1. Hydration

a. Proper hydration cannot be emphasized enough. On a day to day level most of us go through the day dehydrated. At sea level, with our moist air and little physical exertion we may feel little impact. Now we are on our way to a search at altitude, the air is dryer and soon we will be working hard.  People who go into the field dehydrated in the mountains are asking for trouble for themselves, their team and the victim ther're searching for.

b. Signs and symptoms

    -Headache.

    -Muscle cramps.

    -Fatigue.

    -Nausea.

    -Yellow or dark urine.

    -Constipation.

c. Other complications from not drinking

    -Increase chances of Hypothermia by 100%.

    -Increase exposure to Acute Mountain Sickness at altitude. 6

d. Your body needs water to work efficiently and digest food. Water consumption in the mountains may need to be as much as 1.5 gallons a day.

e. Water management

    -Start powering down water prior to assignment

    -Drink even though you don't feel thirsty

    -Monitor you urine color, the saying goes "should be the color of gin".

    -Keep water accessible on pack, you will be more inclined to drink.

    -Look for water sources on your map prior to field deployment. You may find there are few or none and may need to carry more than the usual two quarts.

    -Be sure to carry a water filter or iodine tablets and extra canteen for long hauls.

    -Purify all water.

    -Don't let yourself run out of water before you start trying to find water sources.

    -If you get dehydrated, it may take 6 hours or more of water consumption and rest to get re-hydrated again.

    -When snow camping you will need twice as much stove fuel as summer operations.

Plan to spend a great deal of time boiling water. It's best to assign one person full time to making water. You need water to make water, so avoid drinking all of your water before you need to make more.

2. Sun Protection

a. Over exposure to the sun has both short term and long term risks. In the short term sunburn contributes to dehydration, fatigue, headache and localized pain. In the long term sunburn may lead to skin cancer which can be fatal if not diagnosed in time.

b. Prevention

    -Wear sun block or suntan lotion greater than SPF 20.

    -If you are fair skinned, wear sun block.

    -When in the snow, sun exposure is much greater due to reflected sunlight.

c. Sunglasses

    -Invest in good sunglasses that provide UV protection.

    -In snow, good sunglasses are a must to prevent snow blindness.

    -In snow, goggles will work much better during storm conditions. It's a good idea to get a set of clear lenses for night operations during storm conditions.

3. Other good stuff to know

a. Insect repellent

    -Avoid deet products, while they are most effective they are also highly toxic.

    -Always carry repellent, mosquitoes will cause you much grief in spring and summer if unprepared.

b. Bear and other Critters

    -Be sure to bring Bear hangs or Canisters when in mountains. Bears can be found in most mountain areas of California now. Precautions should be taken April through November. On occasion Bears will be out in winter.

    -Hang or canister all food, toothpaste, soap, trash and other smelly items.

    -If confronted by Bears, yell and throw small stones in their direction, but avoid hitting them. Bears will usually back off. Do not charge a Bear, especially mother with cub.

c. Ticks

    -Lyme decease is transmitted by dear ticks. Symptoms may include a red ring at affected sight and flu like symptoms later. If untreated, it can cause severe complications for life.  Suspect ticks can be sent to labs for testing.

    -Check your body and clothing each time you go outdoors.

    -Wear insect repellent, pants and long sleeves when hiking to avoid bites.

Prepared by Michael St. John