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Miscellaneous - Saftey & Health, Tips and Considerations
TRAVELBANK SYSTEMS
Health & Saftey, Tips and Considerations
========================================
Safety Tips for Camping
Spring is when we begin to think of camping or cleaning out cabins and
other structures. The following tips can protect against being
infected with the hantavirus:
Before occupying abandoned or unused cabins, open them up to air out.
Inspect for rodents and don't use the cabin if there are signs of
rodent infestation. A mouse nest usually consists of a pile of
twigs, insulation, Styrofoam and grass.
If dead or trapped mice, nests or droppings are found, saturate them
with a mixture of a half-cup of bleach and five cups of water. While
wearing rubber gloves, pick up the saturated materials and put them
in a plastic bag. After sealing in a second bag, dispose of the
materials in an outdoor garbage can, bury them or take them to a
landfill.
Store any livestock feed, hay or wood above ground and 100 feet away
from any residence.
Remove brush piles from the yard.
If locking up the cabin for the season, don't leave food on the
premises.
Plug any holes in walls, or around pipes and vents with sheet metal.
When camping, avoid setting up camp where there is evidence of mouse
droppings.
Avoid sleeping on bare ground. Cover ground under sleeping areas and
use a mat, a cot, or tents with floors.
Avoid sleeping near woodpiles or garbage areas.
Store foods in rodent-proof containers and promptly discard, bury or
burn all garbage - per local regulation.
Don't disturb rodents, burrows or dens.
For more information, call 303-692-2700, for a free brochure in
English or Spanish.
Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Envirotest.
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RABIES IS A RISK IF PEOPIE HANDLE RATS AND OTHER WILDLIFE
The Denver teen-ager who was recently bitten by a rabid bat wasn't a random
victim, say wildlife experts. The teen had greatly increased his chances of
getting bit and contracting a deadly disease because he had a habit of picking
up wildlife.
"Any time people handle wild animals, they run the risk of being exposed to
diseases and sickness," said Steve Bissell, head of education for the Colorado
Division of Wildlife.
And it's illegal to possess wildlife without proper permits and licenses,
said Divisioft of Wildlife Regulations Manager John Smeltzer. The Division has
rehabilitation experts who are certified to help injured bats and other
wildlife.
"We don't want people going out and taking skunks, raccoons, prairie dogs or
bats for pets," Smeltzer said, noting that rehabilitators go through a series of
vaccinations to reduce their risk of contracting rabies.
Bats aren't the only wildlife that people should avoid handling. In the past
two weeks, a fox was destroyed because it bit a Jefferson County man who was
feeding it and two raccoons bit humans who were handling them, said John Pape,
an epidemiologist with the Colorado Department of Health.
In fact, bats have been unfairly singled out for carrying the disease. "In
Western culture bats are associated with witchcraft and demonology and all
that," Bissell said.
As a group, bats perform a great health and economic service from an
agricultural standpoint, Division of Wildlife biologist Kirk Navo said.
According to Bat Conservation International, a single brown bat can eat 600
mosquito-sized insects in one hour. And in Bracken Cave, Texas, 20 million
Mexican free-tailed bats collectively eat 250 tons of insects each night. They
mostly eat moths in larval stages which may be destructive to crops.
Colorado has 18 species of bats that control numbers of mosquitos, moths,
beetles and other flying insects.
Navo notes the importance of taking precautions to avoid potentially rabid
animals, but urges people not to overreact about rabid bats.
In the United States, four people died from bat-associated rabies in 1995
and four died the previous year. In Colorado, the last person to have died from
rabies was in 1931 from a rabid dog, Pape said.
The state Department of Health receives and tests 100 to 150 bats each year
that have mostly been in contact with people and their pets.
So far this year, six rabid bats have been received and five of those
encounters were with pets. Generally, 15 to 20 percent of bats that are brought
to the state Department of Health test positive for rabies, but that's an
overestimated calculation in terms of applying those numbers to bat populations
as a whole, Pape admits.
"We're not out there sampling from the roofs of caves or pulling them out of
trees," Pape said. "It's what you call a biased sample."
Navo likens the statistics to looking for cancer in a hospital. Only a tiny
percentage of all bats actually carry rabies, he said.
"Those bats that are on the ground are more likely to be sick and
potentially carry the disease," Navo said. "But let's not create an hysteria.
Chances that you'll catch the disease are extremely remote if you simply leave
them alone."
Pape said most of the animal disease problems he deals with are caused by
people handling and feeding wildlife.
"Unfortunately, it's the animal that suffers the consequences," he said. "By
simply leaving wildlife alone and keeping your pets vaccinated against rabies
this risk can be eliminated."
Navo emphasized that bats aren't a special problem. "We should look at them
simply as another animal in nature that may carry rabies."
Bissell elaborated on the notion of bats in nature. "They're weird little
animals that have their legs on backward, see their environment with their ears
and fly ... they're interesting to watch and add to our quality of life.
"Be aware that bats are a very normal part of our environment and they have
to be respected like any other wild animal," he said.
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SELECTING A GUIDE:
CHECK LIST
Always check out the credentials ot the instructor, guide or company
before signing up for a trip or a lesson. In potentially risky sports, like
climbing,you'II be entrusting that individual with your life. Make sure
your leader is knowledgeable. What should you look for?
* CREDENTIALS.
Is the individual or the company certified by a governing board? Reputable
climbing and mountaineering guide services are accredited by the American
Mountain Guide Association, which also is beginning to certify individual
guides. If the organization or individual isn't certified. what safety and
instruction guidelines are followed?
* EXPERIENCE.
How long has the instructor or guide been in business? If the answer is seven
years or more they're probably reliable. Ask for names and phone numbers of
previous clients; call them before you pull out your checkbook.
* PERSONALITY.
Does the instructor seem genuInely interested in teaching the skills, or do
you get the idea that he views his job primarily as an excuse to lay outdoors?
Someone can be a good climber or kayaker, but not a good teacher if he's more
interested in himself than in his students.
* LOCATION.
Where is the class or clinic being taught? A begiring kayaker or canoeist
should start on flat water, not a moving current.
* LESSON CONTENT.
