseases frequent a wilderness excursion. However, these ailments have common occurrences in the  wilderness. They are Cryptosporidium, E. Coli, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Giardia, Lyme’s Disease, and finally Tularemia. This list is by no means comprehensive. The outdoor enthusiast should research what diseases and vectors are prevalent in the area where they are hiking.

Medical Kits

   Whether you are in the woods or in town it is important to have medical training 
and a good medical kit available.

   During our Basic Bushcraft course we discuss how important it is to always have a small survival tin with you at all times. You can make them small enough that you forget about it somewhere in one of your pockets. You should have one of these kits in every jacket, jumper, and coat that you own.
   The same preparation is important with a medical kit. You don't need a large kit containing massive trauma supplies. Put a few plasters, tablets, steristrips and an alcohol wipes into your bushcraft kit or a separate medical kit.

Collar bone separations and fractures

Mountain bikers tend to have cornered the market on clavicle injuries. They are going downhill at a fast rate of speed and often find themselves going over the handlebars when they munch it. Landing on your outstretched hand while at speed creates a shockwave that travels up your arm and damages your shoulder or clavicle.

   Clavicle injuries are most often quite stable and easy to manage. Pain is a major consideration and pain management should be high on your list of treatment protocols.
   Once you have completed a full patient assessment you can begin treatment. Whether the injury is a separation or a full fracture the treatment is the same. Grab a triangular dressing or cut up his spare tee shirt into long strips.
   This is called a clavicle splint and a quick google search will show loads of variations. Basically run two strips over the shoulders and make an X at the small of their back. Tie it tight enough to make their shoulders rotate back. It makes them look like they are standing at attention.
   This treatment will provide some pain relief but more importantly will stabilise your casualty and make evacuation easier.