Wilderness & environmental medicine
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Wilderness Environ Med · Mar 2014
Case ReportsPriapism after western black widow spider (Latrodectus hesperus) envenomation.
Priapism in children after a black widow spider bite is a rare phenomenon with only a few case reports noted in the literature. Black widow bites are commonly associated with pain, muscle cramping, hypertension, and tachycardia. ⋯ Treatment with antivenom for priapism is not well described; however, it has been noted to resolve priapism in the few cases that have been reported. We present a case of a 3-year-old boy who was bitten by a black widow and presented with abdominal cramping and priapism.
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Wilderness Environ Med · Mar 2014
Comparative Study Clinical TrialComparison of heat donation through the head or torso on mild hypothermia rewarming.
The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of head vs torso warming in rewarming mildly hypothermic, vigorously shivering subjects using a similar source of heat donation. ⋯ Head warming is as effective as torso warming for rewarming mildly hypothermic victims. Head warming may be the preferred method of rewarming in the field management of hypothermic patients if: 1) extreme conditions in which removal of the insulation and exposure of the torso to the cold is contraindicated; 2) excessive movement is contraindicated (eg, potential spinal injury or severe hypothermia that has a risk of ventricular fibrillation); or 3) if emergency personnel are working on the torso.
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Wilderness Environ Med · Mar 2014
Victims' response to snakebite and socio-epidemiological factors of 1018 snakebites in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka.
Although snake bite remains a major health problem in Sri Lanka, there is a dearth of baseline information that would be useful in education about and prevention of snakebite. ⋯ A proportion of patients still seek native remedies and use inappropriate first aid after snakebite in Sri Lanka.
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Wilderness Environ Med · Mar 2014
National estimates of noncanine bite and sting injuries treated in US Hospital Emergency Departments, 2001-2010.
Injuries resulting from contact with animals and insects are a significant public health concern. This study quantifies nonfatal bite and sting injuries by noncanine sources using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP). ⋯ This study provides an update of national estimates of noncanine bite and sting injuries and describes the diversity of animal exposures based on a national sample of EDs. Treatment of nonfatal bite and sting injuries are costly to society. Direct medical and work time lost translates to an estimated $7.5 billion annually.
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Wilderness Environ Med · Mar 2014
Hydration in female drivers in a 1044 km dog sled race in Finnmark.
Drinking strategies during long dog sled competitions are important to avoid dehydration. Most of the studies involving dog sled racers (mushers) refer to male subjects. The purpose of this study was to study female mushers participating in a dog sled race of 1044 km, with a focus on hydration and drinking behavior. ⋯ Dog sled racing is a strenuous activity and drinking strategies are important to avoid dehydration. It seems that the drinking strategy of our subjects was adequate to supplement the hydration loss; yet, emotional arousals occurring during the race may affect drinking behavior. The attentive assistance of the mushers' handlers is therefore important.