What will the lesson or clinic accomplish by the end of the day? Does it sound
managable? Too easy? Too ambitious? If it's too easy, you'll get bored. If
it's too ambitious. you'll get discouraged Look for instructors who prefer
hands on teaching to lectures.
* CLASS SIZE.
Look for a ratio of one instructor for every four to six students.
* SAFTEY.
How will a kayaking instructor help if you flip over and panic? How does a
climbing guide plan to talk you up the rock if you suddenly freeze up? What
will a mountaineering teacher do if your party is caught above timberline in a
thunderstorm? Does the leader of your bicycle ride have a plan if you're too
pooped to pedal the last 20 miles or if your mountain bike breaks on a
backcountry ride?
* FIRST-AID OR CPR CERTIFICATION.
Preferably both For backcountry clinics, trips and classes, the instructor
should know wilderness first aid, too.
*-TravelBank.Com-*
TRAVELBANK SYSTEMS
National Weather Service (NWS)
EXPERIMENTAL UV Index
=====================
Several articles and television news reports appeared concerning the
joint development of an experimental Ultraviolet Index (UV) by the
U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) and the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). The following summarizes the progress of the
experimental UV index:
The experimental UV index is a new product developed by the NWS, with
the support of the EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
NWS has taken responsibility for the creation of the product, and the
science supporting it. EPA is responsible for public education and
outreach, with assistance from the CDC.
The intent of the program is to enhance public awareness of the effects
of overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, and to provide the
public with actions they can take to reduce harmful effects of
overexposure, which may include skin cancer, cataracts and immune
system suppression.
Daily predictions of UV exposure are determined for the noon hour.
Everybody needs to know about effects of UV exposure, which include the
potential for sunburn, skin cancers, aging and wrinkling of the skin,
ocular damage, and cataracts.
Exposure levels are presented below:
Index Value Exposure Level
0 to 2 Minimal
3 to 4 Low
5 to 6 Moderate
7 t 9 High
10+ Very High
The experimental UV index is a forecast of the next day's ultraviolet
intensity at the earth's surface over the one-hour period around noon. To derive
the UV index, ozone data from satellite observations, atmospheric pressure and
temperature forecasts and expected cloudiness are scaled to produce an index
with a scale of 0 - 15. Also, there is a one index unit increase per 4,000 feet
change in elevation.
Beginning June 28, 1994, the UV index is being implemented as an
experimental program covering a limited number of U.S. cities.
LIST OF CITIES FOR NWS EXPERIMENTAL UV INDEX FORECASTS
Anchorage, AK Billings, MT
Mobile, AL Raleigh, NC
Little Rock, ARBismark, ND
Phoenix, AZ Omaha, NE
Los Angeles, CAConcord, MA
San Francisco, CAAtlantic City, NJ
Denver, CO Albuquerque, NM
Hartford, CT Las Vegas, NV
Washington, DCBuffalo, NY
Dover, DE New York, NY
Jacksonville, FLOklahoma City, 0K
Miami, FL Cleveland, 0H
Tampa, FL Portland, 0R
Atlanta, GA Philadelphia, PA
Honolulu, HI Pittsburgh, PA
Des Moines, IASan Juan, PR
Boise, ID Providence, RI
Chicago, IL Charleston, SC
Indianapolis, INSioux Falls, SD
Wichita, KS Memphis, TN
Burlington, VTDallas, TX
Norfolk, VA Houston, TX
Seattle, WA Salt Lake City, UT
Milwaukee, WILouisville, KY
Charleston, WVNew orleans, LA
Cheyenne, WY Boston, MA
Minneapolis, MNBaltimore, MD
St. Louis, MO Portland, ME
Jackson, MS Detroit, Ml
Answers to common questions regarding the NWS/EPA experimental
ultraviolet index
Q: What does the index number mean?
A: The experimental UV index number is an indication of the amount of
ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth's surface over the one-
hour period around noon. This number has been adjusted to account
for the possible presence of clouds and the elevation of your
location. The lower the number the lesser the amount of UV
radiation reaching the surface. A low number occurs when the
sun is low in the sky and during overcast conditions. A higher
number occurs when the sun is high in the sky on clear or partly
cloudy days.
Q: Why does the index number predict a high number on a day which is
rainy?
A: The prediction for a relatively high number was based upon the
forecast for non-overcast conditions. During the passage of a
frontal system the timing of a forecast may either lag or precede
the actual time at which a front passes through the forecasted
location.
Q: What is my exposure likely to be if I go to the mountains (or
beach) over the weekend?
A: By going to higher elevations, the distance by which the UV
radiation has to travel to reach you has been lessened. This
means that there is less atmosphere by which to absorb the UV;
consequently, for every kilometer above sea level you are
receiving 6 percent more UV radiation.
Other factors may cause this number to increase as well. Snow is
very reflective in the UV part of the spectrum and can reflect as
much as 90 percent. At higher locations, the air has fewer
pollutants to absorb the UV radiation. At the beach, the light
colored sand and water also reflect UV radiation. People usually
wear less clothing at the beach and spend a lot of time in a
horizonal position. Each factor may increase the area and
directness of the UV radiation with respect to your skin.
Q: How is the index number calculated?
A: The UV index at any one location is based on several things:
latitude, the day of the year, the time of day, the total ozone
in the atmosphere, the elevation, and what the predicted cloud
conditions will be at noon time.
The total ozone is measured by a NOAA polar orbiting satellite.
This level of ozone is inserted into a model which also includes
the latitude, day of year and time of day. All of which determine
how much atmosphere the UV must pass through to reach the surface
of the earth. The greater the distance and more ozone, the less
UV radiation at the surface. The shorter the distance and the
lesser the ozone amount, the more UV reaches the surface of the
earth.
The UV value from the model is adjusted to the elevation of the
location and then is adjusted by an attenuation factor due to the
predicted cloud cover.
Q: I go on vacation in the Bahamas, how much more UV exposure can I
expect to receive?
A: Generally, the closer you are to the equator, the greater the
exposure to UV. Because you may not be used to the higher levels,
it makes particularly good sense to cover exposed areas and wear
sunglasses on vacation. Even during the winter, you can be
sunburned at lower latitudes.
Q: How were the index cities selected?
