Inherent Risk, Field Care and Rescue

[rooihond]

Hope it didn't have a chance to dig in!

 

[colorado]

Flagyl and Zithromax will work better than Imodium if you've been drinking water with decomposing monkeys in it (I think that was part of a post). Imodium can actually be dangerous in that situation as it will stop you up. diarrhea is nature's unattractive way of telling you something bad is going on and your body is trying to expel it.

 

[rooihond]

Flagyl and Zithromax will work better than Imodium if you've been drinking water with decomposing monkeys in it (I think that was part of a post). Imodium can actually be dangerous in that situation as it will stop you up. diarrhea is nature's unattractive way of telling you something bad is going on and your body is trying to expel it.

I will check on its availability. I agree. I never take Imodium at the onset for the reason you mentioned. I allow my body a chance to get rid of what it needs to. At some point I feel like I have had enough and I go for the Imodium. I'm not sure if my timing has always been the best. Fortunately, I have never had a serious bout with illness from bad water. Definitely not dead monkey water.

 

[enysse]

I don't remember what I got from the pharmacy for my bad gut ache, I kept the box though and will buy some next time. My stuff is sitting storage right now. Of the two Colorado mentions, I'd take Flagyl...I'm pretty damn sure that is what I took, also called metronidazole. Produces bactericidal, antiprotozoal, amebicidal, trichomonacidal effects.

 

[spike.t]

Nice! I hope my deet formulation will do the trick for me and the bugs. I need to get local numbers for some of the areas in Zim/ Zambia/ Bwana where I will be headed soon. I did find that a clinic on Polokwane will accept my regular health insurance while in the Limpopo.

This is my usual kit.

D.A.R.K., Complete Kit, Ranger Green

It is bare bones but has the necessities for serious injury.
I would suggest getting the SOF Tourniquet option. The CAT has a plastic windlass than can fail especially after being exposed to heat(in a car) or extreme cold after time. The SOF has a metal windlass, better retention, and a buckle.

I also keep a few decompression needles handy.

Is there an industry standard for PH med training?

just had a look on the link and i see your govnt doesnt let them ship medical kits out of the country either..........:wacky: mind you it doesnt mention somalia, sudan, china, afgahnistan, iraq, pakistan etc in the list of countries they dont ship to.............:headscratch:

 

[rooihond]

I don't remember what I got from the pharmacy for my bad gut ache, I kept the box though and will buy some next time. My stuff is sitting storage right now. Of the two Colorado mentions, I'd take Flagyl...I'm pretty damn sure that is what I took, also called metronidazole. Produces bactericidal, antiprotozoal, amebicidal, trichomonacidal effects.

I looked it up an metronidazole rang a bell. I just realized, forgot to call my doctor today.

 

[rooihond]

spike,

Yeah, lots of restrictions on sales and shipping. I'm thinking that the site is just mentioning a sample list of locations that commonly request. That is a guess. It is a long list to bother with while not being comprehensive. The rules do appear convoluted at times.

I'm concerned with the decompression needles(not included in kit) causing confusion or raising eyebrows. I keep them available during hunts and range days. They can be life saving when dealing with penetrating wounds.

 

[Cliffy]

Getting trained in first aid AND having the mental strength to do what is needed is paramount. Most people freeze or freak out at any emergency situation. Luckily blood doesn't get to me until way after it's all done.
We always make up a "kit" with our doctor before we go. Even prescription meds and we know how to use the ones we carry.
You might look up something called "The Spot" epirb. It will lay a bread crumb trail of your travels for others to follow on line and it will summon the help when needed. I'll have one for the next trip.
I had to look up the decompression needles as I am unfamiliar with them.
OK, not trained, won't be in my bag, but looks like it could be useful to someone who knows how to use it.
Had tick fever once over there- don't want it again! Very specific meds for the 2 kinds of ticks that get you sick. Each one is different and it reoccurs in 6 months if you don't complete the meds the first time! Doxicycline is for one of the 2. Had a world renowned tick and spider Doc diagnose me when I got it.
I have an old thread here somewhere on it.

 

[Code4]

Well for Africa, I would bring something for an upset stomach...both times there I had diarrhea really bad. I think I know what caused it both times too. Water bottles filled from unclean source.

.

This is your biggest risk in Africa and the most overlooked when reading these threads on forums. Forget DG, it's the ones you can't see that will get you.

 

[rooihond]

Getting trained in first aid AND having the mental strength to do what is needed is paramount. Most people freeze or freak out at any emergency situation. Luckily blood doesn't get to me until way after it's all done.
We always make up a "kit" with our doctor before we go. Even prescription meds and we know how to use the ones we carry.
You might look up something called "The Spot" epirb. It will lay a bread crumb trail of your travels for others to follow on line and it will summon the help when needed. I'll have one for the next trip.
I had to look up the decompression needles as I am unfamiliar with them.
OK, not trained, won't be in my bag, but looks like it could be useful to someone who knows how to use it.
Had tick fever once over there- don't want it again! Very specific meds for the 2 kinds of ticks that get you sick. Each one is different and it reoccurs in 6 months if you don't complete the meds the first time! Doxicycline is for one of the 2. Had a world renowned tick and spider Doc diagnose me when I got it.
I have an old thread here somewhere on it.

Yes, mental strength is paramount. Mindset can often make up for a lack of kit but there is no gear that can fix panic.

The Spot looks like a cool gadget. I will probably go with a PLB though. They appear to have reliability on their side and no subscription. They just tend to cost a bit more at time of purchase. I do like the messaging capability of the Spot. Thanks for the suggestion.

That tick fever sounds like a ride worth missing!

 

[PaulT]

Rooihond, congrats on raising what I believe is an excellent post.

