.Minimizing Risk 12 3 4 Front side Wrapping for a sprained ankle Don’t Take a Tumble Keeping safe from falling will make your hiking adventures much more enjoyable from beginning to end. Trails often are bumpy and have loose rocks, gravel, and other debris, so watch where you step, every step of the way. This is especially important if you are hiking along a steep incline. Stay within the boundaries of the trail, behind any protective railing, and obey all signage. Don’t get distracted when you take photographs, talk with companions, or drop something. Paying attention will help you avoid the pitfalls of injuries such as a sprained ankle or scrapes and bruises from a tumble. Hiking 49
Minimizing Risk. Altitude Sickness If you live near an ocean, your home is probably not much above sea level. Scouts in the prairie states may be accustomed to elevations of just 1,000 or 2,000 feet. Going to a place that is much higher may leave you short of breath because as you go up in elevation, the atmosphere around you becomes thinner and contains less oxygen. Within a few days, your body will acclimate itself by producing extra red blood cells to carry more oxygen to your tissues and organs, and you should feel fine. Hikers ascending even higher without allowing time for their bodies to adjust to the new elevations—perhaps climbing Philmont’s 12,000-foot Baldy Mountain soon after arriving at the ranch—can develop headaches and may suffer from nausea. They may develop AMS, or acute mountain sickness. Symptoms may include any or all of the following: headache, nausea, unusual tiredness, and loss of motivation. Whenever you hike at a high altitude, take precautions against acute mountain sickness. Fortunately, AMS is seldom a problem for people at elevations of less than 8,000 feet above sea level. 50 Hiking
.Minimizing Risk Taking steps to prevent altitude sickness is far better than “Climb high, sleep suffering from it during a hike. The following suggestions can low” is good make a big difference in how well you are able to function advice for hikers, during journeys to high elevations. skiers, snowshoers, and other mountain • Drink plenty of fluids. As a rule, take in enough water so travelers. While that your urine remains clear rather than dark yellow. adjusting to thinner air, after hiking • Ascend gradually. Spending a few days at 5,000 to 7,000 upward during the feet and then a few more at 8,000 to 10,000 feet will permit day, descend to a your body to acclimate before you go higher. lower camp for a good night’s rest. These symptoms can also be warning signs of hypothermia, a far more common first-aid emergency among hikers. Address hypothermia first by making sure that the person is warm, is wearing dry clothing, is sheltered from the wind and chilly or wet weather, and has had enough to eat and drink. If the per- son does not rapidly improve and he or she is at an elevation above 8,000 feet, treat for altitude sickness as well. Treating altitude sickness can be summed up in three words: Descend, descend, descend! Going down even a few thousand feet in elevation will almost always relieve the symp- toms. Rest, fluids, and food may also help. If symptoms persist or worsen, get the person to a doctor. Hiking 51
Minimizing Risk. Monitor the Hypothermia person closely for any change When a person’s body is losing more heat than it can generate, in condition. hypothermia sets in. Simple exposure to cold is seldom the only Do not rewarm cause. Exposure to wind and rain, and hunger, exhaustion, and the person too dehydration are common contributing factors. A hypothermia quickly (for victim might feel cold, numb, fatigued, irritable, and increas- instance, by ingly clumsy. Uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, poor immersing in judgment, and loss of consciousness might also occur. warm water); doing so can Treat a victim of hypothermia by preventing the person cause irregular from getting colder. If necessary, use any or all of the following and dangerous methods to help warm the body to its normal temperature. heartbeat. • Move the person into a tent or other shelter and get him into dry, warm clothes. • Zip the person into a dry sleeping bag, or wrap him in blan- kets or anything handy that will warm him. Cover the head with a warm hat or sleeping bag hood. • If the person is able to drink, offer small amounts of warm liquids (cocoa, soup, fruit juices, water; no caffeine or alcohol). • Provide water bottles filled with warm fluid to hold in the armpit and groin areas. To help prevent hypothermia, carry spare clothing in case you get wet or if temperatures drop. Be alert for early symptoms of hypothermia in yourself and others. Take action to keep full-blown hypothermia from developing. If you suspect someone is suffering from hypothermia, challenge the person to walk, heel to toe, a 30-foot line scratched on the ground. If the person shows unsteadi- ness, loss of balance, or other signs of disorientation, take immediate action to get the victim warm and dry. 52 Hiking