A: Some cities were chosen due to their proximity to verification
equipment while others were chosen because of their population.
At least one city per state was required to be represented.
Q: Why only 58 cities? Will this be expanded? When?
A: The number of cities was dictated by the number of states in the
US, the number of cities having verification equipment and the
requirement to address a variety of geographical and climatic
areas of the country. The list will NOT be expanded this summer
(1994). After an assessment of the experimental UV index program,
a decision will be made whether or not to expand the coverage to
the entire nation.
Q: Why is this called an "Experiment?"
A: The techniques used to produce and disseminate the UV index and
health information are new. Other methods of producing the
forecasts are being tested. This "experiment" will be used to
gain experience and allow for improvements to be made before a
national product is produced.
Q: Can people in other cities not listed get a UV forecast or safely
use the forecast for their nearest city?
A: Because of the variability of clouds and elevations between the 38
cities chosen it is not recommended to use a nearest city to
obtain a UV forecast. However, if one follows the seasonal and
day-to-day behavior of the UV index for a near-by city, a pattern
will be apparent that may be applicable.
Q: Why is there only one forecast per day? Will It be updated?
A: Because the UV index is an "experimental" product, it is only
produced once per day. It is likely that the UV index will become
a national product; then it will be updated during the day.
Q: How accurate is the forecast?
A: The UV index forecast is VERY dependant upon the cloudiness
forecast. However, there are several factors that modify UV
including haze, pollution, and aerosols. If the actual conditions
are not as predicted, then the UV index will be in error.
Q: Is this only a seasonal forecast, or available year round?
A: The UV index will be produced year round, but may not be announced
between the fall and spring. If you are travelling to lower
latitudes, you can call your local forecast office for UV
information prior to travelling.
Q: Does the fact that the index is being used mean that the problem
is getting a lot worse?
A: NO. Stratospheric ozone depletion at most latitudes is NOT the
driving force behind the current development of the UV index.
Rather it is the public's habits and lifestyles which suggested
its development.
Q: Why is the UV index on the weather news now?
A: In response to the increasing incidence of skin cancer, cataracts,
and other effects from exposure to the sun's harmful rays, EPA and
NOAA have developed the UV index. It is important that the public
be educated on the factors that can affect UV radiation so
preventive measures can be taken.
Q: The exposure given with the index number was "Moderate" and the
advice was to use sunscreen but I know that my skin is very pale
and I need to use a lot more protection. How did they decide on
those terms?
A: The advice was geared towards people of "fair skin" with the
intent that by focusing on one skin type others would have a basis
for comparison and can make appropriate adjustments to their level
of protection. However, UV has been shown to be related to
cataracts and possible suppression of the immune system so that
proper precautions should always be observed.
PREVENTION MEASURES
Q: How can I learn what precautions to take once I know the index
number?
A: One can call the EPA hot line (1-800-296-1995) to get information
or see your doctor/optometrist.
Q: What is the difference between the UV index number and the SPF
number appearing on suntan lotions?
A: The UV index is NOT linked in any way or form to the SPF number.
One can either contact the manufactures for an explanation of the
SPF factor or contact the FDA.
Q: Where can I get more information about the UV index?
A: If you have questions about the health aspects contact the EPA at
1-800-296-1996. If you have questions about the scientific
aspects contact the NWS at (301) 713-0622.
Q: How much do UV levels vary by season?
A: Seasonal variability can be quite high. Late spring to summer
typically produces the highest UV levels while levels in winter
are lower.
Q: Will local forecast offices add more information to the UV index?
A: It is unlikely during this "experimental" stage that the local
offices will add value to the centrally produced forecast.
Q: Our city already has a similar locally produced index, so why is
the National Weather Service giving us another one?
A: The EPA approached the NWS with the idea of generating UV
forecasts in order to promote awareness of exposure to the sun's
harmful rays. The NWS agreed to begin the issuance of UV
forecasts for an experimental period (1994-1995) after which the
federal government's role will be determined. It Is quite
conceivable that the final role of the federal government could be
regulatory, i.e. setting standards and monitoring the compliance
of those standards rather than the continued issuance of the
forecasts.
Q: What are people supposed to do if the two indices for our city
don't match?
A: The index number (or scale) provided by various companies issuing
the UV forecasts may differ from the National Weather Service
index. However, agreement has been reached with two well known
private meteorology companies (WSl Corporation and Accu-Weather)
that they, along with the National Weather Service, will use the
same terminology to describe the exposure level i.e., minimal,
low, moderate, high and very high. All other locally generated
indices may or may not use the terminology described above.
Q: How far will the index extend around each city? For example, can
I make some adjustments to the UV index number for a city only 25
miles away?
A: The UV index is generated for each city using that site's
predicted cloud amounts and other atmospheric conditions. Rapid
changes in cloud amount can alter the predicted UV forecast.
Radially, the index is valid for approximately 30 miles; however
necessary adjustments should be made for elevation and for changes
to surface reflectivity (sand or snow will elevate the amount of
UV that one will receive.
The following "rules of thumb" are suggested: UV levels increase
with altitude at the rate of two percent for every thousand foot
rise in altitude, or one index number for every four thousand feet
(in summer). Fresh snow is reflective at the rate of 30 to 60
percent while sand is reflective at the rate of 15 to 15 percent;
the whiter the surface, the higher the UV level.
RELATION TO STRATOSPHERIC OZONE DEPLETION
Q: Does the fact that they just start giving us the Index mean the problem
is getting a lot worse?
A: NO. Stratospheric ozone depletion at most latitudes is NOT the driving
force behind the current development of the UV Index. Rather it is the
public's habits and life style which need to be addressed.
HEALTH EFFECTS:
Q: Why is the UV Index on the weather news now?
A: In response to the increasing incidence of skin cancer, cataracts, and
other effects from exposure to the sun's harmful rays, EPA and NOAA
have developed an ultraviolet radiation Index. It is important that the
public be educated on the factors that can affect UV radiation so
preventive measures can be taken.
Q: The exposure given with the Index number was "Moderte" and the advice
was to use sunscreen but I know that my skin is very pale (dark) and I
need to use a lot more (less) protection. How did they decide on those
terms, which do not apply to me?