There is some excellent information and advice being provided by all members here, something that will provide invaluable assistance to many in the future.

Some of the inherent risks provided by hunting trip will be specific to the area being hunted, and as we do when we receive a booking from a hunter, will make inquiries with that hunter regarding allergies, existing medical conditions, anaphalaxis (spelling ?) etc.

Where I hunt we have some pretty nasty reptiles and insects that can do you just as much, if not more, harm than a crazed buffalo.
As a minimum I ensure I personally maintain a current level 2 First Aid certificate, and allways carry a Sat phone.
We have two extensive First Aid Kits in camp including basic pain relief, immodium, etc etc, I keep a smaller kit in my vehicle and carry pressure bandages and two tampons whilst out in the field at any time.

The Tampons (hope we never need them) are the very best blood-loss control methods for bullet wounds should worse come to worse.

I have also received extensive training on venomous snake bite treatment and all other aspects specific to my hunting area. I would think that any client has the right to expect all of this as an absolute minimum preparation from any professional outfit that they commission for their hunt.

To date we have not needed ANY of the above for any clients (me personally, well that's another story !!!), and hope, with good management, that we never do, but out and about in the wilds it is far better to be prepared than to be sorry !

Again, great thread !

 

[rooihond]

Paul,

Thank you! I wasn't so sure that there would be any interest. I am glad to see that you are conscientious about the matter. I would enjoy heading over to hunt with Southern Safaris some time!

Tampons are great. Cheap and easy to keep available. The ladies appreciate them in emergencies as well!

Snakes are a concern that I haven't had to worry much about in a while. I hope the mambas are friendly when I get to Africa.

How does that sat phone work for you? The one I have available at work doesn't always work that well.

 

[PaulT]

Paul,

Thank you! I wasn't so sure that there would be any interest. I am glad to see that you are conscientious about the matter. I would enjoy heading over to hunt with Southern Safaris some time!

Tampons are great. Cheap and easy to keep available. The ladies appreciate them in emergencies as well!

Snakes are a concern that I haven't had to worry about in a while. I hope the mambas are friendly when I get there.

How does that sat phone work for you? The one supplied by my employer doesn't always work the way we would like it to.

Rooi, as much as I enjoy a good caliber debate, I think the topic you have raised here is far more serious and if required could potentially save someone's life, or good health.

Working in the remote environment that I do preparation for the worse case scenario has been at the forefront of our safety plans since I first moved a camp out to Arnhemland.
Unfortunately I am not too good at following my own plans and have suffered at the "hands", prongs, stingers, jaws and teeth of our local fauna and fully understand the penalties of not being careful.
Fortunately none of this has ever occurred to any of our hunters, YET.

Snakes are an unfortunate part of hunting !
I have numerous close encounters each season, in my hunting locale we have 8 of the top ten deadliest in Australia.

Fortunately (so far) I have only been physically struck once, the strike landing on the solid part of a sturdy boot having no ill effects for me (can't say the same for that snake though !), but you should be prepared (not frightened) for the worse case scenario.
Even the most deadliest snakes rarely inject a full dose of venom and treated properly I have know people who have gone on with their tasks for surprising amounts of time before seeking medical attention after receiving a strike from a venomous species.

I have an Irriduim Sat phone which (in my area) works very well.
I also have all emergency numbers stored, and a list of instructions of how to use it (as I have for my G.P.S) incase misfortune strikes me down and leaves clients on their own.
I see these two pieces of equipment as vital to my business, providing a service of safety and security in what essentially is a wilderness region.

Best of luck to you on your first African hunt.
I look forward to more insightful information provided by Ah members here, we can all learn and increase our level of enjoyment and safety.

 

[colorado]

Hope it didn't have a chance to dig in!

So she said "is that a tick on your junk or are you just glad to see me!"

 

[Mtgoat]

I don't remember what I got from the pharmacy for my bad gut ache, I kept the box though and will buy some next time. My stuff is sitting storage right now. Of the two Colorado mentions, I'd take Flagyl...I'm pretty damn sure that is what I took, also called metronidazole. Produces bactericidal, antiprotozoal, amebicidal, trichomonacidal effects.

Anyone taking metronidazole or tinidazole should avoid alcohol. Flagyl oral : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD In addition to the side effects listed, I was warned that while taking Flagyl, even a small amount of alcohol can produce unexpected anger.

 

[rooihond]

Paul,

First aid isn't as fun or sexy as the cool stuff like guns and ammo. As aware as I am about this topic, I get lulled into the same laziness at times. Thanks again for your appreciation of the post.

I've only had to be ready for encounters with various rattlesnakes and occasional moccasins, etc.. Australia seems to have a good concentration of venomous critters. They don't bother me as much as ticks and centipedes. Not sure why, I kill those at every opportunity. Snakes are interesting but they sure do have my respect.

Iridium is the same brand we have in use. Maybe just occasional bad timing on the rare occasions we turn that thing on.

Thanks for the luck! The anticipation is turning into an enjoyable torture. I hope that everybody has sharpened up a bit from member input. I have. Thanks everybody!

 

[rooihond]

So she said "is that a tick on your junk or are you just glad to see me!"

Ohhhh! I would smash that tick dead as hell. Right after being very carefully removed of course!

 

[rooihond]

Mtgoat,

Good reminder to check on anything we consume. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[enysse]

Mtgoat,

Good reminder to check on anything we consume. Thanks for the heads up.

In both cases for me, the host took store bought water bottles and filled it with unclean water. I honestly can't trust anyone anymore. Maybe just bad luck.

As far as metronidazole, I have 1500 page book on drugs. Yes, taking alcohol should be avoided it causes abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, and psychotic reactions.

 

[rooihond]

That explains a lot. Everybody at the local bars is taking metronidazole!