. Frostbite Rewarm any frostbitten area A frostbite victim may complain that his ears, only if there nose, fingers, or feet feel painful and then is no chance numb, but sometimes he will not notice any of refreezing. such sensation. You may see grayish-white patches on the skin—called frostnip—the first stage of frostbite. Only frostnip can be treated out on the trail. If you suspect that frostbite is deep (extending below skin level), remove any wet clothing and wrap the injured area in a dry blanket. Do not rub the injury. Get the victim under the care of a doctor. To treat frostnip, move the victim into a shelter, then warm the injured area. If an ear or cheek is affected, warm the injury with the palm of your bare hand. Slip a frostnipped hand under your clothing and tuck it beneath an armpit. Treat frostnipped toes by putting the victim’s bare feet against the warm skin of your belly. Help prevent frostbite by wearing layers of clothing, keeping dry, and staying hydrated. Heat Exhaustion Cool down victims of heat exhaustion as quickly as possible. Heat and dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion. Symptoms can include pale, clammy skin; nausea and headache; dizzi- ness and fainting; muscle cramps; and weakness and lack of energy. If a member of your group is suffering from heat exhaus- tion, get the person in the shade and encourage him to drink small amounts of fluids. Cool water is best. Apply cool, wet cloths to his skin and fan him to hasten the cooling process. Activities can resume when the person feels better, although it can take a day or more for full recovery. Hiking 53
Minimizing Risk. Heatstroke When a person’s core temperature rises to life-threatening levels (above 105 degrees), heatstroke occurs. Dehydration and overexertion in hot environments can be factors. Symptoms include hot, sweaty, red skin; confusion; disorientation; and a rapid pulse. Heatstroke is life-threatening; summon medical help imme- diately. To treat a heatstroke victim while awaiting help, work to lower the person’s temperature quickly. Move him to a shady location and loosen tight clothing. Fan the person and apply wet towels. If you have ice packs, wrap them in a thin barrier (such as a thin towel) and place them under the armpits and against the neck and groin. If the person is able to drink, offer small amounts of cool water. Monitor the victim closely to guard against a relapse. Sunburn Sunburn is a common but potentially serious result of overexposure to the sun. Long-term exposure can result in an increased risk of skin cancer. Treat sunburn by getting the person under shade. If no shade is available, have him wear a brimmed hat, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt for protection from the sun. Treat painful sunburn by applying cool, wet cloths. Prevent sunburn by limiting exposure to the sun, covering up, and wearing a broad-brimmed hat. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply it liberally and often. 54 Hiking
.Minimizing Risk Lightning Safety Open water, mountaintops, the crests of ridges, the bases of tall or solitary trees, and large meadows can be hazardous places during lightning storms. Plan to be off peaks and other exposed locations before afternoon, when thunderstorms are more prevalent. If you are caught in a dangerous area, quickly move to shore or descend to a lower elevation, ideally away from the direction of the approaching storm. A dense forest located in a depression offers the greatest protection. Stay clear of shal- low caves and overhanging cliffs—ground currents might arc across them. Avoid bodies of water and metal fences, too, and anything else that might conduct electricity. In tents, stay away from metal tent poles. If a lightning storm catches your group in the open, spread out so that people are at least 100 feet from one another. Further minimize your risk by crouching low with only the soles of your shoes touching the ground. You can use your sleeping pad for insulation by folding it and crouching upon it. 100 feet Hiking 55