A: The advice was geared towards people of "fair skin," with the intent
that by focusing on one skin type others would have a basis to compare
against and to make appropriate adjustments to their protection.
However, UV has been shown to be related to cataracts and possible
suppression of the immune system so that proper precautions should
always be observed.
EXPERIMENTAL UV INDEX
Qs & As for Meterologists
This document is inteded to help meteorologists answer basic questions about
the experimental UV Index, the new product from the National Weather Service
(NWS). This information may help you field the many important concerns
and questions the public may have.
Q: What is the experimental UV index?
A: The experimental UV Index adjusts solar radiation by a number of atmospheric
effects to forecast UV exposure levels in major cities around the country. For
the first year, the UM index will be released on a limited experirneiital basis.
Q: How do clouds affect predicted levels of UV radiation?
A: The effect of clouds on UV levels depends on the degree of cloudiness.
Although thick overcast will reduce ultraviolet, thin overcast scattered clouds
may not reduce UV levels. As with any forecast, local variability may change
actual levels experienced. For this reason, a useful rule of thumb to offer your
audience is that, whatever the day's prediction, they should protect themselves
against overexposure to sunlight whenever they can see their shadow when
outdoors.
Q: How does the forecast consider altitude?
A: UV levels increase with altitude because there's less atmosphere to
attenuate the radiation. This factor is cousidered in the forecast for specific
cities In general, UV levels rise 2% for every 1,000 foot rise in altitude or 1
index unit for every 4 thousand feet in summer.
Q: How do reflective surfaces affect the predicted index level?
A: Snow, sand and water are all reflective surfaces and will intensify UV
exposure to varying degrees. Grass reflects from 2.5-3%, sand 20-30%, snow and
ice 8O-9O%. Depending on the angle of reflection, water can reflect up to 100%
of rays striking the surface. Seasonally appropriate messages may help people be
aware that, for example, sand and water at beaches can increase the reported
level considerably.
Q: How much do UV levels vary by season?
A: Seasonal variability can be quite high. Late spring to summer typically
produces the highest UV levels, while In the early winter, levels are lower.
Q: If I go on vacation In the Bahamas, how much more UV can I expect to be
exposed to?
A: Generally speaking, the closer you are to the equator, the higher will be the
level of UV you will be exposed to. Because you may not be used to such high
levels, it makes particularly good sense to cover exposed areas and wear
sunglasses on vacation. Even during the winter, you can be badly sunburned at
lower latitudes.
Q: What affect does the ozone layer have on reported UV levels?
A: It is well known that atmospheric ozone decreases the amount of incident
UV. However, the exact impact of ozone depletion, or other local effects,
including haze, aerosols, et cetera, is not yet fully understood.
*-TravelBank.Com-*
WIND-CHILL CHART
================
Both temperature and wind cause heat loss from body surfaces. A combination
of cold and wind makes a body feel colder than the actual temperature. The
left column of figures shows temperatures in Fahrenheit. The top column
shows wind speed. Both are combined to calculate wind-ccchhhiiillllll.
WIND SPEED(mph)
DEGREES 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
컴컴컴|컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴�
20 | 16 3 -5 -10 -15 -18 -20 -21 -22
15 | 12 -3 -11 -17 -22 -25 -27 -29 -30
10 | 7 -9 -18 -24 -29 -33 -35 -37 -38
5 | 0 -15 -25 -31 -36 -41 -43 -45 -46
0 | -5 -22 -31 -39 -44 -49 -52 -53 -54
-5 | -10 -27 -38 -46 -51 -56 -58 -60 -62
-10 | -15 -34 -45 -53 -59 -64 -67 -69 -70
-15 | -21 -40 -51 -60 -66 -71 -74 -76 -78
-20 | -26 -46 -58 -67 -74 -79 -82 -84 -85
-25 | -31 -52 -65 -74 -81 -86 -89 -92 -93
-30 | -36 -58 -72 -81 -88 -93 -97 -100 -102
*-TravelBank.Com-*
DID YOU KNOW ?
The National Weather service and othe government agencies use certain
descripitions for varing levels of winter conditions. From buzzwords to
blizz-words, here is your key to figuring out what level of storm the
announcer or recorder is talking about.
HEAVY SNOW WARNING:
Plains and lower elevations may get snow accumulation of six
inches or more in 12 hours, or eight inches or more in 24 hours.
Mountain areas could experience snow accumulation of eight inches
or more in 12 hours or ten inches or more in 24 hours.
WINTER STROM WARNING:
This warns of snow accumulations as described above, but with
conditions aggravated by blowing and drifting snow.
BLIZZARD WARNING:
This means that the following conditions are expected to last
for three hours or longer: wind-sustained or frequent gusts to 35 mph
or stronger, and snow falling or blowing which will reduce visibility
to less than a quarter mile.
REALITY, AND "THE RULE": be prepared for worse conditions than forecasters
warned about, and smile when anothe "miscall" gives you fair sky or clear
highway. Predicting the weather is as much art as it is science.
In the words of Jane Bryant Quinn: "The rule on staying alive as a
forecaster is to give 'em a number or give 'em a date, but never
give 'em both at once."
*-TravelBank.Com-*
Winter Safety in Colorado's Outdoors
by Erin Olyer Kindberg, Colorado State Parks
"Getting ready for a fun-filled winter means more than waxing up the skis
and digging out the cold-weather gear," said Dan Overholser, park manager at the
Colorado State Forest in Jackson County. "Colorado winters are unpredictable --
and no winter recreationist should venture outside unprepared. Proper clothing
and a well-equipped winter survival kit are the two best defenses against the
winter wilderness."
Winter Survival Kit
Straying off the trail or being caught off guard by a storm are just some of
the challenges outdoor recreationists face that are exaggerated in the colder
months. Its in these situation where a winter survival kit is essential.
What should your survival kit include? First, fire starting tools top the
list of things to keep with you. You can't survive the winter elements without
heat, and a fire can alert rescuers of your location. Keep matches (in a
waterproof container such as an empty film canister) and cotton balls dipped in
petroleum jelly to serve as a fire starter. A solar tarp or "space blanket" is
another necessity; it can be used as a ground cover or as a blanket.
