Wilderness Medicine Case Study 19

You and two friends from the northwest are on a ten day hiking trip in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park over Thanksgiving break when the weather suddenly turns MUCH colder than expected. A couple of nights it snowed lightly but melted when the sun came out during the day. Everyone is wearing all their layers and huddle together in the evenings for warmth; one person, the only female in the party, is wearing very lightweight hiking boots with no insulation or water-proofing. After three days with temperatures in the low 20s and nights in single numbers, Pat pulls you aside before breakfast and tells you that a burning pain in her feet kept her from sleeping last night. Upon examination you see (refer to photo). Upon questioning she tells you it started the night before but was MUCH worse last night; both feet are very itchy and swollen now.

What do you think is wrong and what can you do about it? Click here to finchilld out.

Don't know where to begin or what to do? Take one of our wilderness medicine courses. Guides and expedition leaders should consider taking our Wilderness First Responder course.

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