Minimizing Risk. Insect Stings To treat bee stings, scrape away the stinger with the edge of a knife blade, but don’t squeeze the sac attached to the stinger— that might force more venom into the skin. Applying an ice pack to the area can reduce pain and swelling caused by insect stings. Chiggers are almost invisible. These If a tick has been embedded for more tiny insects bite the skin, causing small than a day or poses difficulties in welts and itching. Try not to scratch removal, see a doctor. chigger bites. Covering the bites with hydrocortisone cream will provide some relief. Tick Bites Ticks are small, blood-sucking creatures that bury their heads in the skin. Protect yourself in tick-infested woodlands and fields. Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Button your collar and tuck your pant legs into your boots or socks. Inspect yourself daily, especially the hairy parts of your body; immedi- ately remove any ticks you find. If a tick has attached itself, remove it immediately. Grasp it with tweezers close to the skin and gently pull until it comes loose. Do not squeeze, twist, or jerk the tick, as that may leave its mouth parts buried in the skin. Wash the wound with soap and water, and apply an antiseptic. After handling a tick, thoroughly wash your hands. Only some ticks carry Lyme disease. A red ring might appear around the bite. A victim might feel tired and have flulike symptoms. Anyone having such symptoms in the days and weeks following a trek should see a physician. 56 Hiking
.Minimizing Risk Snakebites Snakes are not warm-blooded There are two types of venomous snakes in the United States. and therefore Pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths) cannot carry rabies. have triangular heads with pit marks on either side of the head. Coral snakes have black snouts and bands of red and yellow separated by bands of black. Coral snakes inject powerful venom that works on the victim’s nervous system; pit-viper venom affects the circulatory system. The bite of a nonvenomous snake causes only minor puncture wounds. If a crew member has been bitten by a snake that you are certain is nonvenomous, clean the wound with soap and water, then treat with an antiseptic. The bite of a venomous snake may cause sharp, burning pain. If you are not certain whether a snake is ven- omous, assume that it is venomous. Get the victim under medical care as soon as possible so that physicians can neutralize the venom. The venom might not affect the victim for an hour or more. Within that time, the closer to medical attention you can get the victim, the better. Milk snake Remember: Red and black, friendly jack; red and yellow, deadly fellow. Snakebite Don’ts • Don’t make any cuts on the bite, apply suction, apply a tourniquet, or use electric shock (such as from a car battery). All of these so-called remedies can cause more harm to the victim and are not proven to be effective. • Don’t apply ice to a snakebite. Ice will not help the injury but may damage the skin and tissue. • Don’t give the victim alcohol, sedatives, or aspirin. Doing so could hasten the absorption of venom, aggravate nausea, or fuel fear and panic in the victim. Hiking 57
Minimizing Risk. Do all you can to prepare for a mishap before it occurs. Study the First Aid merit badge pamphlet and the chapters on first aid in the Boy Scout Handbook and Fieldbook. Practice rescue techniques with your patrol and troop. Check with your BSA local council office for training opportunities in your area such as those offered by the American Red Cross and other local groups. Safety Around Dogs It is not unusual to come upon dogs as you walk through cities, towns, and near farms. You may meet them on trails, too. Since you are a stranger to them, they might snarl and bark at you. Avoid eye contact; talk to the dogs you encounter in a calm, quiet voice and give them plenty of room as you pass. Do not threaten them, but if you have a hiking stick or trekking poles, keep them between you and the animals. Cross to the far side of the road or trail if you can, or avoid a dog’s territory by taking another route. 58 Hiking
Safety Around Wild Animals .Minimizing Risk Striped skunk Seeing deer, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and other animals that make their homes in the outdoors is a special part of any hike. If wild animals must alter their normal habits, you are too close. They are not likely to become aggressive unless they feel threatened. Enjoy watching wild animals, but keep your distance. Do not disturb nests or burrows. Mountain lion Be aware of the kinds of predatory animals you might meet during your adventures. Wolves, coyotes, and cougars (mountain lions, panthers, pumas) are curious. If you meet such an animal, do not approach the animal, run, or play dead. Face the creature and slowly retreat. Make yourself “big”—wave your arms and clothing above your head. Be noisy; throw rocks and sticks. If you encounter a bear, do not run or shout. Stay calm, back away, and avoid eye contact with the animal. Hiking 59