"Make sure to include high calorie foods like trail mix or candy bars to
sustain energy. Water purification tablets, a compass and a whistle for
alerting others should be included in your survival kit. And back-up dry
clothing, a first-aid kit and a flashlight are the other items you should pack.
Finally, practice using all the tools in your survival kit so you will be
comfortable using them when needed.
Pre-Trip Planning
"We encourage people to use common sense and pre-trip planning as part of
their survival effort as well," said Dennis Scheiwe, park manager at Steamboat
Lake State Park in Routt County. "People who come out to the parks in the
winter need to take those extra precautionary steps that make a winter trip safe
and fun."
"In addition to the survival kit Dan described, it's a good idea to do some
important pre-trip planning," Scheiwe said. "Plan your route carefully and ask
a ranger about conditions before you venture out. Try not to go alone. And
tell someone where you're going before you leave home, including the area of the
park you'll be in, the time you expect to return home, even the trail you'll be
on. If you are late getting back, they can relay that information to a ranger
in case of emergency."
Dress for Success
"The clothing you choose for winter sports is just as important as your
survival kit and pre-trip planning," said Larry Kramer, park manager at Golden
Gate Canyon State Park outside of Golden. "Dressing in layers will be your
biggest defense against common winter dangers such as frostbite and hypothermia.
Start with a layer of long underwear and sweaters made of wool and
polypropelene. Pile or polypropelene are excellent choices for outerwear that
will provide maximum warmth and protection from the elements. Down and cotton
aren't good choices, since these stop insulating when they get wet.
"The final layer should include a waterproof and wind resistant shell as well
as insulated boots. Since a considerable amount of body heat is lost through
the head, a stock ing cap is a must," Kramer added. "For extra protection
against frostnip and frostbite, keep earmuffs, warm gloves and a ski mask with
you. Extremities such as the nose, fingers and ears are often left exposed to
the elements.
Many of us know the Colorado outdoors can be just as beautiful in the winter
as it is in the summer. But while safety should be a concern of outdoor
enthusiasts throughout the year, it becomes especially important during the
winter months. As you get ready for a busy winter sports season, take inventory
of your survival kit and update your winter wardrobe if it needs it.
Taking time out to prepare well makes all the difference in who survives a
cold experience./
(Colorado State Parks are open for business year-round with outdoor recreation
opportunities for everyone. If you haven't visited a Colorado State Park
recently, we invite you to join us.
*-TravelBank.Com-*
Under Wraps
BY PAUL HOMAN
After arriving at the stand, the hunter suddenly felt the impact of the
pre-dawn cold. The early morning hours had been met with a hurried breakfast,
while gathering equipment and clothing, in preparation for the season's opening
day.
The uphill hike to this vantage point had warmed him more than he realized.
Having had little time for pre-season conditioning, the lengthy trek soon left
him perspiring and wishing he could find a comfortable balance between being too
warm or too cold. When he had left camp his big, warm jacket seemed the logical
choice. The morning was cold. The jacket not only provided a barrier to the
sharp-edged weather, but it also provided pockets capable of carrying lunch,
ammo and assorted accessories for the day.
While waiting for first light, his continued efforts to stay warm became
more and more difficult. Damp socks and clothing provided little protection from
the mild breeze that seemed to wish away any semblance of warmth. In addition,
it appeared that the expected rays of early sunshine were to be replaced by
rapidly forming clouds that promised little in the way of warmth. Suddenly,
wind and moisture were changing the hour from one of enthusiastic
anticipation into a time of anxious concern. Body heat was being lost at a rate
faster than it was being produced. Shivering was beginning to increase. The
hurried breakfast was contributing little toward the body's ability to produce
heat and energy.
Hypothermia, aptly termed by Dr. Theodore Lathrop as, "The Killer of the
Unprepared," was rapidly affecting this hunter's ability to function in a normal
manner.
While frequently thought of as a problem associated with winter activities,
hypothermia, or "exposure," can rightfully be considered a concern for all
seasons. Under normal circumstances, we can generally cope with a fairly wide
range of temperature changes. However, even a slight downward trend in our
internal, or inner-core, temperature can have a dramatic effect on our mental
and physical abilities.
Dr. Lathrop notes the following symptoms as the core temperature of an
individual continues to drop:
99-96 degrees: Shivering becomes intense and uncontrollable. Ability to
perform complete tasks is impaired.
95-91 degrees: Violent shivering persists. Difficulty in speaking; sluggish
thinking and amnesia start to appear.
90-86 degrees: Shivering decreases and is replaced by strong muscular
rigidity. Muscle coordination is affected, producing erratic or jerky movements.
85-81 degrees: Victim becomes irrational, loses contact with environment
and drifts into stupor. Muscular rigidity continues. Pulse and respiration are
slowed.
80-78 degrees: Unconsciousness. Victim does not respond to spoken word.
Most reflexes cease to function at this temperature level. Heartbeat becomes
erratic.
Below 78 degrees: Failure of cardiac and respiratory control centers in the
brain. Cardia fibrillation. Probable edema and hemorrhage in lungs. Death.
This hunter was fortunate. The members of his hunting party believed in
keeping in contact with each other throughout the day. Shortly after the first
volleys were sounded, one of the group moved to the site of our hunter. Arriving
on the scene, he quickly recognized the symptoms and the need for reversing the
uncontrollable shivering. Moving rapidly, he moved his friend to a more
sheltered area, out of the wind. Shedding his daypack, he found items essential
for stopping the declining core temperature. He knew that heat was the answer,
heat in the form of warm fluids. Heat in the form of food would provide quick
energy and, of course, dry clothing would replace those dampened by
perspiration.
From years of experience, the contents of his pack had changed. Items such
as ammo and binoculars remained. However, other items had been discarded to
provide room for survival gear and extra clothing. Matches in waterproof
containers, energy bars, a thermos of hot drink, a small plastic tarp and a
variety of lightweight, waterproof and windproof clothing had become standard
pack items. Each of these items played an important role in helping the
hypothermia victim recover. Others caught in similar situations haven't been as
fortunate.
