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Summer is already here and that means what? More time to spend outdoors and totally enjoy the sun and the nature. That's right! Perhaps, you are already planning your next summer vacation getaway. How about hiking this summer? It'll sure be lot of fun trying something new, something closer to nature. Going to the beach is already too typical; so why not start packing your bag and gears, then go hiking instead? Scared of what you might encounter when hiking? No problem with that. Here are some useful hiking first aid information to help you be prepared on some creatures you may come across while hiking.
Leeches
For sure, you've heard about these parasites found in wet and damp areas. They are black or brown in color and can range in size from ½ inch to 10 inches. These parasites are known to have suckers on each end, feeding on blood and attaching themselves to the body by a suction action. In case one of these creatures attaches to your body, simply use your fingernail to release its sucker seal. But if you're too afraid to touch it, then use flame or salt to remove it from your body. This move, however, can cause the parasite to regurgitate the content of its stomach, which can lead to disease later on. So, you might as well allow it to fall off itself, then clean the area where it attached and put a bandage on it since bleeding may still persist due to the leeches' secretions anticoagulant effect.
Ticks
If you are planning to go hiking in rain forest areas and bushland, be prepared to encounter these arthropods called ticks. At first glance, you might be mistaken them for spiders. But they are actually more dangerous as they are considered the leading carriers of diseases to humans in the United States. The neurotoxins in their saliva can cause paralysis and even death.
So, how do you remove a tick away from your body? First, kill it with kerosene or an insect repellent which contains pyrethrins. Then, grasp it by the head, as close to the skin as possible, and slowly pull it out by using fine pointed tweezers. Make sure that you don't squeeze the body and that you are able to get its head out.
Coming across these creatures when you go hiking is very much possible. That's why it's very important that you know some hiking first aid tips to be ready at all times.
Leeches
For sure, you've heard about these parasites found in wet and damp areas. They are black or brown in color and can range in size from ½ inch to 10 inches. These parasites are known to have suckers on each end, feeding on blood and attaching themselves to the body by a suction action. In case one of these creatures attaches to your body, simply use your fingernail to release its sucker seal. But if you're too afraid to touch it, then use flame or salt to remove it from your body. This move, however, can cause the parasite to regurgitate the content of its stomach, which can lead to disease later on. So, you might as well allow it to fall off itself, then clean the area where it attached and put a bandage on it since bleeding may still persist due to the leeches' secretions anticoagulant effect.
Ticks
If you are planning to go hiking in rain forest areas and bushland, be prepared to encounter these arthropods called ticks. At first glance, you might be mistaken them for spiders. But they are actually more dangerous as they are considered the leading carriers of diseases to humans in the United States. The neurotoxins in their saliva can cause paralysis and even death.
So, how do you remove a tick away from your body? First, kill it with kerosene or an insect repellent which contains pyrethrins. Then, grasp it by the head, as close to the skin as possible, and slowly pull it out by using fine pointed tweezers. Make sure that you don't squeeze the body and that you are able to get its head out.
Coming across these creatures when you go hiking is very much possible. That's why it's very important that you know some hiking first aid tips to be ready at all times.
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