.Hiking Resources Hiking Resources Scouting Literature Birkby, Robert. Lightly on the Land: Boy Scout Handbook; Fieldbook; Deck The SCA Trail Building and of First Aid; Basic Illustrated Wilderness Maintenance Manual, 2nd ed. First Aid; Emergency First Aid pocket Mountaineers Books, 2006. guide; Be Prepared First Aid Book; Conservation Handbook; Backpacking, Burns, Bob. Wilderness Navigation: Camping, Cooking, First Aid, Finding Your Way Orienteering, and Wilderness Survival Using Map, Compass, Altimeter and merit badge pamphlets GPS. Mountaineers Books, 2004. Visit the Boy Scouts of America’s Carline, Jan. Mountaineering First Aid: official retail Web site at http:// A Guide to Accident Response and www.scoutstuff.org for a com- First Aid Care. Mountaineers Books, plete listing of all merit badge 2004. pamphlets and other helpful Scouting materials and supplies. Fleming, June. Staying Found: The Complete Map and Compass Instruction and Guidebooks Handbook, 3rd ed. Mountaineers Books, 2001. Anderson, Kristi. Wilderness Basics. Mountaineers Books, 2004. Fletcher, Colin, and Chip Rawlins. The Complete Walker IV. Knopf, 2002. Berger, Karen. Everyday Wisdom: 1001 Expert Tips for Hikers. Mountaineers Forgey, William. Basic Essentials: Books, 1997. Wilderness First Aid, 3rd ed. Falcon Guides, 2006. ———. Hiking and Backpacking. DK Publishing, 2005. Foster, Lynne. Take a Hike! The Sierra Club Kid’s Guide to Hiking and ———. Hiking Light Handbook: Carry Backpacking. Little Brown, 1991. Less, Enjoy More. Backpacker Magazine, Mountaineers Books, 2004. Graham, John. Outdoor Leadership: Technique, Common Sense, and Self-Confidence. Mountaineers Books, 1997. Grubbs, Bruce. Basic Essentials: Using GPS. Falcon, 2005. Hiking 61
Hiking Resources. McVey, Vicki. The Sierra Club Wayfinding Book. Little Brown, 1989. Hampton, Bruce, and David Cole. NOLS Soft Paths: How to Enjoy the Musnick, David, and Mark Pierce. Wilderness Without Harming It. Conditioning for Outdoor Fitness. Stackpole Books, 2003. Mountaineers Books, 2004. Hodgson, Michael. The Basic Essentials Robbins, Michael W. The Hiking of Minimizing Impact on the Companion. Storey Books, 2003. Wilderness. Globe Pequot Press, 1998. Schimelpfenig, Tod, and Linda Lindsey. Hooks, Christine. Essential Hiking for NOLS Wilderness First Aid. Teens. Children’s, 2000. Stackpole Books, 2000. Jacobson, Cliff. Basic Essentials: Tilton, Buck. Outdoor Safety Handbook. Map and Compass. Globe Pequot Stackpole Books, 2006. Press, 1999. Organizations and Web Sites Jacobson, Cliff, Scottie Barnes, and American Hiking Society James Churchill. The Ultimate Guide 1422 Fenwick Lane to Wilderness Navigation. Lyons Silver Spring, MD 20910 Press (Globe Pequot Press), 2002. Telephone: 301-565-6704 Web site: http://www.americanhiking.org Kals, W. S., and Clyde Soles. Land Navigation Handbook: The Sierra Leave No Trace Center for Club Guide to Map, Compass, and Outdoor Ethics GPS. Sierra Club Books, 2005. P.O. Box 997 Boulder, CO 80306 Lanza, Michael. The Day Hiker’s Toll-free telephone: 800-332-4100 Handbook: Get Started With the Web site: http://www.LNT.org Experts. Mountaineers, 2003. Local Hikes Logue, Victoria. Hiking and Backpacking: Web site: http://www.localhikes.com Essential Skills, Equipment, and Safety. Menasha Ridge Press, 2005. Sierra Club 85 Second St., Second Floor ———. Kids Outdoors: Skills and San Francisco, CA 94105-3441 Knowledge for Outdoor Adventures. Telephone: 415-977-5500 Ragged Mountain, 1996. Web site: http://www.sierraclub.org McGivney, Annette. Leave No Trace: A Student Conservation Association Guide to the New Wilderness P.O. Box 550 Etiquette, 2nd rev. ed. Mountaineers Charlestown, NH 03603 Books, 2003. Telephone: 603-543-1700 Web site: http://www.thesca.org McKinney, John. The Joy of Hiking: Hiking the Trailmaster Way. Wilderness Press, 2005. 62 Hiking