Early recognition of the problem is key, according to research conducted by
mountaineer and physiologist, Dr. Griffith Pugh. His investigation into the
deaths of three participants in the March, 1964, Four Inns Walking Competition
provided ample evidence that wind and wet clothing exert a dramatic influence on
the body's ability to maintain normal heat and energy levels. The contest, held
on the English moors, involves a 45-mile walk that encompasses elevation changes
ranging from 650 to 2,000 feet. "The weather at the beginning of the day was a
drizzle with light wind, but later it deteriorated to heavy rain with strong
winds. During the night there was sleet and snow, with temperatures recorded
down to 35 degrees at lower levels and winds up to 38 miles per hour," Pugh's
research said.
Dr. Pugh's testing of the victims' clothing, under both dry, wet and windy
conditions, determined that the wet clothing under windy conditions had less
than 10 percent of its original insulating value. Further testing also noted a
significant retention of body heat when clothes were protected by waterproof or
windproof outer garments. Wet and windy are conditions everyone outdoors must
recognize and protect against.
A friend in Tucson, a highly experienced mountain trekker, joined another
couple for a three-day outing. Expecting good weather for the journey, he was
poorly prepared for the dramatic change that left him wet, cold and unable to
obtain enough energy-producing food to stop the downward trend of his core
temperature. His two companions, while properly clothed with wool and water-
repellant garments, chose to leave the victim and go for help. "Help" proved to
be of little value to the victim. He had succumbed to hypothermia long before
their return.
In another instance a cross country skier who sat within a few feet of her
pack on a fairly pleasant day, was unable to go the extra distance to get its
life-saving contents. Physical exertion, damp clothing, failure to maintain
energy level by snacking and the inability to recognize the early stages of
hypothermia had suddenly taken their toll.
Recently, during a spring climb, rapidly changing weather conditions and
the failure to find a cached pack provided the scenario where -- once again --
the mountain became the victor. It also reinformed the importance of not only
having the appropriate clothing and equipment, but also the necessity of keeping
it with you.
These situations provide a small, but powerful reminder that hypothermia is
an inherent possibility whenever we mix cool weather, wet clothing and a food
intake that fails to produce sufficient body heat and energy.
Once we accept that hypothermia is a real condition and that it affects
real people, in any season, we can take steps to be prepared. Whether hunting or
fishing, hiking or skiing, the precautions are similar. Adequate food will keep
the "furnace" going, produce sufficient body heat and provide ample energy to
meet the physical challenges. Meals containing a high percentage of complex
carbohydrates, snacks to maintain the energy level and hot fluids all contribute
to the maintenance of body heat. Proper clothing and the ability to remove or
add layers as needed can prevent overheating, dampness and chilling. Layers
should include materials that will wick perspiration away from the body and keep
the skin dry, layers for warmth and insulation and layers that will protect from
wind and bad weather. When choosing the inner layer of protection, the choices
are wide and varied. They range from natural fibers to synthetics and
combinations. Silk, wool, Chlorofibre, Polyproylene and Thermax are some of the
materials that claim to keep the body warm and dry by wicking moisture away from
the skin. Additional layers might also include wool pants and shirt, down or
synthetic vest or jacket and a wind and waterproof outer jacket of Gore-tex or
comparable materials.
Fine, you say, layering makes sense. It's definitely a good idea to have
some snacks along. But how do I keep track of all this stuff? One of the best
ways to meet these changing needs is with a comfortable, well-fitting day pack.
A pack should be large enough to accommodate extra clothing and snacks, as well
as ammunition, binoculars, plastic tarp and perhaps a thermos of hot drink or
soup.
With the addition of these basic items, you are now in a position to
initiate the four basic lines of defense against hypothermia. You have the
ability to stay dry, and you realize that wet clothes lose about 90 percent of
their insulating value. By using your waterproof gear and the plastic tarp, you
can stay warm, dry and out of the wind. In addition, your awareness of the
conditions will enable you to detect symptoms of hypothermia either in yourself
or others.
This defense is essential to the final stage of action, that of providing
treatment to the hypothermic patient. Rewarming, or bringing the patient's
inner-core back to normal, becomes the primary objective. Steps toward this goal
include: getting the victim out of the wind and wet, stripping all wet clothing,
getting the victim into dry clothes and providing external heat such as well-
wrapped warm rocks or canteens of hot water. If conscious, provide the victim
with warm drinks. It is important to remember that the hypothermic patient does
not have sufficient body heat to reverse the downward trend of the inner-core
temperature. Outside sources of heat must be used. These may include warm
canteens and rocks as suggested earlier. They may also include warmth from
another human being, as well as the physical and psychological warmth provided
by a campfire.
In sports, it has often been said "that the best defense is a good
offense." The same axiom holds true when dealing with Mother Nature. Being
prepared to meet varying weather conditions is a first major step. Having the
ability to recognize and treat hypothermic conditions may prove to be just the
right stuff for saving either our own or someone else's life.
Paul Homan is a free-lance writer and photographer. He volunteered with the
National Ski Patrol for 35 years and has spent 42 years as a first aid
instructor with the American Red Cross.
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ALTITUDE AWARENESS
The mountains of Colorado are among the most beautiful parts of
America and we hope you will enjoy every minute of your visit. But some of the
very features which make the high country so attractive may cause problems
unless you recognize and know how to prevent them. Here's why:
As you go higher, barometric pressure decreases, the air is thinner and less
oxygen is available. It's also colder and drier, and the ultraviolet rays from
the sun are stronger. Each of these changes may have unpleasant effects on your
body...
ALTITUDE
Many popular resorts are 8,000 to 9,500 feet above sea level, and the mountain
summits rise a mile higher. You will probably notice that your breathing is
faster or deeper and you may feel short of breath, especially when you exercise.
This is the body's first and most effective response to altitude. Your heart is
likely to beat faster also; this, too, is a helpful normal reaction.
However, you may also develop a headache, a touch of nausea, or unusual
tiredness; some people even have trouble sleeping.
Depending on the altitude, 20 to 30% of all visitors from sea level have one or
several of these symptoms, which we call acute mountain sickness or AMS.
Children are slightly more susceptible; the older you are, the less likely you
are to be affected.
