Wounds
Wounds can be minor or major. If they’re major, the biggest risk is exces-
sive bleeding. The most significant risk from minor wounds is infec-
tion, so clean the wound immediately and cover it with a clean dressing.
Change the dressing at least once a day to prevent infection. If you don’t
have any extra clean dressing material available, you can reuse the exist-
ing dressing by boiling it for at least three minutes to sterilize. Allow it
to cool before applying. Let the wound air dry during that time. Gaping
wounds can be closed with the butterfly sutures in your first-aid kit.
If you have antibiotic cream, apply it to the wound. Antibiotic pills
should be used only for treating wound infections, not for preventing
them.
Infections
In a survival situation, there’s a very good chance that a wound may become
infected. You can tell by the redness that appears around the wound and
the consistent discharge of pus.
Treat infections by applying warm compresses on the area for 30
minutes three or four times daily. Change the compress as it cools. You can
also drain the wound by opening and poking it with an implement you’ve
sterilized, such as a knife tip held in a fire and then allowed to cool.
Altitude Sickness
Depending on how high you are, altitude sickness can range from mild dis-
comfort and shortness of breath to life-threatening cerebral edema. Symptoms
range from drowsiness and weakness to persistent rapid pulse and vomiting.
The best way to cure altitude sickness is to get the victim to lower
altitudes immediately. Some victims of mild altitude sickness can control
symptoms by consciously taking large, exaggerated breaths.
(^316) | Survive!