Magazines .Hiking Resources Backpacker Magazine Web site: http://www.backpacker.com All other photos and illustrations not mentioned above are the property of Camping Life Magazine or are protected by the Boy Scouts Web site: http://www.campinglife.com of America. Acknowledgments Dan Bryant—page 34 (bottom) We appreciate the Quicklist Consulting Daniel Giles–page 52 Committee of the Association for Library Service to Children, a division Roy Jansen—pages 41–42 of the American Library Association, for its assistance with updating the John McDearmon—pages 49 (all) and resources section of this merit badge 55 (both) pamphlet. Brian Payne—cover (milk snake); pages Photo and Illustration Credits 4, 10, 14 (top), 15 (left), 18, 30 (cen- ter right, bottom left), 31, 32 (bot- Hansell F. Cross, Georgia State tom), 36 (top right), 38, 40 (top), University, Bugwood.org, courtesy— 43, 51, 57, and 60 page 56 (left) Jerald E. Dewey, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org, courtesy— page 13 (top) Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, courtesy— pages 6 (bottom) and 7 (both) ©Photos.com—cover (day pack, fanny pack, knife, sunglasses); pages 6 (top), 12 (both), 14 (bottom), 15 (right), 16, 17 (top left), 19 (both), 23 (top), 26, 27 (left), 28 (all), 35 (bottom, both), 36 (left), 37 (bot- tom), 39, 40 (bottom), 50, and 58–59 (all) USDA Agricultural Resource Service/ Scott Bauer, courtesy—page 56 (right) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Ken Hammond, courtesy—page 13 (top) Hiking 63
Hiking Resources. Notes 64 Hiking
Merit badge library Though intended as an aid to Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and qualified Venturers in meeting merit badge requirements, these pamphlets are of general interest and are made available by many schools and public libraries. The latest revision date of each pamphlet might not correspond with the copyright date shown below, because this list is corrected only once a year, in January. Any number of merit badge pamphlets may be revised throughout the year; others are simply reprinted until a revision becomes necessary. If a Scout has already started working on a merit badge when a new edition for that pamphlet is introduced, he may continue to use the same merit badge pamphlet to earn the badge and fulfill the requirements therein. In other words, the Scout need not start all over again with the new pamphlet and possibly revised requirements. Merit Badge Pamphlet Year Merit Badge Pamphlet Year Merit Badge Pamphlet Year American Business 2002 Photography 2005 American Cultures 2005 Engineering 2008 Pioneering 2006 American Heritage 2005 Entrepreneurship 2006 Plant Science 2005 American Labor 2006 Environmental Science 2006 Plumbing 2004 Animal Science 2006 Family Life 2005 Pottery 2008 Archaeology 2006 Farm Mechanics 2008 Public Health 2005 Archery 2004 Fingerprinting 2003 Public Speaking 2002 Architecture 2008 Fire Safety 2004 Pulp and Paper 2006 Art 2006 First Aid 2007 Radio 2008 Astronomy 2004 Fish and Wildlife 2004 Railroading 2003 Athletics 2006 2009 Reading 2003 Automotive Maintenance 2008 Management 2009 Reptile and Aviation 2006 Fishing 2005 2005 Backpacking 2007 Fly-Fishing 2002 Amphibian Study 2001 Basketry 2003 Forestry 2005 Rifle Shooting 2006 Bird Study 2005 Gardening 2005 Rowing 2006 Bugling (see Music) Genealogy 2002 Safety 2003 Camping 2005 Geology 2006 Salesmanship 2004 Canoeing 2004 Golf 2007 Scholarship 2009 Chemistry 2004 Graphic Arts 2009 Scuba Diving 2007 Cinematography 2008 Hiking 2003 Sculpture 2005 Citizenship in the Home Repairs 2008 Shotgun Shooting 2005 2005 Horsemanship 2008 Skating 2004 Community 2005 Indian Lore 2006 Small-Boat Sailing 2007 Citizenship in the Nation 2005 Insect Study 2008 Snow Sports Citizenship in the World 2006 Journalism 2003 Soil and Water 2004 Climbing 2008 Landscape Architecture 2002 2004 Coin Collecting 2008 Law 2008 Conservation 2006 Collections 2009 Leatherwork 2003 Space Exploration 2007 Communication 2006 Lifesaving 2009 Sports 2004 Composite Materials 2009 Mammal Study Stamp Collecting 2008 Computers 2007 Medicine Surveying 2003 Cooking 2005 Metalwork 2007 Swimming 2005 Crime Prevention 2003 Model Design and Building 2003 Textile 2006 Cycling 2006 Motorboating 2008 Theater 2005 Dentistry 2005 Music and Bugling 2003 Traffic Safety 2005 Disabilities Awareness 2003 Nature 2003 Truck Transportation 2007 Dog Care 2008 Nuclear Science 2004 Veterinary Medicine 2006 Drafting 2004 Oceanography 2009 Water Sports 2005 Electricity 2004 Orienteering 2003 Weather 2007 Electronics 2008 Painting 2008 Whitewater 2006 Emergency Preparedness 2005 Personal Fitness 2006 Wilderness Survival 2003 Energy Personal Management 2003 Wood Carving Pets 2003 Woodwork BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA • SUPPLY GROUP NatiONal diStribUtiON CeNter direCt Mail CeNter 2109 Westinghouse Boulevard P.O. Box 909 P.O. Box 7143 Charlotte, NC 28241-7143 Pineville, NC 28134-0909 For fast credit card orders— www.scoutstuff.org VISA, MasterCard, American Express— call BSA operators toll-free 1-800-323-0732
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