These symptoms usually go away in a day or two. If they grow worse, or if you
are worried, be sure to consult a doctor. If you develop a worsening cough,
increasing shortness of breath or feel like you have fluid in your lungs, SEE A
DOCTOR AT ONCE! Altitude illness, though usually minor, can become serious quite
rapidly, so don't take it lightly or try to tough it out!
BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME, you can do a few things to decrease the effects of
altitude. Our studies show that spending two nights at a modest altitude like
5,000 feet decrease symptoms when you go higher. Eat more foods which are high
in carbohydrate, drink more water and take less salt.
Diamox* is a prescription drug which prevents the unpleasant symptoms for many
people.. Ask your doctor about its use.
ONCE YOU ARRIVE, take it easy for the first day or two. Reduce alcohol,
caffeine, and salty foods. Drink more water than usual. Salt causes your body
to retain fluid (edema) which increases the severity of altitude of altitude
illness.
Above all - LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! Don't push. IF YOU FEEL WORSE AND WORSE, GET
HELP! Minor altitude symptoms occasionally become life threatening
TEMPERATURE
The sun has more power in the thin air, and a bad sunburn can spoil your stay.
No matter how tanned you may be, use a protective cream. "Cold sores" are
aggravated at altitude but might be prevented by a medication (Acyclovir) which
your doctor can prescribe. Snow blindness-- which is sunburn of the eye-- is a
real danger, especially on new snow, and even on foggy or cloudy days. Wear sun
glasses or goggles with ultraviolet protection.
Temperature falls about three degrees fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet of
altitude and it can get cold very fast. Take extra clothes. Hypothermia (low
body temperature) can occur even in the summer if you are wet or wind-chilled,
hungry, tired, or poorly dressed. The warning signs are clumsiness and trouble
thinking or talking clearly, irritability and confusion. Watch for these in each
other. If in doubt, stop, warm up, eat and drink- and if necessary send for
help.
Most people dress appropriately in the winter, but be sure your boots and gloves
are not wet or too tight. If you lose sensation in your face, fingers or toes,
stop, look for frostbite (numb, cold, white areas), and take time to warm up.
WATER
The crisp mountain air is exhilarating, but it's also very dry. You lose much
more water than you realize in exhaled air and from sweating. It's very
important to maintain the body water, so drink two to three times more than
usual. Fill your canteen in the hotel. Don't drink from streams. Juices and
water are better than tea or coffee or alcohol. Remember that at altitude, one
alcoholic drink does the work of two.
INJURIES
Accidents can happen at any time to anyone, but they are more common when you
are cold, tired or hungry.Remember that lack of oxygen can blunt your judgement.
leading you to do foolish things. Whether hiking, skiing, playing golf or
tennis, give your body plenty of food and water to function efficiently. Don't
keep going when you're very tired; quit while you're ahead.
ILLNESS
Of course you are as likely to get a cold or flu or stomach trouble in the
mountains as you are at home. But altitude illness feels very much like flu, or
a hangover, and it can be a lot more serious. If you have any doubt, get medical
help. Don't let ignorance or carelessness spoil you stay.
There is great joy, beauty and spiritual peace to be discovered in the
mountains. Treat yourself with respect and enjoy,your visit.
* Recent experience suggests that a small dose of Diamox suffices: 125mg
the morning before you are to arrive at altitude, again that evening, and each
morning and night for two days after arrival.
* Increase Fluid Intake
* Decrease Salt Intake
* Moderate Your Physical Activity
* Select Higher Carbohydrate Foods
* Eat Low Fat Meals
* Reduce Alcohol and Caffeine
* Feeling Lousy? Seek Help!
* Have Fun!
Publication #191-1-B
Colorado Altitude Research Institute, a division of Snake River Health Services,
P.O.BOX 38, Keystone,Colorado, 80435.
CARI-303-262-1114
SRHS-303-468-1440
*-TravelBank.Com-*
Al Marlowe
PO Box 2243
Evergreen, Colorado 80439
Copyright Al Marlowe
ALTITUDE ILLNESS: Don't Let It Get You Down
To a person living in Colorado, the Flat Tops' average elevation of 11,000 feet
doesn't seem very high. A visitor from Texas or either coast will notice the
thin air as soon as he starts hiking one of the 2000-foot climbs. And while it
may seem odd t o say so, either visitor can be at risk of suffering the effects
of altitude illness.
Why should that be? For the lowland visitor, the answer is obvious. The majority
of Colorado residents live at elevations below 6500 feet. While our bodies have
adjusted to that altitude, going higher, as when hiking the Flat Tops, demands
more of th e resident as well as the out of state visitor.
"Far too many serious incidents occur during mountain outings because the
participants are unaware of the debilitating effects of dehydration and high
altitudes," says CMSgt Peter Kummerfeldt, SERE instructor at the U. S. Air Force
Academy, hunter, a nd high altitude expert. Dr. Tom Morgan, a Colorado Springs
physician practicing in the field of high altitude sports medicine, agrees.
What causes a person to have physical problems at high altitude? According to
Dr. Morgan, it has to do with air pressure. The decrease in pressure that comes
with an increase in altitude reduces the quantity of oxygen available. He says
that at sea l evel, your blood is 100 percent saturated with oxygen. When we
venture to high altitudes, the reduced air pressure reduces oxygen saturation.
We adapt to the oxygen deficiency by breathing faster and deeper, and increasing
cardiovascular output. Physical problems with altitude vary but can be grouped
into three separate but related forms: Acute mountain sickness or AMS, high
altitude fluid in lungs pulmonary edema, and high altitude cerebral edema, HAPE
and HACE.
AMS is rarely seen below 6500 feet. It becomes increasingly common above 8,000
feet, an elevation easily encountered on the Flat Tops. Symptoms are usually
minor though they can be disabling. Severity is greater among those who haven't
taken time for acclimatization. A person making a rapid ascent may experience a
headache, mild to severe, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, weakness, sleep
disturbance, or experience periods of intermittent breathing.
Left untreated, AMS can advance to a serious, life-threatening illness, HAPE. It
most often effects those who have had the problem previously, or have been
acclimatized to high altitude, spent two or more weeks at low elevations, and
then returned to altitude. The symptoms can develop rather rapidly, in a matter
of hours, or slowly over a period of one to three days. HAPE is not always
accompanied by symptoms of AMS.
A person suffering from HAPE will experience shortness of breath, irritating
cough, weakness, rapid heart rate, and headache. The symptoms may progress to a
more severe cough producing a bloody sputum, a low-grade fever rare symptoms
confused with i nfection, and increasing chest congestion. The problem
frequently gets worse at night. A pulse rate higher than 110 per minute and
respiration over 16 breaths per minute is an early sign of HAPE. A medical
emergency exists should the rates exceed 120 and 20. If the illness is
untreated, the victim can go into a coma. Death may follow within a very short
time.
A person with symptoms of HAPE must be immediately evacuated to lower altitude,
preferably below 6500 feet. Oxygen may help mild cases but descent is still
necessary. When a Gamow Bag (Gam`-off) is available, it should be used. This
inflatable devise simulates descent. Recovery after descent, whether actual or
simulated in the Gamow Bag, is usually rapid.
HACE is less common than the other forms of altitude illness but is the most
severe. Symptoms include severe headache, confusion, hallucinations, unstable
gait, loss of vision, loss of dexterity, and facial muscle paralysis. A sufferer
may fall into a restless sleep, followed by deep coma and death. Immediate
descent or use of the Gamow Bag is required if the victim is to have any hope of
recovery. Oxygen, if available, should be given by face mask at the rate of 2 -4
liters per minute. Symptoms of all three forms of altitude illness are
progressive. Some are overlapping. It doesn't follow, however, that one form
will always progress to another, more serious condition. A person can have HAPE
or HACE without first showing symptoms of AMS.
Anyone showing signs of HAPE or HACE should be taken to lower altitude
immediately. On the north side of the Flat Tops, the nearest medical facility is
at Meeker. If you exit the wilderness by I-70, treatment is available at
Glenwood Springs.
A person might think that a physical conditioning program would prevent altitude
illness. It ain't so. Fittness will give you more endurance and aid in the
efficient use of oxygen. But it won't prevent altitude problems. Even if your
fittness level is excellent, don't let it lull you into overextending yourself
before acclimitization.
A conditioning program should begin at least twelve weeks prior to traveling to
high altitude. The body requires this long to respond to physical training. And
remember that acclimatization is lost once a person has returned to low altitude
(below 65 00 feet) after as little as ten days.
Even after completing a conditioning program, a person who lives near sea level
is going to require time to acclimate to high altitude. When possible, you
should allow two or three days to adjust to the altitude before engaging in any
rigorous activity after arrival. Even then, you'll likely feel more tired than
usual from normal activities. Smoking will decrease your performance at altitude
and should be avoided.
Those who suffer from respiratory ailments such as asthma should be aware that
the conditions can be aggravated by high altitude if not treated. Other ailments
such as pulmonary hypertension may also be made worse. Anyone who uses
medications for these conditions must also use them at altitude. One caution,
though. The use of sedating antihistimines (the kind that make you drowsy) can
decrease respiration while sleeping, worsening some symptoms of altitude
illness.
Both Chief Kummerfeldt and Dr. Morgan agree that dehydration contributes to
altitude sickness. Breathing through the mouth during exertion is the major
cause of water loss. The condition is also easy to prevent.
Under ordinary conditions, the body needs about two to four quarts of water per
day to stay hydrated. At altitudes above 8000 feet, fluid requirements increase.
Three or four quarts per day should be considered a minimum. Thirst is a poor
indicator of need. Get lots of fluids and drink frequently. Avoid, or at least
minimize the use of beverages containing caffine or alcohol as these contribute
to dehydration.
Electrolyte replacement drinks are assimilated quickly. Those in powder form can
be carried easily and mixed with water, ready for use as needed. Just make
certain you get adequate fluids, whichever type you use. As long as your urine
is colorless or very light yellow, you are sufficiently hydrated.
While diet won't prevent altitude sickness, certain foods are recommended
because they are easier to digest. Meals high in complex carbohydrates such as
pastas, breads, or whole grain cereals are good energy sources. The body tends
to run out of steam easier at high altitude. Carbohydrates help offset this
effect. Proteins and fats should be used in moderation since they are difficult
to metabolize.
Some people are more susceptible to altitude illness than others. Medical help
is available for this situation. Dr. Paul Auerbach, Chief, Division of Emergency
Medicine at the Stanford University Hospital, recommends the use of Diamox
(acetazolomide ) to aid acclimitization. 125 - 250 mg, taken twice daily, is
advised beginning 6-12 hours before ascent and continued for 24-48 hrs after
reaching the max imum altitude. It should be included in the medical kit for
altitudes over 9000 feet. A prescription is required.
The drug does have some side effects. It will cause increased urination so get
more fluids to prevent dehydration. It can also cause tingling in your fingers
and toes shrotly after taking each dose. Taking the smaller dosage will reduce
the frequency of urination. The tingling sensation shouldn't last very long at a
time. The symptoms, while anoying, are less so than altitude illness. One word
of caution, though. Don't take this medication if you are allergic to sulfa
drugs.
Decadron (dexamethasone), an anti-inflammatory steroid, is useful for treating
symptoms of AMS until the victim can be taken to lower altitude. This is also a
prescription drug. Either of these medications, Decadron or Diamox, should be
used only as directed by a physician.
Minor headaches associated with AMS can be relieved with ordinary OTC pain
medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. If you're having
headaches, however, you may not be getting enough water. To prevent further
difficulty, do not ascend to higher altitude until you are free of headache for
12 hours.
Vitamins may be of value. While there is no medical evidence to support it,
vitamin E is sometimes recommended as aiding the body in using oxygen more
efficiently, an obvious help at high altitude. No specific amount is suggested
but don't over do it . When the body is dehydrated, the water-soluble B-vitamins
are depleted. Taking B-complex should be helpful in replacing nutrients lost
through increased urination and perspiration.
The best way a person can prepare for a high altitude adventure is to spend a
lot of time at altitude. For the majority of us, this isn't practical. The next
best thing is to prepare physically and mentally. Understanding acclimatization
and getting yourself in top physical condition will improve your ability to meet
the challenge of the Flat Tops.
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